Director, Production Innovation

Overview

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, Golf Now, Golf Pass, and Sports Engine. 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.

• Lead the strategic development and operational oversight of production workflows that will empower the creative operations team with reliable, scalable, and flexible production solutions that support rapid content creation, seamless graphics integration, and efficient collaboration across live and recorded formats.
• Manage and optimize playback systems, including the integration among VizRT, Trio and Sync.
• Explore and integrate next generation playback systems that incorporate AI driven suggestion engines and automation.
• Oversee application lifecycle management for production-related tools, ensuring alignment with editorial and technical goals.
• Explore and implement emerging technologies to optimize the creative team’s “development to delivery” time and overall output.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, editorial, and creative to deliver integrated technology solutions.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, particularly in AI, cloud production and automation, and translate them into actionable strategies.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies to enhance production efficiency, quality, and innovation.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to production technology staff.
• Develop and manage budgets, vendor relationships, and project timelines.

• 10+ years of experience in broadcast or digital production technology, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Deep understanding of control room operations, signal flow, and live production environments.
• Expertise in VizRT, RTG, and other real-time graphics systems.
• Hands-on experience with cloud-based switcher platforms and alternate video switching technologies, with a strong understanding of how they integrate into modern production environments to support remote workflows and scalable creative operations.
• Proven experience in application management and workflow optimization.
• Strong grasp of emerging technologies including AI, machine learning, and cloud-based production tools.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

• Strategic thinker with a passion for innovation.
• Collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Technologically curious and proactive in exploring new solutions.

• This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week.
• 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: $160,000 - $180,000 (bonus & LTI eligible).

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…