Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a titan in the visual effects industry and a cornerstone of The Walt Disney Company’s creative engine, is seeking a visionary and highly organized Manager, Studio Operations. Based in the iconic Moore Park precinct in Sydney, Australia, this role is the heartbeat of our physical production environment.
We are looking for a leader who can balance the technical rigors of facility management with the creative nuance required to support world-class artists. This is not just a facilities role; it is a role designed to cultivate an environment where the next generation of cinematic history is made.
Employment Overview: Manager, Studio Operations
| Feature | Details |
| Company Name | Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) / Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. |
| Parent Organization | The Walt Disney Company |
| Job Title | Manager, Studio Operations |
| Location | Moore Park, Sydney, NSW, Australia |
| Job Type | Full-Time, Permanent |
| Estimated Salary Range | $135,000 – $175,000 AUD (Commensurate with experience) |
| Industry | Visual Effects (VFX) / Motion Pictures / Entertainment |
| Reporting Structure | Executive in Charge (EIC) |
The Role: Impact and Scope
The Manager, Studio Operations is responsible for the holistic management of ILM Sydney’s physical footprint. You are the custodian of the “Staff Experience,” ensuring that every artist, producer, and technician has a safe, efficient, and inspiring place to work.
Your mandate extends beyond mere maintenance. You will proactively lead the Facilities Team, oversee complex infrastructure upgrades, ensure rigorous adherence to Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, and serve as the primary liaison between ILM and Disney Studios Australia (DSA).
Core Responsibilities
1. Facility Leadership & Team Management
- Team Guidance: Lead, mentor, and develop the internal Facilities Team. You are responsible for fostering a culture of excellence and proactive service.
- Operational Oversight: Manage day-to-day services including reception, cleaning, catering, mail, waste disposal, and recycling.
- Vendor Relations: Oversee contract management for all third-party vendors, ensuring high standards of service and cost-efficiency.
2. Strategic Space Planning & Project Management
- Studio Configuration: Partner with IT and Media Systems teams to design and implement studio layouts that maximize productivity and adhere to global ILM best practices.
- Growth & Optimization: Manage studio moves and capacity scheduling. You will lead upgrade projects from the initial design and budgeting phase through to final execution.
- Technical Synergy: Ensure that physical space supports the high-bandwidth technological needs of a premier VFX house.
3. Security, Safety, and Compliance
- WHS Stewardship: Maintain up-to-date Crisis Management Plans, First Aid protocols, and Business Continuity procedures. You are the resident expert on changes to Australian safety legislation.
- Physical Security: Manage studio security to MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) standards. This includes handling physical security audits from The Walt Disney Company and external clients.
- Asset Protection: Collaborate with DSA Security to ensure the perimeter and internal zones remain secure 24/7.
4. Financial & Administrative Excellence
- Budgeting: Work closely with the Finance Department to forecast expenditures, negotiate bids, and track costs.
- Executive Liaison: Partner with the Executive Office to facilitate high-profile visits from government officials, VIPs, and international stakeholders.
- Sustainability: Drive “Green” initiatives to reduce the studio’s carbon footprint, focusing on energy consumption and sustainable waste management.
The Ideal Candidate: Skills and Experience
To thrive in this role, you must be a “composed problem solver”—someone who can navigate the high-pressure environment of a film studio with grace and strategic foresight.
Technical Requirements:
- Facility Expertise: Significant experience in building operations and large-scale facility management.
- Project Management: A proven track record of delivering construction or renovation projects on time and within budget.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of Australian WHS laws and fire safety regulations.
- Tech Savvy: Advanced proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office (specifically Excel for budget tracking and PowerPoint for executive presentations).
Soft Skills:
- The “Diplomat” Mindset: Adept at building relationships with diverse groups, from building contractors to world-renowned film directors.
- Analytical Rigor: The ability to look at a floor plan or a budget and see opportunities for optimization.
- Adaptability: The film industry is dynamic; you must be comfortable with shifting priorities and rapid change.
About Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)
Founded by George Lucas in 1975, ILM has been the gold standard for visual effects for nearly half a century. From the original Star Wars trilogy to the cutting-edge StageCraft technology used in The Mandalorian, ILM continues to redefine what is possible in cinema.
By joining ILM Sydney, you become part of a global network (San Francisco, Vancouver, London, Singapore, Mumbai) that has contributed to 25 of the top 50 box-office hits of all time. We are at the forefront of the digital revolution, expanding into VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema.
Diversity and Inclusion
Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC and The Walt Disney Company are Equal Opportunity Employers. We believe that a diverse workforce is a creative workforce.
“Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories, and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.”
We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or age. Our studio in Moore Park is designed to be an inclusive space where everyone can do their best work.
How to Apply
If you are a motivated self-starter with a passion for operational excellence and the magic of filmmaking, we want to hear from you.
Required Documentation:
1. Tailored CV: Highlighting your experience in facility management and project oversight.
2. Cover Letter: Detailing a specific instance where you drove organizational change or managed a complex studio/office move.
3. Educational Credentials: Evidence of a Bachelor’s Degree, Diploma, or equivalent professional experience.
Join ILM and help us build the space where stories come to life.
