Playout Director, Channel 4 Services

About this role

Main Purpose: The Playout Director is responsible for ensuring the seamless, accurate and uninterrupted delivery of Channel 4 services from the transmission suite, in accordance with schedules, compliance requirements and live event workflows. The role is accountable for the monitoring, control and mitigation of on-air risks across both pre-recorded and live content, supporting some of the UK's highest-profile terrestrial television channels. In addition to transmission responsibilities, the role may support media preparation activities, live event preparation, and the management of incoming feeds. Operating within a 24/7/365 shift environment, the Playout Director must demonstrate exceptional communication skills, professionalism and sound operational judgement when working with clients, production teams, continuity announcers and internal stakeholders. Working collaboratively within a team of Playout Directors, the role contributes to the development and maintenance of operational best practices, ensuring the highest standards of service delivery, output quality and client satisfaction. Principal Responsibilities: • Manage, maintain and monitor daily transmission schedules provided by the client. • Oversee all critical elements of the service, including video, audio, graphics, SCTE triggers, delay systems, access services, blanking events and live broadcasts. • Monitor service hand-off points, including OTT delivery paths, and promptly identify, escalate and coordinate resolution of any issues. • Respond rapidly and effectively to minimise or prevent on-air impacts across the playout chain. • Apply escalation procedures accurately and communicate issues clearly to internal teams and client stakeholders. • Collaborate with MCR, clients and content delivery partners to ensure smooth operational delivery. • Investigate, track and resolve missing material within the playout automation environment. • Process client-driven schedule amendments while maintaining schedule accuracy and integrity. • Execute both routine and high-profile live events, including source switching, break management, schedule timing and coordination with production teams via talkback systems. • Coordinate with MCR to confirm live event recordings, support content QC processes and manage schedules for repeat transmissions with tight turnaround requirements. • Work closely with on-site continuity announcers to manage both live and pre-recorded continuity requirements. • Maintain accurate, detailed and timely logs of service-impacting incidents, operational deviations and corrective actions. • Maintain a working knowledge of incoming contribution and OS line services. • Understand both Encompass and client network infrastructures and operational facilities to implement contingency and disaster recovery procedures when required. • Act as the primary operational point of contact between external providers and the Encompass playout operation. • Escalate technical issues relating to playout automation, media asset management systems and contribution feeds to the Support Engineering teams. • Oversee automated content management workflows, proactively identifying and resolving issues to ensure content readiness ahead of transmission. Experience / Knowledge: • Extensive experience within a live transmission or broadcast playout environment. • Strong understanding of UK broadcast compliance requirements, including Ofcom regulations and COSTA standards. • Proven operational experience with broadcast automation systems, preferably Grass Valley AMPP. • Comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end playout chain, including distribution and affiliate delivery workflows. • Strong understanding of live event management and transmission risk mitigation. • Experience operating in a fast-paced, client-focused broadcast environment. Personal Skills: • Passion for delivering high-quality broadcast services for one of the UK's leading terrestrial television brands. • Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and the adoption of modern broadcast technologies. • Strong sense of accountability and ownership. • Excellent teamwork, collaboration and interpersonal skills. • Confident and professional communicator in client-facing environments. • Ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound operational decisions in time-critical situations. • Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively in a dynamic 24/7 operation. Benefits Include: • 264 hours annual leave per annum, inclusive of Bank Holidays • Matched up to 5% pension contributions and independent pension advice • Health benefits including eye care vouchers, health cash plan and 24/7 employee assistance programme • Income protection and Life Assurance scheme • Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay • Season ticket loan, Bike scheme, Gym discounts and more! • Volunteer days and regular wellness and engagement events • Performance recognition awards • Refer a Friend Scheme Diversity & Inclusion: At EDM we are committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or any other characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010. We will make reasonable adjustments to support you where appropriate. If you have any requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application. Right to work in UK: The successful candidate must have the legal right to work in the UK by the start date of their employment. Please note that EDMSL is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.