The Walt Disney Company

Manager, Portfolio Operations

The Walt Disney Company$155K — $208K *
Media
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in Technical Program Management or related technology delivery function with waterfall and agile methodologies.
  • 5+ years of experience leading, coaching, and developing program or project management teams.
  • Proven experience using AI tools and analytics to enhance program management workflows and operational processes.
  • Ability to evaluate and communicate AI-generated outputs effectively.
  • Experience managing technology portfolios in Media & Entertainment or related fields.

Responsibilities

  • Own the delivery portfolio for studio production programs across various formats.
  • Provide comprehensive visibility into products and services supporting productions.
  • Align initiatives with strategic objectives and business priorities.
  • Lead monthly portfolio reviews and prepare executive updates.
  • Connect program investments to measurable business outcomes through analysis.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical coverage and support.
  • Incentive bonuses and long-term incentive units available.
  • Support for professional development and continuous learning.
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title:
Manager, Portfolio Operations

Req ID:


Job Description:

10160814 - Manager, Portfolio Operations

What You Will Do

In this role, you will lead portfolio operations for studio production technology programs, providing visibility into the products, services, workflows, risks, and investments that support live-action, episodic, and animation productions. You will partner closely with Studio Technology, Operations, Engineering, Production, and executive stakeholders to guide portfolio planning, strengthen governance, validate AI-generated insights, and translate program activity into clear, decision-ready business value.

You will manage and develop a team of Program and Project Managers, coach team members on responsible AI use and executive communication, and help build scalable processes that improve delivery speed, transparency, and accountability across the portfolio.

Responsibilities

Strategic Alignment & Portfolio Leadership
  • Own the delivery portfolio for studio production programs across live-action, episodic, and animation productions.
  • Provide portfolio-level visibility into the products, services, programs, dependencies, risks, and outcomes supporting each production.
  • Align initiatives to Studio Technology and Operations strategy, business priorities, OKRs, capacity plans, and KPIs.
  • Lead monthly portfolio reviews and quarterly planning processes, preparing executive-ready updates on progress, risks, investment value, and production impact.
  • Connect program investments to measurable business outcomes through ROI analysis, budget synthesis, and value-based prioritization.


AI Workflow Design & Governance
  • Pilot, govern, and scale AI-enabled workflows for status reporting, risk tracking, portfolio analytics, and production program delivery.
  • Define clear guardrails, roles, performance measures, and human-in-the-loop controls for responsible AI use across the program team.
  • Validate AI-generated outputs for accuracy, bias, relevance, and business readiness before operational or leadership use.
  • Use AI-enabled analytics to identify emerging risk patterns, generate portfolio insights, and shape escalation recommendations.
  • Champion AI adoption, responsible experimentation, and practical enablement across Studio Technology production pillars.


Execution, Delivery & Change Leadership
  • Lead internal Strategy and Portfolio Operations initiatives, including process refreshes, planning improvements, workflow documentation, and automation opportunities.
  • Manage end-to-end delivery across waterfall and agile methodologies, ensuring timelines, milestones, dependencies, risks, and budget status are clearly tracked.
  • Build trusted partnerships with Studio Technology, Operations, Engineering, Production, and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Communicate program health, investment value, risk, and recommendations in clear narratives for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Drive change management efforts that introduce scalable, AI-enabled ways of working into production technology practices.


Financial Stewardship & Team Leadership
  • Support budget forecasting, production allocation planning, variance analysis, resource utilization, and financial reporting across the portfolio.
  • Establish financial governance standards and ROI measures that connect program spend to strategic priorities and business outcomes.
  • Manage, coach, and develop Program and Project Managers, setting clear expectations for delivery quality, AI fluency, productivity, and goal achievement.
  • Create a collaborative, learning-oriented team culture that supports responsible AI experimentation, continuous improvement, and professional growth.


