Operations Director

Company Description

We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Comcast NBCUniversal has announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company (‘SpinCo’) comprised of most of NBCUniversal’s cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. The well-capitalized company will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. The spin-off is expected to be completed during 2025.

As a company uniquely positioned to educate, entertain and empower through our platforms, Comcast NBCUniversal stands for including everyone. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, coupled with our Corporate Social Responsibility work, is informed by our employees, audiences, park guests and the communities in which we live. We strive to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture where our employees feel supported, embraced and heard. Together, we’ll continue to create and deliver content that reflects the current and ever-changing face of the world.

Job Description

About Us

Based at Sky Studios Elstree, Universal Production Services is a fast-growing lighting and rigging equipment rental facility catering to the film and television production industries. We pride ourselves on delivering top-tier equipment, exceptional customer service, and operational excellence. As we continue to expand, we are seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Operations to oversee and optimise our operational processes.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations will play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient management of daily operations, maintaining the highest standards of quality, and driving growth. This position requires a strong leader with experience in logistics, inventory management, team leadership, and strategic planning in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will have a background in equipment rental services, production equipment, or a similar fast-paced industry and will be passionate about streamlining operations, improving workflows, and fostering a culture of excellence.

You will be responsible for the overall strategy and day-to-day operations for Set Lighting, Rigging, and Transportation teams. This will include managing a team of professionals who specialise in these areas, measuring their operational performance through KPIs. Your ability to manage complex operations, unique logistics and collaborate effectively with other departments will be critical to your success in this role. Ultimately, your goal will be to ensure that our productions are executed seamlessly, and that we continue to deliver high-quality customer service while meeting operational and financial goals.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily operations, ensuring smooth execution of equipment rentals, maintenance, and returns across all lighting and rigging departments.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Implement processes to monitor staffing levels dependent upon business needs.
• Explore metrics and processes and identify areas of improvement.
• Develop and report out on top financial and operational KPIs to support all business units.
• Responsible for ensuring that all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) policies and procedures are effectively implemented and adhered to across the warehouse operations, ensuring compliance with UK health and safety regulations, conducting regular risk assessments, and driving continuous improvements in workplace safety.
• Oversee the transport fleet, ensuring efficient, cost effective and compliant logistics operations, with the Transport Manager reporting directly to you.

Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operations staff, including warehouse, logistics, and administrative personnel.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee hiring, training, and performance management of the operations team.
• Assist with personnel issues within the department, approval for overtime, timekeeping, holiday requests, disciplinary actions, and other related issues within the department.
• Instill, encourage, and motivate an attitude of complete professionalism and exceptional customer service.

Inventory & Asset Management

• Implement and maintain robust inventory management systems to track equipment availability, usage, and maintenance schedules.
• Monitor equipment utilisation rates and identify opportunities for expansion or divestment of assets.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and company policies regarding equipment handling.
• Support the overall capital and expendable procurement processes across Lighting, Rigging and Transportation.

Strategic Planning & Growth

• Collaborate with senior leadership to align operational goals with business objectives.
• Identify and implement new technologies, systems, or processes to support scalability and efficiency.
• Analyse operational data and generate reports to inform decision-making and identify areas for improvement.
• Establish KPIs to measure operational performance and ensure targets are met.

Customer Focus

• Partner with the Account Manager customer service teams to ensure client satisfaction through timely and accurate delivery of equipment.
• Address and resolve operational issues or customer complaints promptly and effectively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in warehouse operations management, ideally in the equipment rental, film and television production, or entertainment equipment industry would be an advantage.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with a proven ability to build and motivate high-performing teams.
• Experience with inventory management systems and logistics software.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Knowledge of film industry standards and safety regulations related to lighting equipment is a plus.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a dynamic and growing company shaping the future of the film equipment rental industry.
• Opportunities to make a significant impact and implement your vision.
• Competitive compensation package, including salary, benefits, and performance-based incentives.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment that values your expertise and ideas.

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.

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