Experienced Walt Disney Imagineering Studio Business Manager – Strategic Project Leadership and Financial Guidance for Innovative Theme Park and Resort Development

Introduction to Walt Disney Imagineering Walt Disney Imagineering is the renowned creative force behind the magic of Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. As a leader in innovative design and development, Imagineers blend art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences that inspire families around the globe. With a legacy of pushing boundaries and inventing new solutions, Walt Disney Imagineering is the perfect place for talented professionals to make a lasting impact. About the Role and Team The Design and Planning (D+P) Studio Business Manager will be an integral part of the Walt Disney Imagineering team, partnering with project leaders to implement project and studio design strategies. As a strategic business manager, you will provide financial guidance to project and studio executives, enhancing business outcomes and driving success. You will collaborate with multiple partners, including finance, business development, project managers, architects, engineers, designers, planners, and producers, to deliver plans and establish standard processes that achieve short- and long-term strategic goals. Key Responsibilities Provide financial guidance that improves spending towards the achievement of strategic goals Develop actionable work plans that move internal projects efficiently toward successful completion Organize sophisticated or minimally defined project scope into implementable phases Lead the work-plan process for internal projects, ensuring project focus, turning points, and spending are collected completely and aligned with department priorities and funding Integrate historical project data and analytics into planning processes and create visualization tools to support this effort Collaborate with design and functional managers to coordinate alignment between resource plans and project needs Support project teams and design managers throughout early project estimating cycles, including RFP input preparation Standardize and implement project organizational change and Earned Value processes Proactively collaborate with project teams to ensure smooth execution, actively identifying and resolving risk elements that could affect the schedule and budget Produce ongoing financial, risk, and development reports to status the health and progress of each project towards its goals, in partnership with Project Finance and key internal partners Translate, support, and effectively communicate studio strategies and organizational needs to the finance organization Work with the Sourcing & Procurement department to establish and maintain vendor contracts Required Qualifications and Skills To be successful in this role, you will need: 3+ years of relevant experience in a related field, such as engineering, business, or finance A strong background in translating high-level vision and scope descriptions into actionable plans An understanding of the business of design and the ability to distill sophisticated information into engaging high-level messages Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to seamlessly manage and prioritize multiple projects and results simultaneously Proven experience in influencing strategic direction and presenting information to advance business strategies Able to form positive working relationships with several teams, seniority levels, and personality types Curious about scope and tools outside previous experience, with a willingness to quickly grasp new concepts and identify relationships to overall goals A strategic thinker with strong analytical skills, able to balance competing priorities with various deadlines Preferred Qualifications and Skills While not required, the following qualifications and skills are preferred: Experience within the design or architecture field Experience with dashboard tools like Power BI or Tableau Knowledge of Walt Disney Imagineering and its essential functions, or themed entertainment business experience Education A Bachelor's degree in business, finance, engineering, or a related strategy-based subject area is required. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis on estimating controls, design management, or finance management is preferred. Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits At Walt Disney Imagineering, we are committed to helping our employees grow and develop in their careers. As a Studio Business Manager, you will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, collaborating with talented professionals from various disciplines. You will also have access to training and development programs, designed to help you build new skills and advance your career. Work Environment and Company Culture Walt Disney Imagineering is a dynamic and innovative work environment, where creativity and imagination come together to create magic. Our company culture is built on a foundation of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration, where every employee is valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspective and ideas. As a member of our team, you will be part of a community that is passionate about creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. Compensation, Perks, and Benefits Disney offers a comprehensive rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $83,700 to $115,000 per year, with a bonus and/or long-term incentive units provided as part of the compensation package. You will also have access to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. Conclusion If you are a motivated and experienced professional looking for a challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to apply for the Walt Disney Imagineering Studio Business Manager position. As a key member of our team, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the development of innovative theme parks and resorts, while working in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Don't miss this chance to join the Disney team and be a part of the magic that brings joy to families around the world. Apply now and take the first step towards an exciting and fulfilling career with Walt Disney Imagineering! Apply for this job