Job Description

As the Manager of Innovation and Compliance you will lead the Innovation & compliance function within Network Operations, with overall accountability for operational standards, innovation, and compliance across the Network’s live and pre/post-production operations. Reporting to the Director of Network Operations and managing the Head of Innovation,Head of Compliance & Standards. you will set the operational innovation vision and the standards framework that the sections delivers.

The role ensures that broadcast operations meet the highest technical and editorial standards, that workflows and procedures are documented and adhered to, and that operational practice remains compliant with the Network’s policies, editorial standards, and relevant regulatory and safety requirements. You will champion continuous improvement and innovation, researching industry developments & influence programmes that keep Al Jazeera’s Operations at the forefront of the television industry.

The role requires strong leadership, sound editorial and operational judgment, excellent communication, and a collaborative, can-do approach in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Innovation & Compliance functions, directing the Head of Innovation and head of Compliance ,the section’s Leads to deliver consistent standards, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Define and own the operational “vision” for studio and pre/post-production operations in collaboration with Editorial leadership, and direct its implementation across the Network.
• Establish, approve, and govern standard policies, procedures, and technical standards for Studio Operations and pre/post-production, News gathering, Media operations ensuring they are documented, communicated, and consistently applied.
• Oversee compliance of operational practice with the Network’s editorial standards, code of conduct, safety requirements, and relevant regulatory obligations, and address gaps or breaches.
• Provide leadership and operations consultancy during projects, advising Project Engineers and designers at early stages and steering delivery to achieve operational goals.
• Oversee planning and execution of changes to studio production such as new set designs, new graphic looks, new shows, and workflow changes affecting production, including pre/post-production.
• Ensure the technical output of the newsroom/edits/studio meets the requirements of the News and Programmes Editorial teams, and that the required look and format of each channel’s output is achieved.
• Direct liaison with Technology teams to ensure the full production chain, including studio automation, functions correctly and is effectively monitored.
• Lead workforce capability across the section, including training needs, competency development, succession planning, and the production of guidance and written documentation.
• Facilitate problem solving across teams, ensuring effective bi-directional communication between senior management and production teams.
• Research changing trends within the television broadcast industry and approve innovative plans and investments that benefit the business.
• Own and maintain the section’s contribution to business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
• Contribute to operational planning, budgeting inputs, and resource forecasting for the function.

Other Responsibilities:

• Represent the Innovation & compliance functions in operational and management review meetings and present standards, innovation, and compliance findings.
• Provide expert guidance on Media, Production, and Newsgathering operations across the function’s field of expertise.
• Oversee periodic maturity assessments and benchmarking of operational practices against industry standards.
• Contribute with the News and Planning teams to support budget calculations for new shows.
• Maintain awareness of computerized automation in news systems and emerging broadcast technologies.
• Perform other duties relevant to the job as requested by management.
  

Education:

• Bachelor Degree in Media, Communications, Engineering, or a related field, or extensive equivalent experience. Postgraduate qualifications in a related field are preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years’ experience working in a high-skilled live, On Air environment, of which at least 5 years should have been in a management, standards, or compliance leadership role.