Manager, Production Operations, NBCU Local Chicago

We are looking for a Manager, Production Operations, to join the Technology & Operations team in Chicago, supporting WMAQ, WSNS and Digital Studio output. As the Manager, Production Operations, you will be primarily responsible for leading the team in delivering daily news studio production and managing the control rooms. You will also serve as a critical key engagement lead to other channel stakeholders including News, Field Operations, Creative and Programming, ensuring successful delivery of production services to these internal client groups. This role requires a leader who not only understands the technical and creative sides of production but can bring people together, foster trust, and help the entire operation grow stronger with each show. If you enjoy working with and are creative at scheduling people, are a highly organized leader with great communication skills, know how to build and lead high performance teams, are an expert in studio production with significant directing, have APC and tech management experience, understand VR and possess a clear vision to guarantee successful and reliable On-air productions at a network level, then we want to hear from you. Responsibilities Responsible for overall technical execution and quality of all live productions. Serve as the main operational bridge between News, Creative, Programming, Technology, and Studio Operations, ensuring constant alignment and early visibility into show needs and potential issues. Partner daily with producers, EPs, and creative teams to understand editorial intent, spot challenges in advance, and coordinate solutions before they impact a live broadcast across technical and editorial teams to ensure productions run smoothly. Lead, mentor, and grow the Studio Directors team, and partner with peers in the Operations management team in MOC and Newsgathering, creating a culture that prioritizes communication, accountability, and continuous improvement. Maintain deep working knowledge of core control room and studio systems including: Audio boards Production switchers and routing Graphics workflows and XPression Intercom/IFB workflows Robotic cameras, prompters, APC/automation, AR/VR production systems Oversee studio lighting systems, including knowledge of lighting techniques and ETC lighting consoles. Work proactively with News and Creative to test on-air elements, evaluate set/lighting/camera needs, and surface concerns early so they can be addressed before air. Collaborate closely with Engineering and Technology to resolve issues, implement updates, and integrate new technologies into daily workflows. Serve as the primary day-to-day partner for NBC, Telemundo, and Digital requests—ensuring clarity, follow-through, and operational consistency. Manage union-represented staff with fairness, consistency, and strong leadership. Lead hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance feedback, and long-term staff development. Support planning and execution of breaking news, specials, long-form productions, and major events. Provide backup directing/control room support in emergency, disaster Recovery or unexpected circumstances. Lead strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts, identifying opportunities to streamline workflows and elevate on-air quality. Maintain local and network SOP’s, informing and training the team on updates and workflow changes. This is a live 24/7 broadcast operation and out-of-hours availability is often required.