Business Manager: Channel Africa - Auckland Park at The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

Main Purpose of the position

To provide strategic direction, guidance and management of the station in a cost-effective and efficient manner, in compliance with the license conditions and South African Broadcasting Corporation PBS mandate to maximise audience and revenue opportunities.

Key Accountabilities:

• Develop and implement station strategy in line with the country’s foreign policy as well as the overarching SABC strategy and business objectives.
• Guide the development and implementation of programming and marketing plans aligned to audience needs and mandate obligations.
•  Develop and evaluate business plans in line with brand requirements and financial sustainability.
• Develop plans to reach new markets and increase Channel Africa’s penetration in the continent.
• Communicate station strategy to all staff and supporting departments to ensure alignment.
• Oversee and monitor marketing of the station in Africa to ensure creation of opportunities for collaboration to achieve financial sustainability, audience growth and brand awareness.
•  Identify and exploit alternative revenue streams with internal and external stakeholders.
•  Monitor and oversee the delivery of high quality programme content that can be sold or licence to other broadcasters.
•  Facilitate and support creative processes by both marketing and programming teams.
•  Facilitate the commissioning of research and ensure optimal utilisation of research findings in critical decision making.
•  Monitor and ensure that content developed for the station is in line with the mandate and is exploitable beyond initial broadcast.
•  Facilitate talent scouting initiatives, in South Africa and the continent, and implement development plans for acquired talent.
•  Compile and manage the utilisation of station budget.
•  Monitor and manage station financial performance in line with the mandate and SABC’s sustainability goals.
•  Manage the contracting and payment of independent contractor as well as other service providers.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance and adhere to SABC policies and procedures, as well as international laws.
• Develop and implement the Standard Operating Procedures as well as other necessary controls to ensure accountability and delivery of high quality services.
•  Address audit findings including consequence management, and close all gaps in compliance.
•  Oversee the management of risks to protect organisational integrity, create value, prevent financial losses and ensure compliance with applicable policies and legislations
• Maintain close relations with Sales and Adventure in order to adequately define stations’ revenue requirements and close any gaps.
•  Initiate trade marketing activities in relevant African markets in consultation with Sales and Corporate Affairs.
•  Provide continuous feedback to senior management and station team regarding operational status and strategy performance.
•  Closely manage external and internal stakeholders in order to ensure optimal delivery on PBS mandate as well as exploitation of revenue opportunities.
• Contract and evaluate staff performance in accordance with organizational Performance Management System and policy
•  Ensure adequate staffing for fair workload distribution and effective leadership (including leave Management).
•  Effective briefing of and communication with departmental staff and senior managemnt.
•  Complete personal Development Plans (PDP) for all staff members
•  Provide a conducive work environment that supports creativity and personal growth.
•  Coach, mentor and guide junior employees.
•  Provide leadership on the retention and attraction of staff, and champion succession planning.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations/Journalism//Media Studies or equivalent qualification. NQF 7
• 6 years’ experience in a broadcasting environment of which 3 years should be in Radio Station management level.
• Understanding of ICASA regulations, South Africa’s Constitution, all broadcasting and other relevant legislation, BCCSA Code of Conduct, SABC editorial policies, and other quality assurance tools.
•  Advanced knowledge and understanding of African politics and socio-economic issues.
•  Radio production processes and systems.
•  Excellent understanding of the international media space.
•  Experience in planning, budgeting for and executing special broadcasts and projects.
•  Strategic thinking and ability to improvise and innovate.
•  International stakeholder management.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
•  Business writing.
•  Ability to work under pressure.
•  Project management skills.
•  Digital media and computer skills.