Operations Director

Want to do the best work of your life? With 24 million customers in 6 countries, make your mark at Europe’s leading media and entertainment brand. A workplace where you can proudly be yourself; our people make Sky a truly exciting and inclusive place to work. 

The Director of Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for all site operations at Sky Studios Elstree. The role ensures the studio site operates safely, efficiently, and at the highest standard of service, supporting production activities such as major feature film, high-end television, and commercials.

As a member of the site leadership team, the Director of Operations is responsible for translating the strategic priorities of Sky Studios Elstree into operational delivery across the campus. The role leads the Operations function and works closely with Client Services, Facilities, Health & Safety, Finance, IT, Procurement, and the Sky Spaces team to deliver an integrated and world-class production environment.

What you’ll do:

Operational Leadership

• Lead the Operations function and provide strategic direction for operational delivery across the studio campus and drive operational performance
• Ensure the effective operation of production stages, offices, workshops, warehouses, and shared facilities.
• Maintain a safe, efficient, consistent production-ready environment supporting feature film and high-end television productions.

Production & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the senior operational partner for productions on site and the escalation point for complex operational issues.
• Build strong relationships with Unit Production Managers, Production Managers, departmental heads and key crew.
• Ensure the studio delivers a consistent, high-quality production experience.

Strategic & Cross-Functional Delivery

• Translate site and corporate objectives into operational plans and performance outcomes.
• Work collaboratively across Client Services, Facilities, Health & Safety, Finance, IT, Sky Spaces and Procurement to ensure integrated site delivery.
• Provide operational expertise in planning discussions related to site development, feasibility, and operational capability.
• Prepare and submit minor planning applications to the local council to support the development of new strategic infrastructure on site. 
• Manage key operational supplier relationships, working with Procurement and Legal as required to identify new vendors that deliver value to Sky and productions on site. Lead operational RFPs and onboarding processes.

Leadership & Culture

• Lead, develop, and inspire the Operations leadership team and wider operational workforce.
• Promote a high-performance culture focused on safety, service excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
• Support talent development and succession planning within the Operations function.
• Represent Operations in site level and external stakeholder engagement, including local partners and community forums where appropriate.

Commercial & Financial Oversight

• Manage the Operations and recharge budgets, ensuring strong financial discipline and effective cost control.
• Partner with Finance to support forecasting, reporting, and operational input to business cases.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, lower operational costs and optimise site utilisation.
• Oversee and be accountable for the commercial negotiations of the Studio Use Agreement, supporting Client Services during the contracting stage with Productions
• Own the capital expenditure budget for Sky Studios Elstree, making decisions over project greenlights and working with Finance to ensure effective use of the budget each year. Support Sky Spaces in the delivery of those infrastructure projects providing access around production and acting as a key liaison between production and 3rd party contractors.
• Manage the preparation of information, and action any relevant operational plans, to support the submission of business rate proposals to the VOA, in conjunction with Sky’s business ratings agents

Supplier & Sustainability Leadership

• Oversee key operational supplier relationships and procurement processes.
• Champion and own sustainability efforts and strategy across all studio functions and support productions in delivering environmentally responsible practices aligned with the commitments of Sky.
• Active supporter and facilitator of accessibility projects across the studio in order to deliver an inclusive working environment for staff and production crews alike.

Team Management

• Lead and develop the Operations manager and team members, setting clear objectives and holding teams accountable for performance and behaviours.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and professional working culture aligned to Sky values.
• Own operational systems and procedures, ensuring standard operating procedures are documented, maintained, and applied consistently.
• Use performance data to identify issues, improve efficiency, and enhance service delivery.

What you’ll bring:

• Significant leadership experience within studio or similar campus operations, production facilities, or complex operational environments.
• Strong understanding of film and high-end television production workflows and their operational requirements.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver operational performance in fast-paced production environments.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver operational plans, manage competing priorities, and solve complex problems across multiple business areas
• Strong commercial awareness including budget management, contract negotiations and cost control.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• NEBOSH or IOSH qualification desirable.
• Commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and developing industry talent.

Team overview:

Sky Studios Elstree 

Sky Studios Elstree will provide a new home for Britain's thriving production sector and much needed studio space for Europe's brightest talent. Not only will it enable Sky to double its investment in Sky Originals, it will also play host to major film productions from NBCUniversal.  

The Rewards:

There's one thing people can't stop talking about when it comes to #LifeAtSky: the perks. Here’s a taster: 

• Sky Q, for the TV you love all in one place 

• The magic of Sky Glass at an exclusive rate 

• A generous pension package 

• Private healthcare 

• Discounted mobile and broadband 

• A wide range of Sky VIP rewards and experiences 

Your office base:

Sky Studio Elstree - Borehamwood

Inclusion:

At Sky we don’t just look at your CV. We’re more focused on who you are and your potential. We also know that everyone has a life outside work, so we’re happy to discuss flexible working.

We are a Disability Confident Accredited Employer, and welcome and encourage applications from all candidates. We will look to ensure a fair and consistent experience for all and will make reasonable adjustments to support you where appropriate. Please flag any adjustments you need to your recruiter as early as you can.

Why wait?

Apply now to build an amazing career and be part of a brilliant team. We can’t wait to hear from you.

To find out more about working with us, search #LifeAtSky on social media. A job you love to talk about.

Just so you know: if your application is successful, we’ll ask you to complete a criminal record check. And depending on the role you have applied for and the nature of any convictions you may have, we might have to withdraw the offer.