Sr. Manager, Technical Negotiations, PD Operations

Sr. Manager, Technical Negotiations, PD Operations

Sr. Manager, Technical Negotiations, Platform Distribution Operations

Platform Distribution Operations provides operational and technical expertise, monetization support, product strategy, product implementation, direction and strategic guidance and project management for all of Platform Distribution including theatrical, linear networks, AVOD/SVOD, transactional, airlines, audio, FAST, news aggregators, syndication and direct-to-consumer products.

Platform Distribution Operations collaborates with, influences and directs prioritization of work with Technology, Disney Streaming, Studio Operations, Broadcast Operations, ESPN and WDTV Programming and Production, ESPN and WDTV Legal, Accounting, Finance, Research and Marketing and Disney Ad Sales and with external distribution partners, sports league partners, software and hardware vendors, content delivery service providers and consultants.

Platform Distribution Operations is seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Sr. Manager to join our Technical Negotiations team.

In this role, you will:

Lead the strategy, negotiation and execution of multi-faceted technical (e.g., tech specs, authentication requirements), content protection (e.g., piracy, usage rules), advertising (e.g., dynamic ad insertion) and data (e.g., content and ad measurement) terms with distribution and platform partners

Support Platform Distribution Sales teams to present, sell‑in and negotiate carriage of TWDC’s content and digital products with distribution and platform partners

Manage and collaborate with multi‑matrixed, cross‑departmental groups across TWDC to align distribution efforts with network and Platform Distribution priorities as well as strategic planning and prioritization of distribution, content protection, data and advertising and technology initiatives and projects

Partner with the Data and Advertising team to collaborate with Disney Ad Sales to establish and execute on monetization strategies across distribution platforms

Lead and manage applicable vendor negotiations/agreements

Lead, evaluate and execute on applicable new business development opportunities

Lead, manage and coach one direct report

Create a team environment that is open and inclusive that encourages candor, communication and collaboration

Create and build relationships with counterparts across TWDC in sales (distribution and advertising), operations, data/research, programming, production, digital media, legal, accounting, engineering and technology, etc.

Create and build relationships externally with distributors, business partners, vendors and technology developers

Demonstrate strong “horizontal” and “vertical” leadership capabilities that enables this individual to
1) coalesce a broad internal cross‑functional team around an agreed objective and
2) develop strong collaborative relationships with distributors to further negotiation and partnership efforts

Demonstrate strategic thinking, problem solving, the ability to synthesize complex issues, and communicate effectively under tight timelines (e.g., during deal negotiations).

Uses critical and creative thinking and analysis to solve highly complex, multifaceted business challenges in a multi‑matrixed, cross departmental and cross TWDC environment, employing relationship building, team building, collaboration and critical thinking strategies and skills

Oversee and manages two direct reports

Contributes to the development of sales and delivery strategies in support of Platform Distribution and translates those into action plans and initiatives

Manages the ongoing implementation of business plans and systems/tools to maximize revenue

Required experience:

• 7+ years of industry experience
• 1+ year leadership experience strongly preferred
• Aptitude and enthusiasm for navigating and analyzing contracts and other legal documents to determine detailed contractual ramifications of deal points
• Has in-depth knowledge of the terms and conditions and compliance requirements of distribution agreements and vendor obligations and requirements
• Has in-depth knowledge of project management practices
• Has excellent relationship…