The Walt Disney Company

Sr Manager, Workforce Planning (Project Hire)

The Walt Disney Company$168K — $205K *
Business Services
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Data Analytics, Human Resources, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years in workforce planning or related strategic planning with at least 3 years in a management role.
  • Expertise in workforce planning, capacity planning, and labor forecasting in complex organizations.
  • Strong analytical skills, including scenario modeling and variance analysis.
  • Proficient in workforce planning tools and financial reporting systems.
  • Excellent collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership in mentoring and developing teams.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and execution of workforce planning initiatives.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners to guide decision-making.
  • Manage the annual operating plans for labor forecasts and modeling.
  • Define and maintain frameworks for headcount planning.
  • Ensure data integrity and quality in planning outputs.
  • Drive improvements in processes and automation for planning efficiency.
  • Communicate final planning narratives to executives.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical benefits package.
  • Retirement savings options and financial benefits.
  • Opportunities for professional development and certification.
  • Potential for bonuses and/or long-term incentive units.
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title:
Sr Manager, Workforce Planning (Project Hire)

Req ID:


Job Description:

As Sr. Manager, Workforce Planning (Project Hire), you will lead the workforce planning and forecasting function that informs headcount, capacity, and talent decisions across the organization. Operating within the Corporate segment, you will act as a strategic partner to HR, Finance, and senior leaders by providing clear, data-driven insights that align workforce strategy to business priorities, financial targets, and long-term organizational needs.

Responsibilities:
As Sr. Manager, Workforce Planning (Project Hire), you will lead the design and execution of workforce planning while mentoring a team of specialists to deliver accurate, trusted insights. You will collaborate with cross-functional partners to interpret scenarios, guide trade-off decisions, and standardize planning processes that are scalable, well-governed, and aligned with the company's strategic priorities. This role matters because it ensures the right talent and capacity are in place at the right time, requiring a knowledgeable, strategic, and collaborative leader who can prioritize effectively, influence senior stakeholders, and inspire high performance across multiple teams.
  • Own AOP labor plans, forecasts, and scenario modeling outputs
  • Define and maintain headcount planning frameworks and assumptions/
  • Integrate workforce planning with financial planning cycles and processes
  • Lead capacity planning methodology and application
  • Own variance explanations and executive-level narratives
  • Ensure data integrity, consistency, and quality of planning outputs
  • Drive process improvements and automation roadmap for planning
  • Ensures consistency and alignment between workforce plans and financial plans
  • Owns final planning narratives presented to executives
  • Serves as primary partner to HRBPs, Finance, and business leaders
  • Ensures compliance with COE planning playbooks, decision frameworks, and engagement model
  • Accountable for evolving and operationalizing the workforce planning model
  • Leads and develops a team of workforce analysts
  • Assigns work, sets priorities, and ensures quality of outputs
  • Accountable for team performance and delivery consistency


Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Data Analytics, Human Resources, or a related quantitative or business discipline or equivalent work experience
  • 10+ years of relevant experience in workforce planning, financial planning and analysis, or related strategic planning roles, with a minimum 3 years in people management.
  • Strong expertise in workforce planning, headcount and capacity planning, and labor forecasting in a
    complex, matrixed organization.
  • Advanced analytical and quantitative skills, including scenario modeling, variance analysis, and translating data into clear business insights.
  • Proficiency with workforce planning tools and spreadsheets, and familiarity with financial planning and reporting systems.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and partner effectively with HR, Finance, and senior business leaders.
  • Proven leadership capabilities, including mentoring, coaching, and developing high-performing teams of professional staff.
  • Strong strategic thinking, planning, and prioritization skills, with the ability to align team efforts to organizational goals.
  • Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to craft and present executive-ready narratives and recommendations.
  • Demonstrated ability to drive process improvement, standardization, and automation within planning or analytics functions.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in a large, global corporate environment, ideally within media, entertainment, or other innovative industries.
  • Background working in or closely with Centers of Excellence (COEs) for HR, Finance, or workforce analytics.
  • Experience implementing or optimizing workforce planning technologies and automation solutions.
  • Track record of leading cross-functional initiatives that enhance planning accuracy, governance, and scalability.
  • Professional certification in workforce planning, HR analytics, finance, or project management.
  • Master's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Data Science, or a related field.


The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $168,200.00 to $205,400.00 per year and in Orlando, FL is $160,200.00 to $195,600.00. 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:
People & Culture, International, Corporate, & DTC

Job Posting Primary Business:
People & Culture, International, Corporate, & DTC

Primary Job Posting Category:
HR Workforce Planning

Employment Type:
Full time

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

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:
2026-06-24

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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at The Walt Disney Company

More Business Services Jobs

Find similar Sr Manager, Workforce Planning (Project Hire) jobs: