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VP, Studio Business Operations & Strategy - WB Animation

AT Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery

VP, Studio Business Operations & Strategy - WB Animation

Burbank, CA

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery... the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are...

When we say, "the stuff dreams are made of," we're not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD's vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what's next...

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

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Your New Role...

Warner Bros. Animation seeks a VP, Studio Business Operations and Strategy to oversee the studio's Business Operations, Operations and Strategy teams. The VP will support EVP, Operations in managing all aspects of studio operations and processes to support studio business goals. The role is responsible for the strategic planning for the studio, including content planning, financial modeling, and greenlight planning, drives interdepartmental coordination, and leads business development efforts. The VP oversees or assists with significant strategy initiatives for the studio, in alignment with WBD and WBTV priorities. The role serves as a key partner to Production, Finance, Business Affairs, HR, and Creative Development teams.


Your Role Accountabilities...


  • Develops and assists with funding models for produced content along with distribution models for content across multiple platforms and territories..
  • Drives the creation of studio overview documents, regular business update decks, and long-range planning materials for WBD senior leadership teams.
  • Develops strategies and assists with management of growth across studios.
  • Interacts and coordinates with senior executives from other WBD divisions regarding content development, production, distribution and strategies.
  • Develops and administers broad studio strategies, with EVP, as related to: resource planning and utilization, innovation output, alignment with network goals, new content formats, studio focused research and insights.

Business Operations

  • Supports EVP in day-to-day and long-term management of the business operations of the studio across its three production labels - Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe.
  • Coordinates processes to align multiple internal and external groups with studio content and production goals.
  • Develops and maintains scalable processes and workstreams with clear goals, accountability, and streamlined communications across the studio and with internal WBD groups.
  • Works with production, estimating and finance groups to develop, review and evaluate budgets, schedules, greenlights, and pro forma.
  • Manages development budgets and studio budgets. Oversees and consults on decisions regarding appropriate use of budget and resources for studio initiatives, including event participation, employee support, workplace morale, etc.
  • Point of contact, oversight and coordination, both internally and externally, for tracking and managing content rights.
  • Oversees important transitional elements for the studio in new corporate structures, including assisting with local development initiatives, franchise coordination, etc.
  • Handles and/or coordinates with Business Affairs on key negotiations.
  • Tracks volume of studio output, utilization of resources, and utilization of human resources, to assure studios are "right sized" for its production goals.
  • Assists in establishing studio and production policies, utilizing best and appropriate practices for all labels, including, credits, work schedules & locations, and other areas that intersect departments such as legal, casting, production, talent management, etc. Coordinates with appropriate studio departments, as well as WBD divisions, as necessary

Studio Operations, Facilities, and Production Technology

  • Oversees studio operations, including facilities and event management teams.
  • Collaborates with Artist Management team to grow our studio culture.
  • Partners closely with Production leadership to optimize studio workspace planning.
  • Oversees Production Technology teams, including the planning of studio capital expenditures.
  • Oversees administrative functions for studio, as assigned by EVP.

Qualifications & Experience...

Work Experience

8+ years in media preferably with experience in finance, management consulting, or corporate development.

Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification

Bachelor's degree required

MBA or other relevant graduate degree preferred

Experience in animation production or television production

Knowledge/Skills

Demonstrated ability to create strategic insight

Experience preparing and presenting business plans and strategic initiatives

Superior quantitative modeling skills and a sound understanding of finance

Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects with several deliverables under tight deadlines

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Resourceful self-starter with a strong desire to learn

Strong interpersonal skills with the proven ability to persuade others, build consensus and work within a team

Excellent written and oral communications skills

Must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of management

Excellent research skills and ability to organize, synthesize and present information

Strong project management and proven leadership skills

Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

Other Requirements

Must be detailed-oriented and organized

Must be able to handle confidential information

Must be able to problem solve within scope of responsibility

Must be able to handle multiple tasks

Must be able to supervise, direct, and evaluate administrative and clerical subordinates in the performance of the tasks.

How We Get Things Done...

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society and the world around us. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.

If you're a qualified candidate and you require adjustments or accommodations to search for a job opening or apply for a position, please contact us at recruitadmin@wbd.com.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery's total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $166,600.00 - $309,400.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.

If you're a qualified candidate with an arrest or conviction record, please know that your application will be considered in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Client-provided location(s): Burbank, CA, USA
Job ID: Discovery-WAMEGLOBALR000085297EXTERNALENGLOBAL
Employment Type: Other

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • FSA With Employer Contribution
    • HSA
    • HSA With Employer Contribution
    • Fitness Subsidies
    • On-Site Gym
    • FSA
    • Mental Health Benefits
    • Virtual Fitness Classes
  • Parental Benefits

    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Adoption Leave
    • Fertility Benefits
    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
    • On-site/Nearby Childcare
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Casual Dress
    • Happy Hours
    • Company Outings
    • Snacks
    • On-Site Cafeteria
    • Holiday Events
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Leave of Absence
    • Unlimited Paid Time Off
    • Sabbatical
    • Volunteer Time Off
    • Summer Fridays
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • Company Equity
    • Stock Purchase Program
    • Performance Bonus
    • Relocation Assistance
    • Financial Counseling
    • 401(K)
    • Profit Sharing
  • Professional Development

    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Shadowing Opportunities
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Internship Program
    • Work Visa Sponsorship
    • Leadership Training Program
    • Associate or Rotational Training Program
    • Learning and Development Stipend
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Professional Coaching
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
    • Employee Resource Groups (ERG)