[Image-SIG] Job Description from PDI/Dreamworks

[Beth Sasseen]

Hello,

I work for PDI/Dreamworks, the company that won an Academy Award for
"Shrek" this year.  We have a great opportunity for someone interested
in managing the day-to-day operations of an R&D group.  I thought I'd
send the job description out in case you know of anyone who might be
qualfied and interested in this type of role.  Thanks for any help you
can offer.

Also, if there's a better means by which to share this information with
you, please let me know.  I apologize ahead of time is this is unwanted
information.

Beth Sasseen
beths@pdi.com


Tools Development Manager

Summary:

The Software Tools Development Manager is responsible for leading the
overall operational direction, goals, and strategies of the software
group.  The role requires strong management and people skills in order
to effectively work with the Software Research and Development team, a
desire to keep abreast of developments and new technologies in the
field, and an ability to nurture and promote technical creativity at
PDI/DreamWorks.  It affords the immersion with projects from the
pre-production stage through project delivery.

The role reports directly to the Head of Animation Software at
PDI/DreamWorks, and will work closely with the Head of Technology,
DreamWorks Feature Animation in Glendale, and the Head of Studio and
Head of Production at PDI/DreamWorks in Palo Alto.  It is based at
PDI/DreamWorks in Palo Alto, California and works in tandem with
DreamWorks Feature Animation in Glendale, California.

Responsibilities:

*Manage the individual needs of evolving technology department
including timecard processing, reviews, expense report approvals, career
development and continued training; direct employees in prioritizing
their tasks when necessary
*Encourage "open door" policy, listen to and address unresolved
conflicts, new ideas, suggestions for 19+ person department; create a
"team" atmosphere
*Plan for growth in department by guiding the hiring process including
resume reviews, phone interviews, planning for new employee training,
and acting as the point person for process with Recruiting department
*Anticipate and plan for equipment and software upgrades, space needs
and other operational requirements necessary for smooth operation
*Work with Head of Animation Software, and other management, to
establish departmental goals and strategies, and plan for long term tool
redeployment possibilities
*Help determine and prioritize PDI/DreamWorks=ED production-driven
software needs, gathering requirements from Production, projecting scope
of project
*Proactively facilitate communication process for production and
development group; report overall project status to Production
Department on a regular, on-going basis
*Aid in tracking third party software evaluation goals and help in
maintaining relationships with outside software and hardware vendors;
Track purchase orders for third party software purchases
*Act as back-up point person to the Head of Animation Software in
"crisis" situations when Production needs immediate departmental support
*Ensure a service orientation for Development group
*Help generate bids on development intensive projects
*Participate in the designing, staffing, scheduling and tracking of
department=EDs global projects
*Create and administer the departmental budget in order to track
support costs versus development costs
*Keep abreast of developments in computer animation, imaging and
graphics technology, and monitoring hardware and software environment
changes
*Attend conferences on computer animation and related fields, as
required and approved
*Travel to DreamWorks on an regular basis to ensure departmental
consistencies, deal with on-going issues and to embrace and project a
global view of the tools, as required and approved
*Be able to provide a technology-focused tour of facility to outside
groups or individuals when necessary

Requirements:

*Masters Degree or higher in a science
*4+ years of department operations project management experience in a
technical environment
*Proven track record of multi-tasking in technology driven environment
*Experience managing technical developers as a creative team
*Entertainment industry experience a preferred but not necessary
*Excellent written and oral communication skills