Description
We are looking for a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Junior Production Manager to join our award-winning News & Current Affairs team. This role is ideal for someone with early experience in media production who is looking to deepen their understanding of the fast-paced world of broadcast journalism.
You will play a key role in supporting the production of live and recorded news programmes, as well as digital content, ensuring smooth operations across editorial, technical, and logistical workflows. You’ll work closely with producers, journalists, technical teams, and external suppliers to help deliver high-quality content on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
Production Planning & Coordination
1. Assist in developing and maintaining detailed production schedules for live and pre-recorded segments
2. Coordinate logistics for studio and location shoots, including crew bookings, travel, accommodation, and equipment
3. Liaise with editorial and technical teams to ensure all production elements are in place and aligned with editorial priorities
4. Support breaking news coverage by responding quickly to changing requirements and ensuring resources are mobilized efficiently
Staffing & Roster Coordination
5. Create, publish, and maintain rotas for staff and freelance teams across the newsroom
6. Monitor and record hours worked, absences, and shift changes, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance
7. Ensure adherence to ITN’s Working Periods Policy and relevant Working Time Regulations
8. Book freelancers in line with finance, tax, and employment status guidelines, maintaining accurate records
9. Authorize and track weekly freelance cost sheets, ensuring budget alignment and editorial justification
10. Liaise with department heads to ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill coverage across shifts
11. Build and maintain training schedules and long-term roster plans to support team development and operational resilience
12. Working with support from People Partner to apply HR policies and escalate concerns appropriately
Budget & Resource Management
13. Support the Production Manager in tracking and reconciling production budgets
14. Monitor daily spend across personnel, equipment, and locations, flagging any variances or risks
15. Help optimize resource allocation to ensure cost-effective delivery without compromising quality
Team & Operational Support
16. Act as a central point of contact for production queries, helping resolve day-to-day issues
17. Support onboarding of freelancers and new team members, ensuring compliance with ITN policies and procedures
Compliance & Editorial Standards
18. Ensure all production activities comply with legal, regulatory, and editorial standards, including Ofcom guidelines and ITN’s internal policies Support health and safety planning for shoots, including risk assessments and insurance documentation
19. Assist in ensuring all content meets technical and editorial delivery standards
Technical & Broadcast Support
20. Liaise with studio operations and engineering teams to ensure equipment is functioning and ready for use
21. Support live broadcasts by troubleshooting minor technical issues and escalating where necessary
22. Maintain awareness of new technologies and workflows that could enhance production efficiency
Post-Production & Delivery
23. Coordinate post-production timelines, ensuring editors have the resources and information needed to meet deadlines
24. Track delivery of final content to broadcast and digital platforms, ensuring all assets meet required specifications
25. Assist with archiving and metadata tagging of completed content
Administrative Duties
26. Maintain accurate production documentation including call sheets, contracts, schedules, and reports
27. Prepare production reports and updates for senior management and stakeholders
28. Support procurement and invoice processing in line with ITN’s finance procedures
These are the main requirements of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties. It is intended to reflect the nature, range, and context of the work, which will change over time.
Key Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
29. Experience in media production, ideally within a news or current affairs environment
30. Familiarity with the full production lifecycle, from planning through to post-production and delivery
31. Working knowledge of production software ( Adobe Premiere, Avid, Final Cut) and broadcast systems
32. Experience coordinating teams and resources in a deadline-driven environment
Skills & Competencies
33. Excellent organisational and time management skills
34. Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to work collaboratively across departments
35. Ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt quickly to changing priorities
36. High attention to detail and commitment to editorial and technical quality
37. Problem-solving mindset with a proactive approach to challenges
Additional Requirements
38. Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays
39. Occasional travel may be required for location shoots
40. Ability to work extended hours during major news events or breaking stories