Programme manager

Closing date: 4th November 2024

Reports to: Content Delivery Manager

Department: Content Management

Location: London

Grade: P1

Lead the seamless delivery of content across Channel 4's diverse platforms!

Content Management is responsible for supporting content delivery across the portfolio: Linear, OnDemand and Listings Services. We support live events, platform/content launches and the management of access services. The department is business critical and needs to meet changing business demands. The Head of Content Management reports into the Chief Operating Officer.

The Programme Manager role is responsible for the on-boarding, processing and delivery of content for both Channel 4Streaming publication, linear transmission and FAST channels. Ensuring that all the aspects of programme and film content are prepared to a high standard, in partnership with internal colleagues e.g. (Commissioning, Channel Management, Broadcast Operations, Acquisitions and Technology) and 3rd party service providers.

Key responsibilities

• Ordering/monitoring the progress of material from the producer or distributor through technical review and editing processes to publication.
• Managing and delivering daily programme content schedules.
• Selecting the appropriate programme version for 4Streaming, broadcast and FAST channels publication.
• Working collaboratively with content management teams across key strategic business and departmental initiatives.
• Co-ordinating the preparation and delivery of subtitling, audio description, BSL signing.
• Being the first point of contact for operational and technical programme queries.
• Prioritising technical QCs by our media service provider.  
• Communicating efficiently with a range of internal and external stakeholders including teams within Content Management, Broadcast Operations, Commissioning, Acquisitions, 4Streaming, Technology and 3rd party Service Providers.
• Arranging and assisting in the subtitling of foreign language films and series.
• Managing and allocating work to the Compliance Viewing team.
• Programme Logging – identifying part breaks in acquired content according to Ofcom regulations ensuring schedules are as complete as possible for sending to Playout.
• Processing invoices and running reports.
• Management and housekeeping of C4 tape and digital archive.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

• Previous technical operational experience in broadcasting, streaming or programme traffic is essential.
• Time management and decision-making skills are required so that programmes are ready for publication.
• Experience of streaming operations and ability to problem solve issues.
• Ability to respond to and deal confidently with internal and external stakeholders at all levels and form collaborative working relationships.
• Experience of media management processes; CMS/BMS and MAM solutions; Knowledge/experience of streaming delivery/prioritisation, metadata and access services.
• Knowledge of video file types including the DPP, file delivery and programme metadata.
• Knowledge of broadcast scheduling systems.
• Knowledge of Ofcom rules.

Autonomy / Judgement / Decision Making

• Must take steps to ensure programmes are technically and legally ready for publication.
• Priorities are determined by the channel you manage. Each Manager will be familiar with the content and the relevant commissioning editors and acquisitions teams.
• Authorising emergency edits due to technical/editorial issues if there is no time to return material to producers, or if the commissioning teams are out of contact.
• Self-motivated individual, able to prioritise/assign tasks in an agile environment.
• Able to make swift decisions with consideration for the consequences and risks to the business on-air.
• Understand the operational decisions of this role have a direct impact both editorially and commercially on the business.

Relationship Management

• Key communication includes line manager and immediate team, senior managers and HODs, external clients/partners and 3rd party suppliers.
• Will need to be able to explain and interpret technical and formatting information to producers and distributors.
• Much time is spent talking to producers, commissioning and acquisitions about all the aspects of programme content, Ofcom regulations, versioning and delivery issues.
• You will be working for multiple stakeholders dealing with conflicting priorities and gaining consensus.
• Required to allocate work to 3rd party technicians who perform technical programme reviews and ensure that work is fully performed to an acceptable standard.
• Develop positive relationships with all stakeholders internally and externally, across multiple locations.
• Proven inter-personal skills and the confidence to deal with colleagues at all levels around the organisation.

Hybrid Working

From September 2023, C4 has operated a 60/40 working pattern, equating to three office days per week. Having everyone in the office three days a week gives us more opportunity to build our high performing, inclusive culture; to collaborate and to learn and share with each other, as well as helping to coordinate a regular pattern of home and office working days. Employees then have the flexibility to decide where they spend the rest of the working week. All our offices are open five days a week.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries.

Please make sure that you state in your application that you found this role via Creative Access.