Head of Automation

Al Jazeera Media Network; Qatar; On-site; QAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Al Jazeera Media Network seeks a Head of Automation with extensive experience in automated studio production and gallery directing. You will lead the Automation section, recruit, train, and mentor staff while ensuring top-quality on-air output.

Responsibilities include directing automation for galleries, events, and news coverage, maintaining NRCS workflow, coordinating with Newsroom and Programmes teams, and ensuring business continuity in all automation operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in film, directing, media, communications, graphics, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in broadcast news, with at least 5 years in a senior automation or directing role within a News Production control room.
• Strong supervisory and staff development skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure centralization and consistency in automation workflows and on-air output of all galleries in News and Programmes.
• Manage and implement policies and procedures for the automation team.
• Oversee and take full responsibility for the on-air output of the automation galleries during live news bulletins and pre-recorded programmes.
• Work with Newsroom, Programmes, and Creative teams to achieve the visual style via automation.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Automation systems

NRCS

Broadcast operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in film, Directing, Media, Communications, Graphics, or related field

Tools

NRCS

Job description

As the Head of Automation you will have comprehensive experience in automated studio production and gallery directing, possessing strong supervisory and management capabilities, who can handle recruitment, training, and management of all staff within the Automation section.

You will be primarily tasked with the automating directing and operations of all galleries, special events, and special news coverage, including critical zones. Supporting production by fusing technical and creative elements through the automation system to produce on-air news and programmes ensuring full operational control of all gallery equipment (video, audio, cameras, lighting, graphics) through automation including mentoring for the Automation section on all aspects of automated production.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure centralization and consistency in the automation workflows and on‑air output of all galleries in News and Programmes.
• Manage and implement policies and procedures for the automation team.
• Oversee and take full responsibility for the on‑air output of the automation galleries during live news bulletins and pre‑recorded programmes, including switching between video sources, camera shots, and graphics.
• Work closely with Newsroom, Programmes, and Creative teams to determine and technically achieve the visual style of the channels' output through the automation system.
• Ensure programme rundowns are accurately tracked and executed through the NRCS.
• Ensure backup systems are activated immediately in case of failure to maintain smooth, uninterrupted operation.
• Facilitate problem solving, collaboration, and communication, ensuring information flows bi‑directionally between Senior Management and the production team.
• Manage, motivate, and lead the automation operations teams.
• Liaise with Broadcast Engineering to ensure studio automation equipment is maintained and functioning properly.
• Design and implement automation workflows.
• Monitor and maintain business continuity and disaster recovery processes for automation operations.
• Mentor and develop team members.

Other Responsibilities

• Attend meetings with management and direct reports.
• Set staff objectives and carry out annual appraisals for the team.
• Identify annual training requirements for the team.
• Ensure capturing of KPIs and generate daily, weekly, and monthly reports.
• Manage team recruitment and ensure operational continuity.
• Liaise with all stakeholders during special coverage and special events to ensure all technical and automation requirements are captured and booked.
• Contribute with the Newsgathering and Planning teams to support budget calculations for production.
• Perform other duties relevant to the job as requested across Al Jazeera Media Network.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in film, Directing, Media, Communications, Graphics, or related field. Diplomas and certificates in a related field are preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in a broadcast news environment or related fields, of which at least 5 years should have been in a senior automation or directing role within a News Production control room.