Job Description

Exciting opportunity for an experience Automation Director to join a successful live news broadcaster based in London.  Reporting to the Lead Programme Director, you’ll have overall responsibility for the look and feel of programmes while adhering to established show formats in an automated environment. Working closely with Programme Editors and Output Producers, you’ll ensure each programme is delivered exactly as intended and in line with channel guidelines for audio and visual presentation. You’ll manage and adapt to programme needs using automation technology and the newsroom computer system (NCS).

Responsibilities

• Operate the automation system while simultaneously co-ordinating and directing live programming across the broadcaster’s output.

• Use automation to deliver complex sequences reliably and at pace.

• Prepare NCS running orders with correct coding; identify and report workflow issues back to the newsroom.

• Deviate from the running order when required and return smoothly to the prepared programme.

• Co-ordinate with Junior Automation Directors; lead gallery line-ups and studio checks prior to broadcast.

• Oversee the smooth running of live and non-live galleries and studios.

• Work closely with editorial leads and direct all gallery and studio staff.

• Oversee production elements from conception through to completion.

• Anticipate challenges and deliver solutions in a live environment.

• Take ad-hoc items to air via the automation GUI.

• Support the training and development of Automation Directors and Junior Automation Directors.

• Assist the Lead Programme Director and Senior Automation Director in maintaining and improving automation workflows.

• Co-direct as required; maintain a strong understanding of both roles in an automated gallery.

• Adhere to established programme formats, maintaining continuity of style and workflow.

• Follow Broadcast Operations protocols and policies; keep documentation current.

• Report issues and escalate incidents related to operational faults and working practices.

• Co-ordinate crew effectively and safely, following H&S practices.

• Stay across operational changes and assess their impact on the role.

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required.

Requirements

• A calm, effective operator who demonstrates composure under pressure.

• Collaborative with editorial and operational colleagues; able to take firm, decisive action during changes and breaking news.

• Strong understanding of gallery production components: multi-camera directing, cameras, lighting, sound and graphics.

• Creativity in directing and an ability to adapt style across genres.

• Hands-on experience with broadcast automation systems—ideally Viz Mosart; experience with Ross OverDrive or Grass Valley Ignite also valued.

• Confidence directing in an automated environment with the ability to troubleshoot, adapt and make rapid editorial/technical decisions.

• Experience partnering with production, engineering and technical operators to optimise automated workflows.

• Experience directing foreign-language programming is advantageous.

• Strong awareness of world news; able to recognise key figures and world leaders.

• Willingness to work a rotating shift pattern including overnights, weekends and public holidays.

• Sound knowledge of Health & Safety in the workplace.

• Extensive gallery and studio experience.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, timekeeping and organisational ability.

Please note the company operates a 24/7 environment and this role is shift-based, including some night and weekend working.

If you feel you have the skills and experience to be successful in this role, please apply now for consideration, candidates must be fully eligible to work in the UK to be considered.