Job Summary:
The Director of Design and Engineering is responsible for the leadership and development of Animax Design’s design and engineering department, which includes controls and automation, mechanical engineering, software engineering, show programming, and integration design.
The ideal candidate for this role has experience effectively leading a creative engineering team. A critical responsibility of this role is leading and unifying the team around the common goal of creating the most cutting-edge entertainment robotics and animatronic figures. Strong leadership skills are crucial.
In addition to people leadership, this role is responsible for the overall operations and performance of the department. This includes ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget, creating and following processes, and helping the department work cross-functionally with other areas of the organization.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
Build the Team
Assess and determine staffing needs
Add, reduce, and reorganize staff as necessary in accordance with company procedure
Clearly define and set expectations with staff
Ensure managers are properly equipped for their jobs with training and process
Ensure continuity of the team though proper training, cross-training, and succession planning
Manage Operations
Provide administrative leadership in managing people, infrastructure, and facilities
Maintain a productive and safe work environment both within and outside of the physical department
Manage operation budgets and reporting
Manage and track supplies and inventory
Plan and facilitate effective meetings
Implement changes and new systems within the department to facilitate growth
Engage staff in defining and using best-practice tools and methodology
Maintain compliance with Animax policies, contractual obligations, and all applicable laws
Partner with HR to set policy and direction for the department
Partner with fellow Directors to ensure commonality across departments
Set Goals and Deliver Results
Set priorities and manage the workload of management staff
Strive to find balance with workload allocations for both staff, and self
Effectively allocate resources
Set cost and labor estimates during bid and planning phases
Track progress to ensure completion within targets and deadlines
Create strategy, goals, and plans for the team as appropriate
Set individual and team performance goals
Identify action steps and timelines to achieve objectives
Provide Supervision
Supervise staff activities and progress
Oversee workflow and take action to ensure performance
Learn to anticipate common issues and proactively work to prevent them
Set and enforce appropriate standards for quality and integrity
Act as a moderator or liaison and know when to seek assistance in resolving conflict
Share Information
Share needed information with staff in a clear and timely manner
Understand when information can and cannot be shared due to confidentiality
Provide a regular forum for sharing information within the department
Provide recognition and praise to motivate
Collaborate and share information with other members and groups across the organization
Acquire Technical Knowledge and Expertise
Demonstrate knowledge within the department’s functional area necessary to make decisions, supervise work and answer questions
Help facilitate technical conflict resolutions amongst staff
Effectively utilize relevant tools, applications, and systems
Embrace continuous learning and self-development, involving aspects pertaining to the department itself and the greater organization
Qualifications
Previous experience managing an engineering group
15+ years of relevant work experience
Experience in leading multi-disciplinary project groups through the entire product lifecycle
Ability to manage people in a dynamic environment
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite
Preferred SkillsBachelor’s degree or advanced degree preferredExperience working with an international organization is a huge plus!Experience in the Themed Entertainment industry a plus, but not requiredProficiency in MS Project