Head Of Production

The Role

DNEG Sydney offers a Flexible WFH Policy. The Head of Production is an instrumental role within the organisation, responsible for the oversight of all productions within the studio. The HOP is responsible for guiding both the strategic and day-to-day areas of production, including bidding on all shows in production, show staffing, and production processes and workflows. In partnership with the executive team, the HOP sets the tone for a culture of mutual respect, creative collaboration, and client management on a show level. This position is part of the executive team that together oversees all Production functions for DNEG's success. Together, they are responsible for the strategic direction of the company including the creation of sustainable growth plans and defining the policies and procedures that allow the company to thrive.

Global Responsibilities

1. Form part of the Global Production Management team and be a key stakeholder in global company projects.
2. Ensure effective communication to the local Production team on company updates and changes to company Production processes, procedures, and policies.
3. Gain consensus and sign off from the GMT on any high-impact Production policy or procedural changes in relation to their local Production operations.

Line Management Responsibilities

1. Day to day line management for all local Production team members including; Central Production Manager (CPM), Producers, Show Production Managers (SPM), Department Production Managers (DPM), Production Team Manager (PTM).

Workforce Planning

1. Work with the Resource Management Team and CPM to ensure all projects are appropriately staffed to guarantee successful deliveries and client satisfaction.
2. Review production team splits with EP's, CPM and responsibility split for each show in conjunction with Heads of CG EP's and HOD's.
3. Review and approve submitted Department and show-based crew plans against known facility capacity.

Finance

1. Contribute to fiscal year site budgets with the General Manager and Production Finance team.
2. Work closely with Production Finance and Executive Producers to help ensure show KPIs are being met.
3. Highlight any internal risk to GMT and EP's in relation to delays in scheduling or resourcing.
4. Provide information to Finance and HR about qualifying labour force.
5. Ensure Production salary benchmarks/budgets across all departments are adhered to.

Best Practices

1. Work with local CPMs to evaluate and modify existing Production Processes to ensure maximum efficiency.
2. Partner with the Regional Head of Production Processes to identify improvements to production tracking and reporting systems.
3. Work with the Technology team and key stakeholders on development projects for Production-related projects.
4. Actively work with other locations to find ways to improve cross-site Production communications and processes.

Leadership

1. Take the initiative in anticipating and responding to change.
2. Build consensus around our global values for running Production within the organisation.
3. Ensure employees are recognised for their contribution to the success of our projects.
4. Provide vision and leadership in long-range planning to ensure the stability of the Production Department.

Talent Management/HR

1. Overall responsibility for ensuring consistent approaches to Talent Management across Production.
2. Ensure DNEG remains competitive within the marketplace to attract the right Production talent.
3. Work to improve the Production teams by assessing strengths and weaknesses and directly mentoring for a long-term sustainable production team capable of handling any project.
4. Building and conducting training for individuals/teams.
5. Work with local Production Team Managers to identify training needs across production roles in conjunction with Training Managers and CPM.
6. Leading performance feedback sessions for production team members (Managers, Digital Producer, Producer, etc.) in conjunction with Executive Producers.

Must Have

1. 5 years plus of experience as a VFX producer or EP in an established VFX studio.
2. Thorough knowledge of production and post-production pipelines in general.
3. Excellent presentation and strong communication skills.
4. Experience in managing large-scale internal teams in a multicultural environment.
5. Proficient in project management and workflow tools.
6. Complex problem-solving ability and always solution-oriented.
7. Strong operational sense and attention to detail.
8. Comfortable dealing with multiple projects in parallel.
9. Flexible, responsive and diplomatic.