Head of Podcasts

News UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media organization in Greater London seeks a Head of Podcasts to drive the strategic growth of their podcast portfolio. The successful candidate will develop innovative podcast strategies, oversee content quality, and lead a team of producers. Key qualifications include experience in managing podcast portfolios, a track record of revenue growth, and exceptional editorial skills. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of sports audio content and engage diverse audiences.

Benefits

Maternity leave up to 18 weeks full salary

Private medical insurance

Discounted gym memberships

Access to exclusive events

Generous pension scheme with employer contributions

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in managing a portfolio of successful podcasts.
• Proven track record of delivering commercial revenue growth through podcasting.
• Exceptional editorial judgment with strong audio storytelling skills.
• Strong understanding of media law and regulatory issues.
• Agile and adaptable to new technology and digital consumption patterns.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an ambitious innovative podcast strategy.
• Commission new podcast titles driven by emerging market trends.
• Be the chief editorial decision-maker for the podcast portfolio.
• Oversee the creative and operational output of all titles.
• Manage and lead a small team of producers.

Skills

Podcast strategy development

Commercial revenue growth

Audio storytelling

Analytical skills

Leadership

Job description

Head of Podcasts talkSPORT

Reporting to: Head of talkSPORT

talkSPORT is the world’s biggest sports radio station. From World Cups and European Championships to the Premier League and the Champions League through to Test cricket and world‑class boxing the talkSPORT network is at the heart of the world’s major sporting events.

Your role

talkSPORT is seeking a strategic and creative Head of Podcasts to drive the expansion and commercial success of the talkSPORT podcast portfolio. You’ll serve as the chief architect of talkSPORT’s podcast strategy, ensuring all audio and visual output meets world‑class editorial standards, delivers compelling content to a diverse range of listeners and achieves ambitious revenue and audience growth targets. Sitting within the newsroom, the role requires maximising our editorial talent and collaborating across commercial and digital teams to position talkSPORT as the leading voice in sports on‑demand content.

Day to day you will

• Develop and execute an ambitious innovative podcast strategy that aligns with talkSPORT’s overall editorial and business objectives, positioning our content as best‑in‑class.
• Commission new podcast titles driven by emerging market trends and commercial insight, continually refining the portfolio for maximum audience growth.
• Be the chief editorial decision‑maker for the entire podcast portfolio, ensuring all shows maintain the highest standards of quality, compliance and distinctiveness.
• Oversee the creative and operational output of all titles from original commissions to maximised on‑demand audio from live broadcasts.
• Lead the strategy to visualise podcasts where possible, driving video production and leveraging short‑form video content on social media to maximise reach and discoverability.
• Manage and lead a small team of producers, overseeing staffing recruitment and performance management to build a high‑performing audio team.
• Work closely with high‑profile on‑air talent to develop new podcast concepts and enhance existing show performance.
• Partner with the Commercial team to identify, propose and deliver new sponsorship opportunities and commercial partnerships for the portfolio.
• Ensure the strategy takes advantage of the latest platform and industry developments to maximise digital revenues and commercial appeal.
• Analyse performance metrics, audience insights and market trends to continuously refine content formats and scheduling for optimal growth.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Marketing and Communications teams to create visibility plans that drive audience numbers in line with projected marketing goals.

Key Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable experience in devising, launching and managing a portfolio of multiple successful high‑performing podcasts within a major media organisation.
• Proven track record of driving and delivering commercial revenue growth through podcasting, including developing sponsor‑friendly content formats.
• Exceptional editorial judgment and strong audio storytelling skills with an ability to create content that is compelling, illuminating and entertaining.
• Great contacts within sports and entertainment relevant for podcasts.
• Highly analytical with expertise in leveraging audience data, performance metrics and market trends to define, articulate and execute a clear growth strategy.
• Strong understanding of editorial compliance, media law and regulatory issues for on‑demand audio content.
• Experience in successfully leading initiatives within a matrixed organisational structure, collaborating effectively with senior stakeholders in Commercial, Marketing and Editorial teams.
• Demonstrates an innovative approach to growing the audience and commercial footprint.
• An inspiring leader adept at nurturing both production and high‑profile editorial talent to achieve their full potential.
• Exceptional ability to build strong productive partnerships across different business units, particularly bridging the gap between editorial creativity and commercial goals.
• Agile and adaptable, able to react to new technology, platform developments and evolving digital consumption patterns to maintain a competitive edge.

Benefits

• Maternity leave up to 18 weeks full basic salary & paternity leave up to 2 weeks
• Wide range of training available plus full LinkedIn Learning access
• Private medical insurance including coverage for pre‑existing conditions
• Discounted gym memberships, free ClassPass at Home, weekly virtual yoga classes
• Bikes for Work and Electric Car scheme
• Up to 60% discount on Harper Collins books
• Access to exclusive events and competitions with exciting brands such as talkSPORT, Virgin Radio UK & The Times; weekly virtual panel chats with top journalists and celebrities
• Access to wellbeing benefits such as EAP, physio/massage and counselling
• Generous pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 5%
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and up to 4 volunteering days per year

We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to perform to their best when applying for a role. If you would like to receive any information in a different way or for us to do anything differently to support you, please contact us on emailprotected.