This is not a remote role. Must be in the area or willing to relocate.

Senior Manager, Design – Studio Technology

The Senior Manager of Design leads the UX and Visual Design team supporting production services across The Walt Disney Studios. This role develops, inspires, and champions a multidisciplinary team of UX, Systems, and Visual Designers who deliver world-class products, platforms, and communication artifacts.

This leader will transform Design into a strategic partner for Studio Technology and Disney product teams, shaping how products and platforms are envisioned, prioritized, and adopted across the studio ecosystem. The Design team drives initiatives that improve how filmmakers, studio employees, and technology partners engage with tools, platforms, and services.

This role reports into the Director of Studio Technology Operations & Insights.

Responsibilities

Design & Technical Leadership

• Must have experience transforming design from a support service into a strategic partner that shapes how products and platforms are conceived, built, and adopted.
• Elevate standards in UX, platform design, and visual communication.
• Translate complex stakeholder needs into clear, scalable design solutions.
• Guide the evolution of design systems, component libraries, and shared best practices.
• Oversee high-quality delivery of workflows, prototypes, wireframes, presentations, style guides, and branded assets.
• Integrate emerging technologies and AI into workflows and platform building, guiding teams on adoption and best practices.
• Partner with product and technology leaders to shape vision and deliver measurable business outcomes.

Administration & Strategy

• Responsibility for defining how design contributes to business strategy.
• Serve as design ambassador for Studio Technology, building visibility for team efforts.
• Lead design-driven initiatives that enhance efficiency, adoption, and user satisfaction.
• Define and execute a long-term design vision aligned with business goals. Collaborates with the Director of Studio Tech Operations and Insights and peers within Studio.

People Management

• Build an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing design culture.
• Champion team visibility and advocate for design’s business impact.
• Recruit, develop, and retain talent across all levels, from junior designers to leads.
• Coach and mentor the team to consistently deliver high-quality work on time and on budget.
• Align resourcing with business priorities while supporting individual growth.
• Technology Operations and Insights to shape organizational vision, priorities, and strategy.
• Communicate the value and function of design to executive partners with clarity and influence.
• Manage tools, budgets, and vendor relationships effectively.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 10+ years of relevant experience in product design, including at least 3 years leading teams.
• Proven track record leading diverse design teams and delivering at scale.
• Must have strong foundation in both UX and visual design, with experience in platform design.
• Functional knowledge of emerging technology, design trends, and AI, with experience guiding integration into workflows and platforms.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills with the ability to influence executives and cross-functional partners.
• Deep expertise in user-centered design methods, rapid prototyping, interaction models, and scalable design systems.
• Advanced proficiency with tools such as Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Functional knowledge in building and evolving design systems.
• Experience working in agile environments with large project portfolios and demanding timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to build culture, foster engagement, and drive growth across design teams.

#DISNEYTECH

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $171,600 to $230,100 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.