Sr Technical Director

About The Role & Team

Through innovative storytelling and a culture of collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment creates, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences. From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and other locations the world over. This diverse team – representing a wide variety of disciplines and talents from technical directors, writers, and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers – brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, incomparable ingenuity, unparalleled spectacle… and a dash of pixie dust!

The Senior Technical Director is responsible for leading technical production efforts related to the development of Disney Live Entertainment offerings, including stage shows, special events, and parades at the Walt Disney World Resort. This role requires an in-depth understanding of the overall design intent and the ability to realize it through the effective execution of the creative process.

This is a full-time role on-site in Orlando that will report to the Manager - Technical Direction.

What You Will Do

• Demonstrate outstanding abilities in Technical Direction while leading efforts to strategize, coordinate, budget, schedule, prioritize, and deliver scope throughout the entire course of a project by driving the development, production, and delivery of the technical design elements
• Lead, facilitate, and integrate the development and production of the technical design elements with a specialized focus on design, fabrication, installation, and sustainment
• Drive participation in creative development and coordinate partnerships with local and government authorities for legal code compliance (including but not limited to Safety, Engineering, Central Florida Tourism Oversight District [permitting], ADA, etc.)
• Coordinate bid processes and vendor selections with contracts and procurement
• Supervise vendor efforts, including design development, construction, fabrication, shipping, integration with designers and other vendors, installation, acceptance testing, and turnover
• Lead large-scale and long-term projects
• Function as a mentor in the development of Technicians and Project Assistants/Planners
• Promote company-wide standards and efficiencies while providing technical recommendations for implementation and operational planning
• Conduct ongoing Entertainment Show Quality evaluations of existing venues and offerings
• Provide support to sustain the original show design intent
• Identify and implement new departmental workflow strategies, technologies, and applications
• Assist the department Principal in forecasting the staffing and 'right fit' project assignments for a Flexible Workforce
• Maintain project files, design documents, bid packages, schedules, and punch lists
  
  
  

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 7 years of experience in Technical Theater or Live Show Entertainment development and production
• Proven knowledge and understanding of the operation and artistic application of a wide variety of show systems and technology, including audio, special effects, puppets, lighting, show control systems, video, facilities, and rigging
• Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with the entertainment industry’s innovative technologies
• Proven experience with facility design, engineering, and construction
• Ability to make sense of diverse multidisciplinary requirements and collaborate to bring the project goals into focus for everyone involved
• Ability to research and present technical design options
• Understanding and experience in contract negotiations for consultants to develop appropriate scope and budget
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to express creative ideas
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated outstanding leadership, partnering, and strategic planning skills
• Highly motivated, requiring minimal direction and follow-up
• Strong computer skills (Outlook, Microsoft Suite, AutoCAD)
• Proven track record to support the creative process by collaborating with other designers, directors, writers, and producers
• Ability to be flexible with work schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and travel
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally frequently for extended periods
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, Epcot Building Codes, and all other applicable local Authorities Having Jurisdiction and regulatory agencies
• Proven business management experience
• Proficient in some or all of the following engineering subject areas: structural, mechanical, electrical, software, safety
• Proficiency in other languages is a plus
  
  
  

Education

• College degree or equivalent professional experience with a focus on theatrical design, technical production, and/or project management