SVP, Development

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery... the stuff dreams are made of.
Who We Are...
When we say, "the stuff dreams are made of," we're not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD's vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what's next...
From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.
Warner Bros. has been entertaining audiences for more than 90 years through the world's most-loved characters and franchises. Warner Bros. employs people all over the world in a wide variety of disciplines. We're always on the lookout for energetic, creative people to join our team.
Your new role...
Warner Bros. Pictures Animation seeks an SVP, Development to lead feature animation by overseeing the development strategy and execution of original animated features for WBD. This individual will manage all stages of content development, from ideation and pitching to greenlighting projects, while working closely with creative teams to bring high-quality stories to life. The SVP will ensure alignment between business goals and the creative vision, guiding projects through a seamless development pipeline.
Work Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience in animation development preferably at a studio and/or agency with experience in feature or TV required.
• Experience leading the development of original animated features, ensuring a robust slate that aligns a studio's creative direction and goals.
• Experience working with Studio Executives and Creative Management required.
• Experience working with animation talent (producers, writers, directors, etc.) at all levels.
• Experience serving as a key liaison between external partners (i.e. partner studios, talent agencies, content distributors).
• Experience collaborating with senior studio leadership to define and execute long-term content strategies to ensure the animation slate is positioned to meet the evolving landscape of a global audience.
• Experience identifying new trends, formats, and storytelling techniques in animation to ensure a studio is at the forefront of the industry.
• Experience supervising all aspects of animation film development, across multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Extensive experience with the process of making of animated features.

Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.

Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to manage the animation development team to build a creative and diverse slate across multiple genres and demographics.
• Ability to provide creative feedback on feature development and production.
• Maintain a clear creative vision and ensure all projects align with the studio's content strategy.
• Ability to showcase exceptional story sense, with a proven ability to develop compelling characters, narratives, and visual worlds.
• Ensure the animation development slate hits short and long-term goals.
• Ability to manage a team and set clear priorities and goals for them to achieve.
• Knowledge of script analysis, story and character development process required.
• Strong knowledge of animation production process and industry marketplace.
• Strong reputation and extensive network within feature animation industry.
• Proven ability to pitch projects (including supervising pitches by artistic talent) and prepare and present information about projects.
• Deep relationships with top-tier (or best in class) writers, directors, artists, and production partners in the industry.
• Passion for animation with a deep commitment to innovation and creative excellence.

Other Requirements

• Thorough knowledge (and experience) of animation film development and deal-making.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and other shared document systems.
• Must be able to locate, nurture, and formulate ideas for new talent.
• Must be able to research and coordinate various projects.
• Must be detailed-oriented.
• Must be able to handle confidential information.
• Must be able to problem solve within scope of responsibility.
• Must have strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must be extremely organized.
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks.

Management has the right to add or change duties and job requirements at any time.
How We Get Things Done...
This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.
Championing Inclusion at WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society and the world around us. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.
If you're a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.
In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery's total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $274,400.00 - $509,600.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.
If you're a qualified candidate with an arrest or conviction record, please know that your application will be considered in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.