VP Distribution & Localisation Operations, EMEA

Job Title:

VP Distribution & Localization Operations EMEA

Work Location:
Hammersmith, London (we operate a hybrid working model, 4 days in the office and 1 day (Monday or Friday) from home

Department/Group Overview:

This group manages the operational activities that bring all our movies and television shows to audiences around the world. We produce foreign language versions in more than 60 different languages that are then distributed to over 125 countries. Our mission goes beyond just translating content, we ensure that it gets on air, so viewers can enjoy watching our programmes not just on Disney+, also on for example: iTunes, Amazon, Hulu, Netflix. We are an integral part of bringing Disney characters and stories to families wherever they are, in whatever language they speak and however they prefer to watch the Magic.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the SVP of Technology & Operations, EMEA & APAC, this role will be responsible for the implementation of strategic business initiatives related to:

• Planning/Forecasting

• Quality Management

• Vendor Management

• System Requirements and Adoption

• Operational Efficiency

• Localization Operations Management

• Innovation & Transformation

Key Responsibilities of the Role

Implement Global Distribution & Localization Operations Strategy in EMEA 

• Lead the implementation of the strategy across EMEA, managing and leading the organization through significant business changes –e.g., licensee models, multi-window day and date, linear business activities, content sales and local productions/acquisition management.

• Participate in planning and forecasting activities to increase transparency of an aggregated demand plan to improve capacity and resource management.

• Forecasting mid and long-term demand with regional business leads and suppliers as part of aggregated global planning and forecasting.

• Participate and provide executive sponsorship for a formal quality management program.

• Participate and provide executive sponsorship for a common approach to vendor management as part of a strategic partnership program to reduce OH and direct costs.

• Participate and provide executive sponsorship for a common approach to asset management

Localization Operations:

• Manage successful outcomes for all localization activity in the region

• Consolidate reporting of localization related to art, metadata, subtitling and dubbing

• Contribute to ongoing strategy, policy and process

•  Performance, quality and relationship management with suppliers in the region.

• Participation in region RFPs and negotiations with CBA and others

​Deliver on Operational and Business priorities

• Drive the implementation of best practices throughout the organization to meet local or regional needs.

• Partner with Finance, Sourcing, Legal and Operations to negotiate new and amended contracts, legal agreements, service contracts and extensions.

• Manage the planning, forecasting, allocating and spend of Distribution Operation’s AOP and Strategic Plan.

• Liaise at a senior level with all necessary internal Disney divisions, to understand and deliver key business objectives.

• Create a network of relationships to harmonize process and set priorities across disparate distribution channels.

• Engage with global colleagues to form virtual teams to work collaboratively and effectively on key strategic projects.

• Represent EMEA at key internal and external Operations forums.

• Maintain a strong awareness of industry technology developments in both content delivery and platform evolution, to ensure TWDC are well positioned to meet the needs of the market.

Drive innovation and experimentation

• Drive initiatives that look at improving current ways of working, from the process standpoint to workflows and systems

• Explore the use of new technologies to optimize workflows and produce more efficient processes, such as AI/ML

• Investigate market trends and emerging technologies in the asset management and preparation space to cost & effort efficiencies

​Preferred Experience/Skills

• Proven track record of leading complex content distribution and supply chain operations within international, matrixed organizations.

• Inspirational people leader. Proven ability to develop, lead, and motivate large teams, to deliver high quality performance.

• Experience of working in a global, matrix organisation, and with virtual teams

• Strong commercial acumen. Skilled in negotiating commercial contracts and managing third party supplier relationships to maximize value

• Transformation leader that can design the organization of the future in a way that can support the predicted evolution of the business

• A change agent. Demonstrated success in driving process transformation initiatives, fostering agility and innovation

• A natural communicator and relationship builder at all levels in an organisation, with strong interpersonal and motivational skills.