Manager Production Ops

The Opportunity: 
Mattel Animation Studios is seeking a Manager Production Operations to serve as a key operational partner supporting Animation Production. This individual contributor role is responsible for designing implementing and continuously improving production operations workflows and operational processes that enable efficient execution across the studio.

Working closely with Production Legal Procurement IT Finance Facilities and external production partners this role drives operational excellence by developing scalable processes managing production operations supporting contract administration and ensuring documentation systems and workflows remain compliant organized and effective throughout the production lifecycle.

This role is ideal for a highly organized operational expert who enjoys building structure improving processes and partnering across functions to solve complex operational challenges.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

Production Operations & Studio Support

• Serve as a trusted operational partner to Animation Production leadership helping ensure productions are supported with the processes systems and coordination needed for successful execution.
• Identify operational risks recommend practical solutions and proactively address issues that could impact production efficiency.
• Coordinate cross-functional operational activities supporting productions from development through delivery.
• Independently manage special projects and operational initiatives that improve studio effectiveness.

Workflow Design & Process Improvement

• Design document implement and continuously improve operational workflows that support Animation Production.
• Develop process maps SOPs templates playbooks and governance documentation that create consistency across productions.
• Analyze existing workflows identify opportunities for improvement and recommend scalable operational solutions.
• Drive adoption of new operational processes through cross-functional partnership and change management.
• Maintain and continuously enhance the studios centralized knowledge management resources and operational documentation.

Systems Tools & Operational Enablement

• Partner with IT and production stakeholders to evaluate implement and optimize production tools and operational systems.
• Develop best practices user guides and operational documentation supporting consistent system utilization.
• Coordinate and facilitate training sessions for production teams on operational processes workflows and new tools.
• Support implementation of new technologies and process improvements that enhance studio operations.

Vendor Operations & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Serve as the operational point of contact for production vendors freelancers and external partners throughout engagement lifecycles.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding activities for contractors and vendors including operational readiness system access and workflow support.
• Support evaluation activities during vendor selection and RFP processes by coordinating information gathering documentation and stakeholder alignment.
• Assist with production-related vendor agreements and operational coordination partnering with Legal and Procurement as appropriate.

Contract Administration & Operational Compliance

• Manage contract administration workflows through Workfront ensuring requests are complete accurately documented and routed efficiently.
• Prepare production-related documentation for Legal review and maintain accurate agreement records throughout the approval process.
• Track contract status approvals and documentation to support audit readiness and operational compliance.
• Recommend improvements that increase efficiency and consistency within contract administration processes.

Communication & Operational Reporting

• Facilitate communication workflows that improve collaboration across Production Legal Finance Procurement and other business partners.
• Develop reports dashboards and operational updates that provide leadership with visibility into key initiatives workflow status and operational metrics.
• Support planning activities through project tracking documentation and operational reporting.
• Studio Operations
• Partner with Facilities and internal teams to support workspace planning production readiness and operational logistics.
• Coordinate team events meetings and studio engagement initiatives that promote collaboration and culture.
• Handle confidential business information with professionalism sound judgment and discretion.

Qualifications :

What Were Looking For: 

• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning embracing challenges and improving themselves.
• Significant experience supporting media animation television or entertainment production operations.
• Demonstrated success designing and improving operational processes and workflows.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent collaboration skills with the ability to influence cross-functional partners without direct authority.
• Experience coordinating operational projects involving Legal Finance Procurement IT or Production teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to document complex processes clearly.
• Experience with contract administration workflows or operational documentation preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Comfortable working independently while managing multiple initiatives in a dynamic production environment.
• High degree of professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Teams Word Excel PowerPoint) and production management systems.
• Experience with Workfront or similar workflow/project management platforms is preferred.
• BA/BS preferred or equivalent relevant experience.

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range however base pay will be determined based on a candidates work location skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs comprehensive benefits and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. 

Additional Information :

Dont meet every single requirement At Mattel we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification in the job description we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattels Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company our employees and our culture. Also interested in signing up for job alerts Do so here!

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Our Approach to Flexible Work:
This role is an in-office role Monday-Thursday and work from home on Fridays. We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth optimism and wellbeing where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands including Barbie Hot Wheels Fisher-Price American Girl Thomas & Friends UNO Masters of the Universe Matchbox Monster High MEGA and Polly Pocket as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys content consumer products digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the worlds leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945 Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattels award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes Fast Company Newsweek Great Place to Work TIME and more.

Visit us at  is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race ethnicity color national origin religion sex gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation veteran and protected veteran status disability status and or any other basis protected by applicable federal state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time