ABOUT THE ROLE
Tiny Chef Show Productions (TCP) is an independent stop-motion animation studio built around the beloved Tiny Chef Show and its universe of characters. Powered by a fan-supported model and a small, mighty creative team, we’re scaling a growing franchise across content, merchandise, licensing, and live experiences — all while staying true to a handmade, deeply authentic creative ethos.
We’re entering a pivotal growth chapter, and we’re looking for a General Manager who can be a true business partner to our founders — someone who thinks strategically, operates tactically, and brings calm, steady leadership to a fast-moving, creatively driven studio. This is a high-trust, high-impact role: you’ll be in the room for major business decisions, the face of TCP to outside partners, and the architect behind how our team and budgets are structured as we scale.
It’s ideal for someone who has operated inside the entertainment or media industry, understands deal structures and IP, and knows how to build the operational backbone of a growing company without losing its creative soul.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Partner directly with founders on major business decisions across licensing, partnerships, production, and growth strategy; bring sound business judgment to fast-moving opportunities.
Serve as a primary point of contact for incoming business opportunities — licensing inquiries, brand partnerships, agency conversations, and investment discussions — and represent TCP professionally and confidently in external meetings and negotiations.
Help vet, prioritize, and manage relationships with agencies, partners, and potential investors.
Help design and evolve the studio’s org structure as the team grows, and support hiring strategy for future roles alongside founders.
Bring clarity and process to a team that’s used to moving fast and wearing many hats.
Build and manage budgets across productions, departments, and special projects; help forecast financial needs and support fundraising or financing conversations.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Significant experience in business operations, management, or business development — ideally within entertainment, media, or a related creative industry.
Strong understanding of entertainment business fundamentals (licensing, IP, production budgets, deal structures).
A track record of building or scaling teams and operational systems.
Excellent judgment — someone who can be trusted to make smart calls independently and know when to loop in founders.
Calm, grounded presence; strong communication skills that work equally well in a room with investors or a scrappy production meeting.
Genuine excitement about TCP’s mission, characters, and creative values — we care a lot about craft, authenticity, and doing things the handmade way.
Bonus: existing relationships in entertainment, licensing, or brand partnerships; experience working with or advising early-stage or founder-led companies; familiarity with fan-supported or membership-based business models.
