Multi Skilled - Technical Director

Emedia Investments; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Emedia Investments seeks a Technical Director to lead live, pre-recorded and outside broadcasts, coordinating vision mixing, playout operations and gallery workflows to ensure high-quality programme delivery.

The role requires technical leadership across editorial, production and engineering teams, development of SOPs, and proactive response to faults, while fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience leading live, multi-camera productions.
• Ability to coordinate editorial, production and engineering teams.
• Strong knowledge of broadcast standards and quality control.
• Proven capability to manage freelance technical personnel.
• Safety-conscious with a focus on equipment handling and team welfare.

Responsibilities

• Lead live, pre-recorded, and outside broadcasts to ensure seamless technical execution.
• Coordinate with Editorial, Production, Engineering and Technical Operations teams.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures for consistent production standards.
• Plan programme blocking, rehearsals and preparation before transmission.
• Test and configure production equipment prior to broadcasts.
• Respond to technical failures with effective contingency measures.
• Provide guidance and support to technical staff to improve performance.

Skills

Team leadership

Live production

Vision mixing

Playout operations

Broadcast systems

Technical troubleshooting

Tools

Vision mixer

Playout server

Teleprompter

Broadcast switcher

Job description

The Technical Director is responsible for directing and technically coordinating live, pre-recorded studio and outside broadcast productions to ensure seamless, high-quality programme delivery that meets editorial and broadcast standards.

The role oversees vision mixing, playout operations and gallery workflows while maintaining broadcast continuity and responding effectively to technical and operational challenges. The incumbent also provides technical leadership, supports multi-skilled gallery operations and collaborates with editorial, production and engineering teams to ensure efficient and uninterrupted broadcasts.

Team Management

• Lead, supervise and coordinate technical crews during live, pre-recorded studio and outside broadcast productions to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Manage freelance technical personnel to ensure compliance with production requirements, organisational standards and broadcast procedures.
• Allocate technical personnel and resources effectively to meet production schedules, operational priorities and broadcast requirements.
• Conduct regular team meetings, performance discussions and coaching sessions to address performance, conduct and development requirements.
• Identify technical skills gaps and recommend appropriate training and development initiatives to strengthen team capability.
• Promote the safe handling, operation and storage of broadcast equipment in accordance with organisational policies and health and safety requirements.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable and high-performing technical team culture that supports broadcast excellence.

Technical Direction & Production Leadership

• Direct live, pre-recorded and outside broadcast productions to ensure seamless technical execution and high-quality programme delivery.
• Coordinate with Technical Operations, Engineering, Editorial and Production teams to ensure technical requirements and operational readiness are effectively managed.
• Develop, maintain and implement standard operating procedures that support consistent technical production standards and efficient workflows.
• Coordinate programme blocking, technical rehearsals and production preparation to ensure all technical requirements are addressed before transmission.
• Ensure production equipment is appropriately tested, configured and operational before broadcasts commence.
• Respond effectively to technical failures and implement appropriate contingency measures to minimise disruption to programme delivery.
• Provide technical guidance and support to technical personnel to strengthen operational capability and production performance.

Vision Mixing

• Operate the vision mixer during live and recorded productions when required to deliver seamless and professional programme output.
• Execute transitions, digital video effects, keying, graphics and visual compositions in accordance with production requirements.
• Monitor and manage multiple visual sources to ensure accurate selection, sequencing and presentation throughout productions.
• Configure and verify lower thirds, crawlers, digital video effects and other graphical elements before transmission.
• Ensure vision mixing activities comply with organisational technical standards and applicable broadcast specifications.
• Respond promptly to production changes and instructions while maintaining broadcast continuity and visual quality.
• Maintain and develop vision mixing competency in line with evolving production technologies and broadcast requirements.

Playout Server Operations

• Operate and monitor primary and backup playout systems to support continuous and uninterrupted broadcast transmission.
• Verify that scheduled programmes, commercials, promos, news content and other broadcast material are correctly loaded and available before transmission.
• Manage broadcast playlists accurately to ensure correct sequencing, timing and transmission of scheduled content.
• Monitor signal quality, transmission outputs and playout systems throughout broadcasts to identify potential issues promptly.
• Respond effectively to playback failures, automation issues and technical faults to minimise operational disruption.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Information Technology teams to investigate and resolve system-related technical issues.
• Maintain accurate operational logs, incident reports and records of corrective actions relating to playout operations.

Technical Operations & Broadcast Support

• Perform Production Assistant, teleprompter and other gallery support functions as required to facilitate successful programme delivery.
• Conduct comprehensive pre-broadcast technical checks and readiness assessments before each production.
• Monitor studio, gallery, control room and transmission systems to support reliable technical operations.
• Assist with troubleshooting production equipment, studio systems and transmission infrastructure during live and recorded broadcasts.
• Implement approved backup procedures and contingency measures when technical or operational risks arise.
• Support disaster recovery and business continuity procedures to minimise the impact of technical failures on broadcast continuity.
• Demonstrate flexibility and multi-skilled capability by supporting different technical functions in response to changing production requirements.

Quality Assurance, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure technical operations comply with organisational policies, applicable broadcast requirements and relevant industry standards.
• Verify that programme outputs meet required technical quality standards before and during transmission.
• Conduct routine quality assurance checks to identify and address technical issues proactively.
• Maintain accurate operational records, equipment reports, incident reports and production documentation.
• Ensure production activities comply with workplace health and safety requirements and approved equipment handling procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve technical quality, operational efficiency and broadcast reliability.
• Promote a culture of technical excellence, compliance, safety and continuous improvement across the technical team.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Editorial, Production, Engineering and Technical Operations teams to support integrated programme delivery.
• Communicate technical requirements, operational risks, production changes and technical updates clearly and timeously to relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Producers, Directors and technical personnel to ensure production requirements are understood and effectively executed.
• Participate actively in production planning meetings, technical rehearsals and post-production reviews.
• Provide technical guidance and operational support to colleagues during live, recorded and outside broadcast productions.
• Escalate technical issues promptly and recommend practical solutions to minimise their impact on programme delivery.
• Foster effective teamwork, communication and collaboration across technical and production functions.

Personal Development

• Maintain and implement an Individual Development Plan aligned with technical, operational and leadership requirements.
• Participate in approved learning and development initiatives that strengthen broadcast technology, production and operational capabilities.
• Maintain and demonstrate proficiency across relevant technical disciplines, including vision mixing, playout operations, teleprompter operation and Production Assistant functions.
• Apply newly acquired technical knowledge and skills to improve production quality, broadcast reliability and operational efficiency.
• Participate actively in peer learning, knowledge-sharing and technical mentoring initiatives.
• Maintain current knowledge of emerging broadcast technologies, industry developments and operational best practices.
• Demonstrate continuous professional growth by expanding technical capabilities in response to evolving production and operational requirements.