Executive Show Systems

Walt Disney Imagineering makes the impossible possible, by combining innovation and storytelling to bring Disney stories, characters, and worlds to life. (WDI) is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of Disney’s Parks and Resorts business segment. Representing more than 150 disciplines, its talented teams of Imagineers are responsible for the creation of Disney resorts, theme parks and attractions, hotels, water parks, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, cruise ships and new media technology projects. Disney Imagineers are uniquely talented individuals that bring together the best aspects of creativity, collaboration, innovation, and passion.

The WDI Show Systems Studio is seeking an executive leader to create, inspire, and strategically execute the design and production of our products within Disney Parks. The Show Systems Studio is where the “magic” of Disney Parks comes to life. Responsible for Audio-Animatronics® figures, special effects, show action equipment, and engineering teams. A global organization, we are looking for a strong leader to develop the teams that carry the studios overall vision. Responsible for creating immersive story telling environments, with a technical ability to bring these characters and show elements to life right in front of our guests. This executive reports directly to the VP of the Show Systems Studio.

Responsibilities:

• The ability to energize highly motivated teams of, Diverse, collaborative, highly skilled, and enthusiastic Imagineers. Driving the vision, communicating career paths, training, and development.

• Collaborate with WDI partners throughout project lifecycles ensuring agile execution and delivery.

• Develop and drive global delivery strategies, including make versus buy decisions, vendor alignment, resourcing, and supply chain management.

• Alignment to ensure design and production efforts, are completed within project schedules and budgets.

• Resourcing, planning and staffing of teams based on project demands and needs.

• Setting budgets and AOP for the team. Ability to track and financially monitor projects and departments trending.

• Communicate, and report out to direct and in direct reports. Power point, excel, public speaking, facilitating tours.

• Travel both domestic and international

Basic Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in leading and inspiring large diverse teams of creative designers, engineers, and technical based team members.

• Demonstrated ability to build innovative teams who work effectively with creative content designers.

• Strong decision making and interpersonal skills.

• Ability for big picture thinking with large amounts of information processing.

• Recognized technology leader with a history of delivering innovative technologies used in the themed entertainment, theatrical, aerospace simulation, or similar industries.

• An understanding of integrated hardware/software motion control methods.

• Demonstrated track-record of delivering innovative, high-quality solutions on-time and on-budget including annual operating and long-term financial plans.

• Ability to establish relationships across various creative, business, park and technologies within Disney. Operate in a matrixed and complex environments.

• Strong leadership, influence, and negotiation skills with creative, business, and technical groups.

• A proven ability to motivate teams to produce quality results within challenging timeframes and ongoing change; leader must be comfortable disrupting the status quo.

• Confident and effective communicator who demonstrates deep personal character and optimism.

Preferred Technical Skills:

• Understanding of engineering and design software tools. Examples, Solidworks, Navisworks, CAM/Additive Manufacturing.

• Understanding of mechanical, robotics and software systems

• Strong understanding of technical systems, and integration. Mechanical, electrical, hardware and software systems.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university. Master’s degree preferred.