Head of Technical Operations

www.grapevinejobs.co.uk - Jobboard; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job description

This is a management position, leading the engineering and technical teams who are responsible for building and delivering high end broadcast data workflows to major production companies, broadcast and VOD clients around the world.

Job Context

The Collectv was established in 2014, to provide systems integration, media management and support for broadcast, outside broadcast and post-production systems. In 2015 and 2017 we were awarded Emmys for Outstanding Technical Team Remote at the Olympics as part of NBC’s team.

In 2024 we won the Broadcast Tech Team of the Year award at the Broadcast Tech Innovation Awards for creating an innovative technical solution for Tour De France Unchained series. Our current experience spans the likes of Sky Sports’ Darts events, Formula One for F1 and Netflix (Drive to Survive), Dancing on Ice for ITV, Celebrity Bear Hunt for Workerbee, Winterwatch for the BBC and The Apprentice for Naked TV.

In 2022 we launched Creative Remote, our remote offline post facility, delivering some of the largest global unscripted high-end television series including Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive To Survive and Apple TV’s Make or Break. As one of only a few fully independent technical TV service providers, our people are our most important asset.

Our friendly, reliable and personal approach with our clients and their workflows sets us apart from the competition and what continues to fuel our growth in such a competitive industry.

Job Purpose

The role is responsible for the daily management and long-term development of the engineering team, technical workflow advancements and with overall responsibility for our physical engineering areas.

The position involves:

• Line managing and directing the technical team, engineers and tech runners on daily operations
• Providing support and direction with regards to the teams’ development including annual reviews
• Working closely with the rest of the management team to meet and improve working practices and processes

Key Accountabilities:

• To direct the technical team on a day to day basis, specifically in the planning of projects, staffing and the preparation of equipment
• To line manage the technical team, conducting reviews of the individuals, identifying areas of improvement and development and actioning these
• To recruit staff for the engineering team including assessing freelancers suitability for projects
• To manage and oversee the workshop and warehouse environment including ensuring a full stock, timely PAT testing and technical policies are up to date
• To manage all building maintenance and building related contracts (e.g. servicing of air conditioning)
• To deal with queries and issues for the engineers and clients, troubleshooting problems as they arise and ensuring efficient use of the support systems in place
• Working alongside the Head of Technology, to scope and procure equipment for either purchase or hire
• To ensure equipment is well maintained and if faults or damage is found, ensure this is rectified and that this is communicated with the operational team as to not impact client projects
• Ensure we have the correct support from our equipment suppliers and that these support contracts are in place
• To ensure technical specifications, workflows and diagrams are executed and then implemented amongst the team, and where appropriate, clients
• To work with the commercial department to deliver efficient scheduling of the team whilst fulfilling the requirements of our clients
• To work to the companies technical strategy.

Required Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Experience of line managing, leading and developing technical and operational teams
• Skilled at investigating and solving technical or workflow challenges in a timely manner
• Understanding of Adobe and Avid environments, being aware of IT best practices, knowledge of Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems and networking
• Experience of managing client and supplier relationships.
• Experience in post-production and/or outside broadcast environments
• Familiarity with EVS Broadcast Equipment, and integration with 3rd party applications
• Experience of shared storage systems and media asset management
• Knowledge of media management practices and workflows
• Technical reporting and drawing skills.

The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies:

Leadership

Able to motivate, support and provide guidance to individuals or groups with a variety of skill levels. Demonstrates integrity and ethics, values diversity. Conflict management.

Analytical thinking/Problem Solving

Able to simplify complex problems, process projects into component parts, explore and evaluate them systematically. Able to identify causal relationships and construct frameworks, for problem solving and/or development.

Planning and organising

Is able to think ahead in order to establish an effective and appropriate course of action for self and others including delegation, assigning ownership of task. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources requirements.

Decision making

Is ready and able to take the initiative, originate action and be responsible for the consequences of the decisions made.

Communication

Able to communicate clearly, with precise and understandable messages. Self-awareness of non-verbal communication such as posture, facial expressions, eye contact. Able to actively listen to others expressing themselves.

Flexibility

Adapts and works effectively with a variety of situations, individuals or groups. Is able to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue, to adapt an approach as the requirements of a situation change, and to change or easily accept changes in one’s own organisation or job requirements.

Applications

To apply for this position, please send your details online, via grapevinejobs.