Manager, Production Operations - NBC Sports, Bay Area

NBCUniversal • San Francisco, CA

2h • $95,000 - $125,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Manager, Production Operations to join the Technology & Operations team in San Francisco, supporting NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports California, and Digital Studio productions. This role oversees pre‑ and post‑game studio and remote productions and is responsible for the daily operation of control rooms and studios. This role takes a hands‑on approach to ensuring productions are executed smoothly, reliably, and at a high standard.
This is a highly collaborative position that works at the intersection of people, process, and live production. You will partner closely with Production, Content, Sales, Marketing, Engineering, and Technology teams — aligning operational support with creative intent while navigating the realities of fast‑paced, live environments. Success in this role depends on strong communication, trust‑building, and the ability to anticipate challenges and bring teams together when it matters most.
The ideal candidate is comfortable leading and scheduling teams, thrives in a live studio setting, and brings deep experience in studio production and technical operations. A background in directing, APC/automation, and control room workflows is essential. Just as important is a steady leadership style — someone who sets clear expectations, supports their teams through high‑pressure moments, and helps the operation improve with every show.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years relevant experience, including minimum 3 years of managing a studio or production team in a major market, large network environment or production service-based environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Media, Communications, IT, Journalism, Broadcast engineering or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of APC/automation, audio systems, switchers, graphics systems, XPression, intercom/IFB, routing, and control room equipment.
• Clear understanding of contribution and distribution processes of OTA television
• Hands-on live studio production experience partnering closely with Creative teams to understand show design, editorial priorities, and production challenges.
• Working knowledge of studio lighting systems, design and ETC lighting consoles.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating multiple teams and turning editorial needs into technical and operational action plans.
• Willingness to travel and work outside standard hours, and on weekends with short notice
• Must have unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must be covered by Solutions, NBCU’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Program
• Required On-Site: This position is required to be performed full-time from our San Francisco office.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing personnel.
• Familiarity and detailed knowledge of NRCS platforms.
• Experience leading live event production operations.
• Prior experience as a Director or TD within automated control room environments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to unify groups and build trust across departments.
• Familiarity with NRCS platforms such as Dalet, iNews, ENPS, or similar.
• Experience in newsroom and digital production environments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• History of establishing and maintaining operational standards and team accountability.
• History of establishing and maintaining client relationships, resulting in satisfied stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical execution and on‑air quality of all live productions, including pre‑ and post‑game studio and remote broadcasts.
• Act as the primary operational liaison between Creative, Programming, Engineering, and Studio Operations, ensuring alignment, early visibility into show needs, and proactive issue resolution.
• Collaborate closely with producers, executive producers, and creative teams to understand editorial intent, anticipate production challenges, and coordinate technical solutions before they impact a live broadcast.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Studio Directors and Studio Operations teams, fostering a culture grounded in communication, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate teams across the production workflow to ensure operational readiness, resource alignment, and smooth execution.
• Maintain deep working knowledge of core control room and studio systems, including: Audio boards and CalRec Audio Assist Production switchers and routing Graphics workflows and Ross Xpression Intercom and IFB systems Robotic cameras and jib operations APC and Ross Overdrive automation Media playback systems
• Oversee studio lighting systems, including lighting techniques and ETC lighting consoles.
• Partner proactively with News and Creative teams to test on‑air elements, assess set, lighting, and camera needs, and surface concerns early in the production process.
• Work closely with Engineering and Technology partners to resolve issues, implement system updates, and integrate new tools and technologies into daily workflows.
• Serve as the day‑to‑day operational partner for NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports California, and Digital productions, ensuring clarity, follow‑through, and consistent delivery.
• Manage hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance feedback, and long‑term staff development.
• Provide operational and directing support during emergency situations, disaster recovery scenarios, or unexpected coverage needs.
• Drive strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives to streamline workflows and elevate on‑air quality.
• Maintain and evolve standard operating procedures, ensuring teams are informed, trained, and aligned on workflow updates and changes.

Benefits

• This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks.
• Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees