Junior Production Manager, Channel 4 News

ITN; Leeds, Greater London; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media organization in the UK is seeking a highly organized Junior Production Manager to support the production of live and recorded news programs. This role involves managing production schedules, coordinating logistics, and supporting both editorial and technical teams. Ideal candidates will have experience in media production and familiarity with production software. A proactive approach and strong communication skills are essential for success in this fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in media production, ideally within a news or current affairs environment.
• Familiarity with the full production lifecycle.
• Working knowledge of production software.
• Experience coordinating teams and resources.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and maintaining production schedules.
• Coordinate logistics for studio and location shoots.
• Create and maintain rotas for staff.
• Support breaking news coverage by responding quickly to changes.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving mindset

Education

Experience in media production

Tools

Adobe Premiere

Avid

Final Cut

Job description

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

• Assist in developing and maintaining detailed production schedules for live and pre-recorded segments
• Coordinate logistics for studio and location shoots, including crew bookings, travel, accommodation, and equipment
• Liaise with editorial and technical teams to ensure all production elements are in place and aligned with editorial priorities
• Support breaking news coverage by responding quickly to changing requirements and ensuring resources are mobilized efficiently

Staffing & Roster Coordination

• Create, publish, and maintain rotas for staff and freelance teams across the newsroom
• Monitor and record hours worked, absences, and shift changes, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance
• Ensure adherence to ITN’s Working Periods Policy and relevant Working Time Regulations
• Book freelancers in line with finance, tax, and employment status guidelines, maintaining accurate records
• Authorize and track weekly freelance cost sheets, ensuring budget alignment and editorial justification
• Liaise with department heads to ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill coverage across shifts
• Build and maintain training schedules and long‑term roster plans to support team development and operational resilience
• Working with support from People Partner to apply HR policies and elevate concerns appropriately

Budget & Resource Management

• Support the Production Manager in tracking and reconciling production budgets
• Monitor daily spend across personnel, equipment, and locations, flagging any variances or risks
• Help optimize resource allocation to ensure cost‑effective delivery without compromising quality

Team & Operational Support

• Act as a central point of contact for production queries, helping resolve day‑to‑day issues
• Support onboarding of freelancers and new team members, ensuring compliance with ITN policies and procedures

Compliance & Editorial Standards

• 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
• Assist in ensuring all content meets technical and editorial delivery standards

Technical & Broadcast Support

• Liaise with studio operations and engineering teams to ensure equipment is functioning and ready for use
• Support live broadcasts by troubleshooting minor technical issues and escalating where necessary
• Maintain awareness of new technologies and workflows that could enhance production efficiency

Post-Production & Delivery

• Coordinate post-production timelines, ensuring editors have the resources and information needed to meet deadlines
• Track delivery of final content to broadcast and digital platforms, ensuring all assets meet required specifications
• Assist with archiving and metadata tagging of completed content

Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate production documentation including call sheets, contracts, schedules, and reports
• Prepare production reports and updates for senior management and stakeholders
• 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

• Experience in media production, ideally within a news or current affairs environment
• Familiarity with the full production lifecycle, from planning through to post‑production and delivery
• Working knowledge of production software ( Adobe Premiere, Avid, Final Cut) and broadcast systems
• Experience coordinating teams and resources in a deadline‑driven environment

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to work collaboratively across departments
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt quickly to changing priorities
• High attention to detail and commitment to editorial and technical quality
• Problem‑solving mindset with a proactive approach to challenges

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays
• Occasional travel may be required for location shoots
• Ability to work extended hours during major news events or breaking stories