Senior Automation Director

Volant Media UK Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading broadcast automation company in the UK seeks a Senior Automation Director to enhance programming using automated templates. This role requires expert knowledge of Mosart and extensive experience in directing live productions. The ideal candidate will excel under pressure, possess strong communication skills, and have a proven track record in template curation. The position involves operational shifts, including nights, and offers a dynamic opportunity to contribute to innovative broadcast workflows.

Qualifications

• Super user level knowledge of Mosart and extensive experience in template curation.
• Calm and effective under pressure.
• Ability to maintain effective documentation and training material.

Responsibilities

• Create and refine automation workflows.
• Address faults within Mosart templates in a timely manner.
• Coordinate and direct live programming.

Skills

Mosart expertise

Automation directing

Multi-camera directing

Creativity in direction

Document creation

Communication skills

Tools

Broadcast automation technology

Gallery equipment

Job description

Job Title : Senior Automation Director

Job Ref : SAD-453

Summary

Reporting to the Lead Programme Director, the Senior Automation Director will play a key role in Volant’s Mosart show design and construction of new programming. The Senior Automation director will bring their experience and specialised knowledge to enhance Volant’s programming with the use of automated templates, allowing the Automation Directors to execute sophisticated sequences reliably. This role requires expert-level Mosart knowledge with strong experience in template curation and show design.

The Senior Automation Director will collaborate with other key stakeholders within the organisation to help innovate and assist in the creation of effective broadcast workflows within Volant’s broadcast automation technology.

The Senior Automation Director will be expected to undertake operational shifts and direct live and non-live productions, across all of Volant’s programming.

The role is on a shift basis which will also include nights.

Responsibilities

• Create, refine and develop automation workflows in addition to working with the Lead Programme Director on Volant’s show design.
• Template curation within Mosart and optimising existing workflows that have been created.
• Addressing fault’s within Mosart template’s and resolving issues in a timely manner.
• Communicating requests for template changes for Mosart show design and participating in the sign off process as and when required.
• Assisting the Lead Programme director in the documentation of show design changes as well as training materials.
• Operating an Automation system whilst simultaneously co-ordinating and directing live programming across all of Volant’s output.
• Utilise Automation to deliver complex sequences reliably and frequently.
• Prepare NCS running orders with correct code to ensure your programme will be delivered as it was envisioned with the use of Automated templates. Feeding back to the newsroom is key to this process.
• Be able to deviate from the running order where required and be able to return to the prepared programme when appropriate.
• Coordinate with the Co-Director and perform Gallery line ups and Studio Checks prior to broadcast.
• Responsible for the smooth running of the live and non-live galleries and studios.
• Working closely with the editorial lead and instructing all operational staff in their roles.
• Overseeing all elements of the production from conception through to completion.
• Anticipating challenges and finding solutions to them in short time periods.
• Ability to support the training process of Automation Directors and Junior Automation Directors.
• Adhering to established programme formats and maintaining continuity of programme styles and workflows.
• Following and enacting Broadcast Operation’s protocols and policies correctly.
• Keeping up to date with departmental documentation and communications in relation to updates to working practices.
• Reporting of issues and escalation of incidents to the business in relation to operational faults.
• Responsible for co-ordinating the crew effectively and in a safe manner, following correct H&S practices.
• Deputising for the Lead Programme director as and when required.
• Be across changes and how it impacts your role.
• To undertake any other reasonable duties as required.

Requirements

• The ideal candidate will have “super user” level knowledge of Mosart and will have extensive experience of template curation and show design within Mosart.
• Advanced ability in Automation directing and a deep understanding of how automation gallery's function and interact with traditional broadcast technology.
• Ability to create and maintain effective documentation and training material.
• The Senior Automation Director is required to be a calm and effective operator and must demonstrate composure under pressure.
• Required to work collaboratively with editorial and operational colleagues and to be able to take firm and decisive action as programme changes are made and breaking news occurs. The Senior Automation Director will have an excellent understanding of each of the production components in a gallery, including multi-camera directing, lighting, sound, and graphics.
• A knowledge of world news is important, including being able to recognise and distinguish famous faces and world leaders.
• Creativity in directing programmes is also desirable, as well as an ability to generate a sympathetic approach to different genres.
• The Senior Automation Director role requires the operation of gallery equipment. It therefore requires a level of technical knowledge alongside operational competency.
• The ideal candidate should be experienced directing in an automated environment, with the ability to troubleshoot, adapt, and make quick editorial and technical decisions in fast-paced live broadcasts.
• Experience working closely with production teams, engineering, and technical operators to optimise automated workflows is essential.
• The ideal candidate will have had experience directing foreign language programming and understand the different dynamic this involves.
• To be willing and able to work effectively on a variety of different shifts, including overnights, weekends and public holidays.
• Understanding of Health and Safety in the workplace.
• Extensive gallery and studio experience.
• A good understanding of the infrastructure of the broadcast chain
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent timekeeping and organisational skills.