Vice President, Production Operations

Company Description

VERSANT is a leading force in news, sports and entertainment - home to iconic and trusted brands that inspire, inform, and delight audiences. Our unique combination of content, technology and services enriches the cultural fabric, igniting passions, sparking conversations, and connecting people to what they love most.

As an independent, publicly traded company, VERSANT brings together powerhouse cable networks - including USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel - with dynamic digital and direct-to-consumer brands such as Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. Together, these businesses reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across every screen and service.

VERSANT is an industry-changing media company fueled by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. With a strong foundation and a forward-looking vision, VERSANT empowers creativity, embraces change, and drives connection in an ever-evolving world.

Job Description

Versant Media is seeking an accomplished Vice President, Production Operations to oversee day-to-day technical and studio operations across our major production facilities in New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles. This leader will manage core live production functions, ensure operational excellence, and drive innovation in partnership with cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical knowledge, exceptional organizational skills, and a forward-looking mindset to improve quality, efficiency, and scalability in production workflows.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee control rooms and studio operations across NY, NJ, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles
• Manage technical operations functions for live production across news, sports, and entertainment
• Partner closely with post production, field operations, and media operations teams to ensure seamless execution of live and pre-recorded shows
• Collaborate with engineering to ensure consistently reliable production systems and rapid issue resolution
• Optimize schedules to maximize efficiency in crew deployment and production resource utilization
• Drive adoption of new production technologies and workflows to enhance quality, reduce marginal costs, and enable new creative opportunities
• Support multi-platform production, including linear TV, streaming, digital, and audio formats
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement across production teams

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in production operations, including live studio or control room environments
• Proven experience managing multi-location technical operations teams and facilities
• Experience managing both a union-represented and non-union workforce
• Strong knowledge of live broadcast and digital production systems, workflows, and technology trends
• Track record of optimizing operational efficiency through scheduling, process improvements, and technology adoption
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to build strong partnerships across editorial, engineering, and operations teams
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment while maintaining high production standards

Additional Requirements:

• Onsite: This position has been designated as onsite, meaning that the position is expected to contribute from a Versant worksite from Englewood Cliffs, NJ with flexibility to work from our NYC HQ regularly. Travel will be required to our other locations such as Washington DC and Los Angeles. 

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. Salary range: $225,000 - $275,000 (bonus and long-term incentive eligible)

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with a VERSANT Media employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. VERSANT Media's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require suppo