Multi Skilled - Technical Director (JHB North)

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 contin