The Senior Manager, Production Safety provides regional leadership and operational oversight for production safety across The Walt Disney Company’s (TWDC) physical productions and events, ensuring compliance with UK legislation and providing strategic and operational safety guidance. This role supports productions in managing risks associated with high-hazard activities and collaborates with production teams, external advisors, and internal stakeholders to embed safety into all phases of production. The Senior Manager also integrates select cross-regional responsibilities, including sustainability oversight, team management, and strategic alignment with global safety vision.
Key Responsibilities
Production Safety Operations
Provide expert safety guidance throughout all production phases: pre-prep, prep, shoot, and wrap.
Conduct site safety inspections and audits across sets, workshops, and construction areas.
Support productions in implementing safety protocols tailored to UK regulations and industry standards.
Advise on safe practices for high-risk activities such as stunts, special effects, rigging, and working at height.
Ensure integration of safety procedures into departmental workflows (e.g., transportation, costumes, set construction).
Oversee technical safety guidance and pilot new technologies to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Establish and monitor KPIs for safety and sustainability; provide updates to leadership.
Regional Safety Leadership & Team Management
Lead and manage a team of Production Safety Managers and Advisors in the UK region.
Provide mentorship, training, and performance oversight to safety staff.
Develop a talent pool of Production Safety Advisors in region.
Support team members in prioritising tasks across multiple concurrent projects.
Training & Orientation
Deliver health and safety inductions for crew, including training on UK-specific requirements such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and CDM Regulations.
Facilitate training on PPE usage, equipment handling, and emergency procedures.
Develop and maintain safety training materials and presentations.
Oversee delivery of safety inductions and training sessions for crew members, ensuring consistency in occupational health and safety training across productions.
Risk Assessment & Compliance
Lead the creation and review of risk assessments and method statements (RAMS).
Ensure compliance with UK health and safety legislation, including HSE guidelines and local authority requirements.
Liaise with legal and compliance teams to ensure documentation meets regulatory standards.
Implement safety policies and programs aligned with UK and Disney global standards.
Advisor & Vendor Coordination
Assist productions in sourcing and vetting qualified safety advisors and consultants.
Coordinate with external safety, hygiene, and engineering professionals as needed.
Supervise the vetting and appointment of qualified safety advisors and technical consultants.
Incident Management & Reporting
Investigate and report incidents, near misses, and injuries.
Maintain accurate records and ensure timely reporting to relevant authorities (e.g., RIDDOR).
Support post-incident reviews and corrective action planning.
Lead investigations and reporting of injuries and incidents; interface with regulators and ensure proper documentation and follow-up.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Studio Stakeholders such as Physical Production, Legal, Labor Relations, HR, Risk Management, and Governmental Affairs on safety-related matters.
Liaise with landlords and facilities teams to understand site-specific safety needs.
Represent Disney in industry forums and regulatory engagements.
Strategic & Operational Integration
Contribute to regional safety strategy in collaboration with the Director.
Monitor production safety KPIs and ensure business continuity through risk control.
Influence safety culture across all levels of production.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Required: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in occupational safety, engineering, production, or related field.
Extensive experience conducting safety audits, risk assessments, and training in UK film/TV production or similar environments.
Proven track record of managing safety operations in complex, fast-paced production settings.
Strong experience in production safety, including team leadership and field safety operations.
Skills & Certifications
Strong knowledge of UK health and safety legislation and industry best practices.
Preferred certifications: NEBOSH, IOSH, or equivalent.
Excellent communication and training facilitation skills.
Proficiency in digital tools such as Microsoft Office, AirTable, and Learning Management Systems (LMS).
Strong technical writing skills for documentation and training development.
Experience with international productions and cross-border safety logistics is a plus.
Familiarity with SPFX, stunts, rigging, and other high-risk production environments.
Certifications such as CIH, CSP, ARM, or equivalent are desirable.
This role is critical to maintaining Disney’s commitment to safety, risk mitigation, sustainability, and operational excellence in UK physical production. The Senior Manager serves as a strategic partner to production teams, ensuring that safety is embedded in every aspect of the production lifecycle.
