Manager, Distribution Operations

Role Summary: The Manager of Distribution Operations will report to the VP, Distribution Operations and be a key member of the team that, among other things, serves as a conduit and liaison to both internal O&T as well as external distribution partners and platforms (new and existing), clearly and confidently communicates operational needs and priorities internally and externally, assesses and evaluates operational costs during renewals, identifies and advises on AdTech opportunities with distribution partners and platforms, coordinates with O&T to ensure signal and asset delivery to distribution partners and platforms and helps O&T plan for and prioritize operational needs, launches and developments with distribution partners and platforms. We are seeking a highly strategic, motivated and ambitious professional who has a team-first mentality and is capable of motivating and training more junior members of the team with a strong understanding of the evolving media distribution and advertising ecosystem as well as a strong, data-supported perspective as to where it’s headed. We are looking for a leader with a competitive and winning mindset who is willing to roll up their sleeves while thriving in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment. Essential Responsibilities of the Operations Team: Affiliate & System Operations Oversee daily operations for MVPD/vMVPD systems, including launches and updates. Operationalize deal terms and ensure compliance by providing business requirements and acting as a key stakeholder across traditional distribution, affiliate deals, FAST, and SVOD distribution. Drive operational efficiencies, identifying and implementing better ways to execute processes. Work closely with product and engineering teams to enhance technology solutions that drive efficiency and performance. Technical Signal Management Coordinate with Engineering and affiliates on signal authorizations and technical needs. Manage live feed authorizations and technical communications during special events (e.g., 5G transitions, solar outages). Collaborate with third-party providers and legal teams on signal transport agreements. Contract & Compliance Oversight Support contract negotiations with data analysis, assess and advise on launch and operations costs, review carriage compliance, and system updates. Monitor post-deal compliance, including subscriber reporting, packaging, and carriage terms. Maintain accurate contract data in the Affiliate Management Systems. Deal Support Help inform and influence new media terms, including ad sales, product, data, operations, content windows/rights and authentication/commerce within broader deals, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities. Cultivate & manage distributor relationships to garner support and influence partner roadmaps. Ensure distribution initiatives are prioritized within cross-functional team roadmaps. Data Analytics & Reporting Conduct advanced data analysis to support revenue recognition and risk assessment. Provide detailed subscriber metrics and landscape reports for internal and partner use. Ensure distributor usage data flowing through accurately and in a timely fashion Work with ad sales and research teams to effectuate measurement and monetization strategies Cross-Functional Leadership Lead initiatives to resolve issues affecting signal delivery, revenue, and compliance. Collaborate with O&T during software updates to prevent service disruptions. Coordinate with internal teams and distribution partners to clean up revenue aging records and resolve billing discrepancies. Collaborate with the Partner Management and Brand Marketing teams to develop, prepare and execute “Keep Versant Media” campaigns in advance of and during deal renewals.