Narrative Entertainment
Programming Lead
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Reports To
Director of Programming
The Synopsis
Narrative Entertainment is the UK's largest independent TV broadcaster, with a portfolio spanning Movies, Entertainment and Children's TV. We operate across linear broadcast channels (GREAT! and POP Networks), AVOD apps, and a growing range of FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television) channels across major platforms.
The Role
The Programming Lead runs their own channel end to end - owning the schedule, planning, editorial and programming budget - while also overseeing a small team of experienced channel managers and contributing to the wider channel strategy. Reporting to the Director of Programming, who holds overall accountability for programming strategy, you'll set the standard for planning and scheduling across the portfolio, translate strategy into competitive, audience-winning schedules, and balance spend against return to keep your channel performing commercially. As the primary point of contact for your channel across linear, FAST and VOD, you'll work closely with marketing and creative services, research, operations, media planning, compliance, finance and commercial teams.
Scene by Scene
Run Your Channel
- Own the planning and execution of quarterly and monthly schedules and promo-tables for your channel
- Evaluate and select programming, applying strong editorial judgement to build schedules that hold brand values and hit commercial ratings KPIs.
- Analyse ratings and trends (BARB and TechEdge), track competitor activity, and turn insight into competitive scheduling decisions.
- Partner and communicate effectively with teams across the organisation and manage delivery with partners including agencies, traffic, compliance and broadcast services.
- Oversee inventory and stock and keep planning documents accurate and shareable - rolling 12-month and full-year plans, and highlights.
Management of Area
- Oversee a small team of experienced channel managers, setting clear objectives and consistent standards, and supporting their delivery.
- Take ownership of your programming budget - balancing spend against return, keeping a clear and current view of your financial position, and bringing sound financial acumen and accountability to every content decision.
- Own monthly portfolio planning sessions, coordinating programme sharing, complementary promotions and stunts, and avoiding clashes across the portfolio.
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Shape Strategy and the Portfolio
- Contribute to shaping the department's channel strategy and long-range plan, in support of the Director of Programming
- Take an evidence-based approach to content - partnering with the insights and research team and turning performance data and audience insight into clear, evidence-backed content recommendations and plans
- Oversee M&E VOD planning and delivery, support delegated budget management, and continually seek opportunities to improve channel and portfolio performance
What We Want From You
Essential
- Substantial, recent experience managing channel services, ideally in free-to-air television.
- Experience leading a team, with the ability to get the best from people
- Strong editorial judgement and deep knowledge of the UK content and TV landscape, including the rights market
- Proficiency with BARB and TechEdge to build ratings-driven schedules across linear and on-demand services
- Strong analytical and presentation skills. Strong financial acumen, with the confidence to own a programming budget, balance spend against return and deliver commercial results
- Solid working knowledge of Ofcom compliance and the UK Broadcasting Code
- Knowledge of BTS or a similar scheduling tool (training can be provided), and of the advertising market
About You
- A proactive approach and an analytical eye – excited by continual improvement and the desire to make an impact
- Highly organised and calm under pressure, able to juggle a varied workload without dropping standards
- An excellent communicator – respectful, clear and able to communicate with a variety of stakeholders
- Collaborative and comfortable working across departments
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What We Offer
- Private Medical Cover (AXA Health) – Comprehensive cover including physical and mental health support, therapies and full medical history disregard
- Healthcare & Wellbeing – Medicash healthcare plan, discounted gym membership and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Added Protection – Pension plan, income protection and life assurance
- Time Off – 32 days annual leave (including bank holidays and birthday leave)
- Flexibility – Hybrid working model with flexible start and finish times
- Holiday Trading – Opportunity to buy or sell annual leave
- Working Environment – Modern office space with complimentary snacks and beverages
- Team Culture – Regular social events, workplace groups and collaborative working environment
Our Commitment
We share the belief that in order for people to truly perform, they must feel respected and included at all stages of their journey. We are committed to creating a sense of belonging in our working environments and removing any barriers that impact achieving true equity and inclusion. We are dedicated to fairness throughout candidate and employee experiences. If you have any requests, queries or adjustments, or would like to discuss the recruitment process, please reach out to the People Team via jhighfield@narrative.com and we will happily discuss and accommodate
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to making all employment decisions without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and employment lifecycle.
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