Required Qualifications & Skills
  • 7+ years of experience in Technical Program Management, Project Management, Portfolio Operations, or a related technology delivery function using both waterfall and agile methodologies.
  • 5+ years of experience managing, coaching, and developing program or project management teams.
  • Demonstrated experience applying AI tools, automation, or analytics to improve program management workflows, status reporting, risk tracking, portfolio insights, or operational processes.
  • Proven ability to evaluate, validate, and communicate AI-generated outputs with appropriate judgment, context, and quality control.
  • Experience managing technology portfolios or production-facing technology programs in Media & Entertainment, film, television, animation, or similar environments.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into executive-ready narratives, recommendations, and business cases.
  • Experience partnering with technical operations, IT engineering, software development, business intelligence, or technology delivery teams.
  • Strong written, verbal, and executive-level communication skills, with the ability to engage technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Experience managing vendor relationships, contracts, purchase orders, operational budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting.
  • Ability to build trust, influence stakeholders, and lead through ambiguity, change, and cross-functional complexity.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience designing, implementing, or governing AI-enabled workflows, automation solutions, agent-based systems, or multi-agent operating models.
  • Previous experience in feature film, episodic television, animation, studio operations, or production technology environments.
  • Experience as a Product Owner or portfolio leader overseeing business intelligence, technology, planning, or reporting initiatives.
  • Familiarity with prompt engineering, AI governance, agentic workflows, and emerging AI technologies.
  • Experience leading change management programs, operating model improvements, or organizational transformation efforts.
  • PMP certification or equivalent experience; Certified Scrum Master is a plus.
  • Experience with enterprise tools such as Jira, Smartsheet, Power BI, or similar portfolio, planning, reporting, and analytics platforms.


Required Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $155,700.00 - $208,700.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:
TWDSTECH

Job Posting Primary Business:
Ops & Insights

Primary Job Posting Category:
Project Management Tech

Employment Type:
Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Burbank, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:
2026-09-18

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company started as a cartoon studio and evolves into sports coverage and television shows. Using the company's portfolio of brands to differentiate our content, services, and consumer products, Walt Disney seeks to develop creative, innovative, and profitable entertainment experiences and related products.

The Walt Disney Company Careers

Join the magical world of The Walt Disney Company, a place where dreams come true and imagination meets innovation. As a global leader in entertainment and media, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that invite you to be part of a beloved brand known for its influential culture, diversity, and dynamic growth. Work You’ll Do Embark on a career journey with The Walt Disney Company and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of media and entertainment. Engage in work that matters, contributes to storytelling excellence, and brings joy to millions around the globe. Transform your professional life by joining a team that values creativity, leadership, and visionary thinking. The Walt Disney Company stands at the forefront of industry innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment and beyond. Lead with us from a unique position in the marketplace, where your skills in technology, creativity, and management converge to create extraordinary experiences. Collaborate with a diverse group of talented professionals, united in their passion for delivering magical experiences. Our team at The Walt Disney Company is composed of over 200,000 dedicated individuals who thrive in an environment that fosters growth, mentorship, and innovation. Introducing The Walt Disney Company Leadership and Professional Growth Programs We are committed to developing leaders who can navigate the challenges of the digital era and drive success across our various business segments. Our leadership programs are designed to hone your skills and prepare you for executive roles within the company. Do Innovative Work Join our team and contribute to projects that redefine the entertainment landscape. From groundbreaking films and television series to pioneering technological advancements, your work at The Walt Disney Company will set new standards in the creative and business worlds. Be Part of a Great Team Experience a culture that is inclusive, collaborative, and forward-thinking. Work alongside the best in the business and see how diversity and inclusion fuel our creativity and success. The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to a diverse workforce is evident in our hiring practices, training programs, and our everyday operations. Future-Proof Your Career With a wide array of benefits, continuous learning opportunities, and a network of supportive colleagues, your career at The Walt Disney Company is equipped for longevity and success. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health care, employee discounts, and access to exclusive company events and previews. Explore Job Opportunities and Internships Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a student seeking a transformative internship, The Walt Disney Company offers positions across a spectrum of fields and disciplines. Explore our career portal to find job opportunities that match your skills and passions. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions, apply through our streamlined application process, and take the first step towards a magical career. We look for individuals who are passionate, curious, and eager to contribute to our legacy of storytelling and innovation. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest company news, career tips, and insider perspectives—all from the people who make The Walt Disney Company a place of inspiration and excitement. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and updates that align with your career interests. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at The Walt Disney Company. Join us, and be part of the magic that only happens here at The Walt Disney Company!
Learn more about The Walt Disney Company
Size
190,000 employees
Market Cap
$155.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$4.9 billion
Founded
1923
5 Year Trend
+3.9%
Revenue
$60.7 billion
NASDAQ

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