Planning Executive

Job Description

As part of the DNUK Scheduling Team, the role of Scheduling Executive is to take responsibility for the planning, scheduling, and input of channels and to work closely with the Schedule Manager developing forward plans and strategy. They will be responsible for the channel output from plan to release and will be expected to deputize for the schedule Manager where required.

Working with the Senior Planning Manager, the role will be expected to ensure that channels of responsibility will be scheduled optimally to maximize revenue and ratings through an in-depth knowledge of the stock availability, the channel's target audience, its competitors, the D+ windowing strategy and an understanding about how to win and keep viewers with a passion for the genre.

The Planning Executive will also be required to maintain a clear understanding of the scheduling strategies around all the channels and the logistical and legal issues relating to them. The Executive is also expected to feed into the scheduling and windowing strategies for the channels, supporting the Senior Manager and suggesting new ideas and initiatives where possible.

The job requires a great attention to detail, a working knowledge of television ratings and an approach to planning and scheduling that is both strategic and creative.

Key Responsibilities
• Work closely with the Senior Planning Manager to develop schedule strategies for channels of responsibility, ensuring a joined-up portfolio approach.
• Input schedules into IBMS, working closely with the Senior Planning Manager to ensure best practice is followed.
• Monitor channels performance and recommend short/long term initiatives for discussion with the Senior Planning Manager to ensure channels maintain their competitive edge
• Work with Insights team to build and maintain an in-depth knowledge of audiences and competitors and to identify opportunities and threats facing the channels
• Maintain an awareness of programming initiatives across the portfolio
• Work closely with the Senior Planning Manager to identify stacks, stunts or partnerships which will exploit the archive. Identify opportunities for collections, and seasons on Discovery +.
• Develop and maintain programme stock lists. Providing special attention and detail to acquired content, as well as in depth management of US Output Deal content.
• Maintain rotation programming scheduling document
• Ensure distribution of schedules and schedule changes and work with other team members to prevent clashes and ensure effective windowing of content.
• Track terrestrial and key competitor schedules and consider implications on scheduling.
• Build strong relationships with and handle day to day enquires from other departments and teams, informing them of initiatives or changes, as required or requested. Departments to include BSO, Listings, Net Ops, Rights Management, Media Planning, Marketing and On Air.
• Build strong relationships with relevant US stakeholders.
• Maintain the best possible intelligence about forthcoming events and competitor activity in order to inform scheduling decision making. This includes keeping abreast of current affairs that could influence the performance of the schedule.
• Participate in ad hoc internal working groups and taskforces as a representative of the channel(s)
• Management of the schedules from the 12 week deadline to release ensuring all schedule grids, premiere lists and necessary documentation is up to date and accurate.
• Participate in ad hoc internal working parties as a representative of the channel (s)

Requirements
• Programme planning/scheduling experience
• Excellent admin skills and attention to detail
• Excellent Communication skills at all levels.
• An analytical mind with creative flair to identify key facts, trends, and issues.
• High motivation
• Assertive and confident with a tenacious approach to problem solving.
• Resilience to cope with the pressure of tight deadlines and a demanding workload with changing priorities.
• Strong understanding of audience research and usage data across linear and non-linear
• Experience of working in a commercial organization
• Love of non-scripted TV content

IT competence
• Experience in Word & Excel, Google a must.
• Preferably proficient in IBMS and TechEdge

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rv7e8m-3-141-47-221-42 in your application.