Production Operations Manager

Production Operations Manager

Who Are We

We are a global community that is driven by the creative spirit of Los Angeles. Through an inspiring mix of music, news, and culture, we bring joy and connection – online, in-person and on the radio. Always excellent, accessible, and often unexpected, we are a constant source of fuel for the imagination, education and good vibes. At least, that is what our members tell us. 

As NPR’s flagship member station in Southern California for more than 30 years and a community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW is the next generation of public media.

How You’ll Make An Impact 

The Production Operations Manager reports to the VP of Talk Programming and will manage the production team and processes to ensure highest quality and efficient operations across KCRW audio content. Responsibilities also include overseeing all technical aspects of KCRW’s Performance Studio, working closely with the Director of Events, Music Department, and technical staff.  This includes live bands performing onsite and special events in the Performance Studio. 

• Serve as Department point of contact for all of KCRW including Content, Technology, Operations, Finance, HR and for any engineering inquiries
• Act as Performance Studio SPOC (Single Point of Contact) for all incoming band technical requirements and gear usage/staff usage
• Partner with the Technology Dept. on operations, staff support, maintenance and optimization of hardware and software 
• Work with senior management and HR to rightsize and maintain an active roster of full time and per diem engineers
• Participate as department lead in interdepartmental meetings regarding audio production, studio operations, content initiatives, and other needs of KCRW.
• Fulfill Audio Engineering shifts as needed
• Manage production schedule including - Scheduling coverage on all routine and one-off sessions, assigning resources to hosts and producers, working collaboratively with producers with recording requests, covering on-site tapings

Leading a team

• Supervise a team of ambitious and creative Production Engineers and Technical Directors
• Ensure all team members are focused on prioritized work, following standard procedures and timelines for production tasks
• Ensure accurate and optimized time and attendance management
• Align staff skills to job responsibilities to maximize effectiveness
• Set department goals and perform staff evaluations
• Foster a creative and productive work environment and culture with both the management and Engineering teams.
• Provide mentorship and constructive performance coaching to facilitate staff’s professional development

Provide Training

• Create and execute a training program to assure all team members are proficient in the standardized workflow
• Facilitate cross training to balance the load while strengthening overall team skills
• Create opportunities and individualized development plans for staff to enhance skills and foster growth

Here’s What You’ll Bring: 

• Demonstrated ability to lead by example, to champion positive behavior and develop a thriving culture
• Ability to manage environments that work on multiple concurrent project deadlines
• Strong knowledge of audio equipment, processing, and editing software like Pro Tools
• Experience implementing workflows with a goal of maximizing automation
• Strong communications ability to interface with senior staff, sponsors, team members, and talent
• Have a passion for KCRW’s programming, interest in NPR news, current affairs, music, and the arts
• Thrives in a high-volume environment, remains calm and poised under pressure
• Deeply detail oriented, organized and able to juggle multiple priorities
• Excellent self-starter and able to work autonomously

KCRW aims to be representative of Southern California, and candidates with traditionally underrepresented backgrounds and perspectives are encouraged to apply. KCRW is an equal opportunity employer and actively recruits to promote diversity in our workforce. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.