Studio Operations Lead (LA Times Studios)

The Studio Operations Lead oversees all studio and equipment operations to ensure smooth, efficient, and high-quality production across the Company. This role is responsible for maintaining production facilities, managing technical resources, and supporting both studio and field shoots. The Studio Operations Lead serves as the primary point of contact for all studio-related activities, coordinating planning, scheduling, maintenance, and logistics for multiple concurrent productions. In addition to managing equipment inventory and studio readiness, the Studio Operations Lead provides technical guidance to production staff, applies and reinforces safety and operational standards, and ensures all shoots are executed effectively and on time.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all studio operations to ensure facilities, lighting, and camera systems are fully functional, safe, and production-ready for daily use.
• Manage and maintain all production equipment, including inventory, repairs, and vendor relationships, ensuring reliability and accountability across all gear and systems.
• Coordinate studio scheduling and resource allocation across departments to optimize studio utilization and meet production timelines.
• Implement and uphold studio standards for safety, workflow, and technical quality, ensuring consistent, high-caliber production outcomes.
• Maintain accurate documentation of equipment status, safety checks, studio readiness logs, and inventory records to support operational continuity and compliance.
• Provide or delegate technical support for studio and field shoots, troubleshooting issues and maintaining smooth execution during productions.
• Provide guidance and day-to-day support to studio assistants and freelancers, promoting best practices, technical skill development, and operational efficiency.
• Track and recommend budgets for equipment, maintenance, and upgrades (rather than independently managing full budgets), ensuring requests align with production needs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Facilities, IT, and production leadership to improve infrastructure, processes, and long-term studio strategy.
• Apply and enforce established studio safety protocols and OSHA-aligned practices by conducting routine safety inspections, documenting issues, and escalating hazards or noncompliance to management or EHS as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Film, Communications and 5+ years of experience in studio production, broadcast, or technical operations, with 2+ years experience providing technical guidance or acting as a subject-matter resource and supporting scheduling or resource coordination OR 7+ years of experience in studio production, broadcast, or technical operations, with 2+ years experience providing technical guidance or acting as a subject matter resource and supporting scheduling or resource coordination.
• Demonstrated experience with professional camera systems, lighting, and audio equipment.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with the ability to coordinate studio schedules, equipment reservations, and production resources .
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to coordinate budgets, vendors, and timelines effectively.
• Experience serving as a lead technical resource or point of contact for studio operations.
• Ability to track and recommend budget needs, vendor actions, and purchasing priorities.
• Knowledge of studio safety practices, equipment handling procedures and OSHA-aligned guidelines, including experience performing routine safety checks and documenting issues.
• Strong documentation and record-keeping skills, including maintaining equipment logs, safety reports, inventory records, and operational procedures

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with camera systems such as Canon, Blackmagic, and Sony FX series.
• Familiarity with LED lighting and control systems (Aputure, Nanlite, etc.).
• Knowledge of live streaming or multi-camera switching systems.
• Proficiency with scheduling, asset management, or production tracking tools (Airtable, Monday, or equivalent).
• Experience supporting studio renovations, installations, or new equipment rollouts.