Sr. Manager, Production Temp

Job Title: Sr. Manager, Production - CONTRACTOR

Location: Santa Monica, CA (Hybrid schedule with Monday – Thursday and Friday work remote)

Duration: Starting ASAP through October 2026

Rate: $1,800-$2,100/week depending on experience

This temporary employee will be paid as a W-2 employee through a 3rd party payroll service. We are unable to consider candidates who can only be set-up as a W-9 Consultant.

Summary of Position

The contractor supports the day-to-day operational execution of scripted series and other original content, partnering with Production leadership to manage budgets, schedules, deliveries, and risk controls. The role is hands-on and requires strong organization, clear communication, and the ability to problem-solve quickly across multiple stakeholders. A high level of discretion is required when handling confidential information with internal teams and external production partners.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day production operations of scripted series produced by external production companies, from pre-production through final delivery.
• Serve as the primary studio/network liaison to third-party producers, ensuring alignment with creative expectations, budgets, schedules, and delivery requirements.
• Monitor and track production timelines, key milestones, and deliverables to ensure projects remain on schedule.
• Review and provide notes on dailies to ensure quality, continuity, and adherence to network standards.
• Support early prep on productions before the day-to-day production teams are assigned.
• Provide guidance and support to production teams as production is underway.
• Ensure that agreements, contracts, and releases are in place before production begins, partnering with Business and Legal Affairs as needed.
• Track production budgets in collaboration with Finance, ensuring cost controls and fiscal accountability across all phases of production.
• Provide production-related feedback to producers and alert leadership to foreseeable conflicts or logistical challenges.
• Work closely with Business Affairs and Legal to ensure productions comply with contractual obligations, union requirements, and rights agreements.
• Collaborate closely with creative teams to navigate operational challenges across all production stages.
• Communicates effectively with external parties such as HODs and Line Producers.
• Evaluate production reports (cost reports, call sheets, production updates) to track progress and flag risks.
• Fields inquiries from vendors regarding invoices, payments, and/or vendor setup.
• Maintains documentation on team's shared drive.
• Maintains Airtable, Scenechronize, and other databases with relevant production information and schedules.

Additional Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5 years of physical production and/or network/studio experience.
• Ability to work in a high-pressure and fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work across multiple time zones including international.
• Professional, self-motivated, results-oriented with a “can do” attitude.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Able to respond after business hours to urgent and timely issues.
• Able to maintain confidential information.
• Inquisitive and willing to continue learning.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Movie Magic budgeting and scheduling, Airtable, and Scenechronize.
• Familiarity with labor laws and union obligations.
• Ability to create comprehensive production manuals, documentation, and standardized templates is a plus.