Director, Production Safety (EMEA/APAC)

The Director, Production Safety provides strategic leadership and oversight of production safety across The Walt Disney Studios (TWDS) productions, including Disney, 20th, Searchlight, Marvel, and Lucasfilm, as well as Studio Operations Sustainability worldwide.

This role is responsible for developing and executing programs that ensure safe working environments and reduce environmental impact across all stages of production. The Director collaborates with internal stakeholders, external partners, and industry groups to drive innovation, compliance, and cultural change in both safety and sustainability practices.

This role will be based at Pinewood Studios and require travel to other production sites both across the UK and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Lead the development and execution of TWDS’s integrated safety across all studio banners and sustainability strategy across Studio Operations..

• Design and evolve comprehensive programs that address key areas such as fuel and energy usage, set materials, catering, travel, and workplace safety.

• Align initiatives with Disney’s enterprise goals and regulatory requirements, ensuring consistency and excellence across productions.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Manage a cross-functional team of direct and indirect reports, including production-level personnel focused on safety and sustainability.

• Foster professional growth and collaboration across departments, including production executives, studio leadership, and external partners.

• Serve as a key liaison between TWDS and Disney’s Safety and Enterprise Sustainability and teams.

Operational Integration & Innovation

• Embed safety and sustainability best practices into production workflows, including transportation, costumes, set design, asset management, and more.

• Identify and pilot innovative technologies and solutions that enhance safety and reduce environmental impact without compromising production quality or efficiency.

• Navigate competing priorities and budget constraints to deliver effective, scalable solutions.

Measurement, Reporting & Compliance

• Develop and track KPIs for both safety and sustainability programs, ensuring transparency and accountability.

• Provide regular executive-level updates on program progress, challenges, and strategic decisions.

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations and environmental standards.

Industry Engagement & Advocacy

• Represent TWDS in industry task forces, academic partnerships, and professional networks focused on safety and sustainability.

• Build and maintain relationships with subject matter experts, production staff, and talent to promote a culture of responsibility and continuous improvement.

• Advocate for bold, forward-thinking changes in production practices that enhance safety and environmental stewardship.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Proven experience in film or television production environments.

• Proven experience developing and implementing sustainability programs.

• Previous management experience leading professional-level employees.

Preferred Experience:

• Deep understanding of production operations and decision-making hierarchies.

• Proven ability to influence change and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups.

• Experience leading environmental sustainability and/or safety initiatives on productions.

• Strong communication skills for interfacing with executives, department heads, and external experts.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, occupational safety, business, or related field or equivalent experience

• Experience creating training programs and materials.

• Expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and sustainable production practices.

• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and executive communication capabilities.