About the role
About The Role
The Brighton Zoo Production & Studio Manager is responsible for the end-to-end operational delivery of our productions across development, pre-production, production and post-production, as well as ensuring the smooth running of the studio on a job-share basis alongside the part-time Studio Manager.
Our department is focused on innovative storytelling that springboards across platforms and reaches audiences where they are. We have a diverse cross-platform slate of projects encompassing animation, and live action, both long and short-form; as well as interactive games.
The successful candidate will oversee project scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, and budget tracking across multiple concurrent projects in different media. The role intersects with our production, creative and technical production teams, working closely with our Short Form Producer to ensure productions are delivered on time, on budget, and to the required creative and technical standards.
This is a highly detail-driven role requiring fluency in animation and interactive workflows, cost control, studio capacity planning and budget preparation.
Employment Terms:
- Contract Type: 6 month fixed term contract (PAYE)
- Work Basis: Part time, 3 days a week
- Location: Brighton studio (3 days a week required)
- Work Schedule: Thursdays and Fridays (non-negotiable). The third day is flexible (Monday–Wednesday).
- Requirements: Right to work in the UK.
- Note: This vacancy can close early if a high number of applications are received.
Day to Day
- Production Management:
- Originate and maintain master production schedules in co-ordination with our producer.
- Prepare planning documentation, schedules and budgets for pitches and business development quotes.
- Identify and track production risks and support to troubleshoot the pipeline for short-form animation and interactive game productions.
- Financial Management:
- Create and maintain production budgets in co-ordination with our producer, and in consultation with our staff and other Blue Zoo departments where required.
- Track production spend against approved budgets via monthly cost report meetings, liaising with the Studio manager and the Blue Zoo Finance department.
- Forecast cashflow and cost-to-complete.
- Liaise with finance on reporting, WIP, and tax credit eligibility (e.g., UK Animation Tax Credit where applicable).
- Flag overspend risks and propose mitigation strategies.
- Resource Planning:
- Plan with the available resources to optimise the efficiency of each project, in line with the schedule and budget.
- Forecast upcoming hiring needs with the Studio Manager and work with the Blue Zoo People & Talent team for recruitment requirements.
- Delivery & Operations:
- Ensure all technical deliveries meet broadcaster/platform specifications.
- Oversee final masters, paperwork, music cue sheets, and legal documentation.
- Maintain production documentation and archive systems.
- As part of the job share alongside the Studio Manager, ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the studio, including managing suppliers, office facilities, supplies and shared spaces.
- Assist with the planning and coordination of studio events, social activities, training sessions and team lunches.
- Provide general office and administrative support, including handling post, ordering supplies and preparing meeting spaces.
- Support the studio's health and safety responsibilities, helping to maintain a safe, organised and well-functioning working environment.
About You
Must Have:
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Demonstrable Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets skills.
- Experience of working with Production Management Software for scheduling and task tracking (e.g., Smartsheet, Shotgun or FTrack, Movie Magic, Asana, Monday or equivalents).
- Strong financial literacy (budget creation, tracking and forecasting).
- Risk identification and mitigation capability.
- Understanding of production workflows across broadcast, digital, long-form animation, digital-first production, short-form and interactive.
- Understanding of UK Creative Tax Credits.
- Able to communicate clearly and confidently with colleagues and clients.
- Self-motivated and highly organised.
- Able to work collaboratively, as well as independently.
- Have an appreciation of accuracy and pay close attention to detail.
- Be able to deliver on schedule, working calmly and efficiently under pressure.
Bonus Points:
- Previous experience as Production Manager on both long and short form production.
- Understanding of game development pipelines and interactive production schedules.
- Awareness of how and where AI might be implemented to facilitate production workflows for the team.
About Us
Brighton Zoo is the marriage of Plug-In Media & Blue Zoo - a brand new animation studio by the sea, designed for a new era of kid’s digital content. We are building a studio that is full of talent, making work that contributes to a happier world. We believe that a healthy balance in our lives is key to supporting the wellbeing of our staff.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Online wellbeing programme.
- Christmas Closing Period.
- Free Sandwich or Soup Thursdays.
- Social events throughout the year including the odd beach BBQ & an annual trip to Brighton Fringe Festival.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Brighton Zoo is committed to creating and nurturing an inclusive studio that promotes and values diversity and invites everyone to ‘bring their whole selves’ to work. We work to build a culture where inclusiveness is embedded in the way we work.