Linear Operations Manager (Fixed Term Contract - 12 Months)

Job Summary

The Disney Advertising portfolio covers world leading brands within The Walt Disney Company's entertainment segment and related film, television, and streaming businesses.  This includes family favorites Disney, Pixar, Marvel, & Lucasfilm, general entertainment networks ABC, Star, & FX, sports leader ESPN, iconic factual brand National Geographic, and our flagship streaming product, Disney+.

Within Disney Advertising EMEA, Business Operations serves as the core sales support group, ensuring strategic alignment and operational efficiency. Key functions include media planning & campaign management (Client Services), ad tech & vendor oversight (Automated Operations), and forecasting & reporting (Revenue & Yield Management). These teams define policies, build processes, enable capabilities, and manage daily workflows that support Sales success.

The Linear Operations Manager will sit within the London-based regional Biz Ops hub and augment our existing digital team with broadcast and live event streaming expertise.  During a 12-month fixed term contract, they will establish and manage the end-to-end operational process for revenue (including sponsorship) and in-house marketing ad campaigns during live streams on Disney+.  Responsibilities will span the full campaign lifecycle: planning, inventory management, scheduling, creative review (both technical & content compliance), file delivery, as-runs & spot checks, pacing, and reporting.  They will also assist with linear television network operations across these functions as required. 

They will act as a centralized linear advertising ops point of contact for Sales, Client Services, Production, and Disney+ teams across EMEA, ensuring clear, consistent communication and streamlined execution.  Beyond campaign delivery, they will contribute to the development of live dynamic ad insertion (DAI) strategy and technical readiness.

The ideal candidate has demonstrated success planning, executing, and reporting on advertising within live events or channels on broadcast or streaming services, preferably with pan-regional and sports experience.  They thrive in a fast-paced environment and remain calm, organized, and detail-oriented when working with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines.  Above all, they’re focused on delivering a positive advertising experience for viewers and flawless campaign delivery for clients.

This is an office-based role. 4 days working in the Hammersmith, London office with 1 day working from home.

The Opportunity & Responsibilities:

• Define, document, implement, and evolve execution process for standard advertising campaigns, sponsorships, and in-house marketing on Disney+ live & linear event streams across EMEA
• Manage full campaign lifecycle for Disney+ linear campaigns: planning, inventory management, scheduling, creative review, file delivery, as-runs & spot checks, pacing, and reporting
• Responsible for all campaign delivery, troubleshooting, and auditing of scheduling/execution accuracy
• Propose solutions and reallocation options for any campaign issues or under-pacing
• Establish yourself as the subject matter expert for EMEA Ad Sales, Client Services, and Disney+ on linear opportunities, policies, and processes
• Act as a singular liaison between Ad Sales and Disney linear production teams
• Work with Legal, S&P, and Corporate Brand Management to ensure execution follows all necessary compliance and Disney policies across each market
• Assist with similar work for linear television network broadcasts as required
• Contribute operational POV to live event and sports monetization strategy
• Help develop live dynamic ad insertion (DAI) strategy and technical readiness  

The Experience We Require From You:

• Graduate level or equivalent experience
• 5+ years in the advertising sector, either publisher/broadcaster/agency side or in ad tech, focusing on linear or digital streaming ad operations
• Experience working in ad-servers, linear playout systems, and/or broadcast scheduling tools
• Highly competent in managing linear ad campaigns on broadcast networks and/or streaming services
• Able to execute tasks across the full campaign lifecycle, from planning to invoicing
• Specific experience in gathering, scheduling, delivering large amounts of commercial spots across live events, and reporting on accuracy of execution
• Comprehensive understanding of video file formats and specifications
• Familiar with basic advertising compliance requirements for broadcast/streaming across EMEA
• Experience working with sales and campaign management teams across international markets
• Strong knowledge of streaming/broadcast ad sales strategy, process, transaction models, and systems/technologies
• Network of contacts within ad sales, technology, and operations industries
• Proven success of collaboration, building consensus, and managing/delivering complex projects
• Entertainment & Sports experience is beneficial, as is familiarity with processes and policies of a multinational corporation

Skills Required

• Highly motivated and driven problem solver
• Great attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to effectively prioritize and balance multiple projects
• Comfortable working with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines
• Clear, concise communication skills, with the ability to translate technical processes for non-technical stakeholders
• Expert on defining/evolving processes and empowering operational teams for success
• Motivated to lead by example and hold others accountable to high standards
• Comfortable working independently or collaborating with other teams
• Natural relationship manager, understanding how to balance needs across teams
• Analytical; able to review, assess, and strategize based on the results
• Able to step back and look at scenarios at a macro level, solving both the immediate challenge and providing long-term solutions to larger problems
• Revenue-minded, but not at the expense of our people, our guests, or the user experience
• In-depth understanding of broadcast/streaming video and the advertising industry, particularly within EMEA
• IT savvy across core business applications and remote working tools (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Google collaboration apps, etc.)

The Perks

• 25 days annual leave
• Private medical insurance & dental care
• Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free
• Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing
• Excellent parental and guardian leave
• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided the necessary accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive all benefits of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.