Manager Figure Finishing

NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. 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.

The Manager, Animated Figure Team, is responsible for the overall sustainment, show quality, reliability and aesthetic presentation of animatronic figures, animated props and relevant ride vehicle components or structures at Universal Studios Hollywood (USH). This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for both the Figure Animations and Figure Finishing teams, ensuring seamless collaboration across technical, creative and operational departments. The Manager oversees day‑to‑day maintenance, refurbishment, finishing processes, capital and sustainment programs, budgeting, staffing, documentation and compliance with department policies, safety standards and labor agreements.

This position plays a key role in long‑term planning, program development and technical execution to meet and exceed show quality and reliability standards for USH.

• Manage skilled labour who perform tasks and duties that support the daily operation, long‑term reliability, sustainment and adherence to show quality standards of all animatronic figures and animated props.
• Oversee work performed by Figure Animations and Figure Finishing team members, planned and unplanned, which may include short‑ or long‑term maintenance, emergent repairs, refurbishment, fabrication and finishing.
• Review maintenance manuals, CAD drawings, finishing specifications and work documentation.
• Manage fabrication of mechanical parts, silicone skins, costumes, fiberglass components and other figure elements and materials.
• Adopt, develop and implement best practices for mechanical, electrical, show control and figure finishing disciplines.
• Participate in strategic planning and program development; develop funding proposals and initiatives for programs to ensure the continuous delivery of services, sustainment and appropriate enhancements.
• Ensure proper documentation of program activities; ensure reporting is completed as required; ensure that program activities operate within the policies and procedures of USH.
• Serve as primary interface between Figure Animations, Figure Finishing, Rides, Engineering, Controls, Shared Services, Entertainment, Creative, Park Operations and our Safety team.
• Communicate all aspects of safety, budget, schedule and issue resolution to appropriate levels of management.
• Support the park needs as required which may include working extended hours, nights, holidays and weekends.
• Recruit, interview and hire new technicians as needed. Manage and maintain a team of well‑qualified technicians, ensuring access to applicable training, mentorship and guidance.
• Provide clear and consistent work direction, counseling and coaching to hourly union staff.
• Coaches and motivates hourly union staff to promote safe and efficient operations while also exceeding client expectations of communication, responsiveness, quality of service and technical efficiency.
• Provide performance feedback to technicians and address performance concerns in a timely manner.
• Participate in reward and recognition, employee events and TSAT action planning.
• Ensure that all safety procedures are understood and followed by all employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Senior Manager or Sr. Leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business Management, Technical Arts or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Experience with animatronic figures, animated props, show…