Unit Manager, Factual Podcast Unit

The Factual Podcast Unit is undergoing a period of rapid expansion with a busy and varied slate of work that spans across Narrative True Crime and Investigation, Documentary, History, Arts and Culture and Talent Fronted Factual Formats.

The Unit is building a reputation for brilliant journalism and original storytelling – with success being recognised earlier this year when our team brought home wins at the British Podcast Awards.

Working collaboratively with the other world class production units within BBC Studios, we are joined up in early stage development on ideas to ensure IP is well positioned to be fully exploited across the breadth of the business and with global podcast audiences skewing younger and more diverse than TV, we are reaching new audiences with our content and championing new and existing talent.

The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years proven experience working on Factual content in a senior Production Manager or Unit Manager role, be an avid consumer of narrative podcasts and relish the opportunity to be part of a new team at BBC Studios.

Role Responsibility

• Work closely with the Creative Director, Executive Producers and Production Executive to manage the day to day operations of the unit and help to support the strategic growth plans for the business.
• To be able to both lead and work collaboratively where appropriate, , to shape and deliver output.
• To provide professional advice and guidance based on specialist production management skills, knowledge and experience, deputising for the Production Executive where necessary.
• To provide day to day management and development for a diverse production team, identifying training and development needs of direct reports. Ensuring performance management arrangements are in place.
• Accountable for setting, adjusting and monitoring budgets within a slate, and assessing financial viability of new content ideas.
• Manage future planning of commissions over a financial year.
• To ensure accurate budgeting, scheduling and feasibility planning at development stage ensuring realistic budgets, staff plans and schedules are pitched and proposed.
• To help develop and manage excellent and effective communications across the unit, production management community and department.
• To initiate, direct and implement new initiatives across the department as required.
• To establish a creative and collaborative culture conducive to attracting, retaining and developing talent, ensuring effective succession planning and that diversity is encouraged and developed.
• To arrange the efficient and effective start-up of productions, completing and delivering the required and agreed deliverables to the quality expected of us as first class producers.

Are you the right candidate?

• A strong team player who is happy to work collaboratively across a varied slate.
• An enthusiasm for the genre – actively listening to Podcasts in their space time
• Current knowledge of the BBC and the wider industry.
• Considerable experience of delivering productions (audio experience an advantage, but not essential) on time and on budget.
• Experience of monitoring and managing health & safety on a production.
• Demonstrable working knowledge of end-to-end multi-platform production with a level of technical understanding to enable efficient production of content.
• Effective project management skills and proven experience of delivering projects.
• Thorough knowledge of commissioning and green light procedures in order to guide the processes, ensuring resources and editorial aspirations are aligned.
• Able to advise on production systems and support the implementation of new technologies on productions.
• Able to manage interpersonal relationships effectively and work within a diverse team.
• Interpersonal and communication skills sufficient to establish and maintain effective relations with a wide range of freelance contacts and suppliers.                
• Record of being organised and responsive in fast paced environments. Demonstrating strong planning skills and managing conflicting demands to meet deadlines.
• Able to interpret an editorial brief, explain commissioning requirements and suggest ideas for maximising the value from productions.                                                                                                                                                                              
• Able to proactively devise new ideas for working more efficiently.
• Strong negotiating skills, able to influence, manage and negotiate deals and contracts in line with BBC policies and guidelines.
• Thorough knowledge of the external market for suppliers and resources, with the ability to negotiate and influence key decisions.
• Demonstrates team leadership skills with the ability to direct, develop and motivate teams across a range of output.
• Demonstrable business and finance skills, able to create, forecast and manage significant production resource and budgets.