Sectional Lead: Operations Management (KZN) (13319) at The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

Main purpose of Position: 

• To manage and provide strategic direction to the Operations Team/s, to optimally facilitate the technical and operational requirements of Radio and TV broadcasting according to the requirements of internal and external clients. Effective and efficient planning, scheduling, coordination and utilization of facilities and resources to manage productions and operations and contribute to broadcast content.

Key Accountabilities:

• Complete knowledge of the broadcast chain to fully understand the customer requirement and provide expert sound technical and operational system solutions to serve the customer's needs
• Complete and thorough understanding of all genres of broadcasting both for Television and Radio to provide an expert multi-skilled solution, e.g. Sport, Drama, SONA, Parliament Activations, Radio & TV Outside Broadcasts, Live & Production Studios, News, etc
• Create and maintain a positive relationship with all Divisions by understanding their operational requirements and providing expert system solutions that will meet all diverse requirements.
• Document, investigate, and provide expert solutions to customer queries and complaints within agreed turnaround time.
• Implement Performance Management as per organizational policy and procedures
• Engage with staff to address performance shortfalls and engage with organizational units to address training shortfalls
• Disseminate information and ensure all staff remain informed at all times of organizational and divisional matters
• Expertly maintain a positive relationship with all suppliers to protect the interests of all internal clients as well as be informed of future technology advancements.
• Regular customer engagements to understand current and future-based needs, thereby providing expert innovative measures and solutions to all aspects of their environment
• Setting standards/criteria for performance and monitoring quality of work/systems in compliance with industry standards Setting standards/ criteria for performance and monitoring quality of work/ systems in compliance with standards
• Expert in knowledge base and understanding of all HR policies & procedures, e.g. Employment Equity, Labour Relations, Code of Conduct, etc to promote healthy people management practices
• Create and revise Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) at an expert level and provide understandable and sequential documentation of procedures to be followed by stakeholders
• Cost estimations, controlling costs and budget inputs to demonstrate sufficient financial knowledge and skills to assist management with costs and budgets
• Advanced level of operational knowledge & understanding of discipline e.g. equipment & facilities in broadcast environment, operating systems, first line maintenance, etc.
• Execution of all genres of broadcasting especially with dramas, documentaries, sport broadcasts, live broadcasts, orchestra recordings, live front of house, music production, production of documentaries, news in the field support, government activations, Radio and TV activations with clients, etc.
• Setting up, monitoring and managing outside broadcast infrastructure to ensure adherence to technical and safety specifications, maximum utilisation of facilities and resources for successful recording, production and broadcast
• Quality control and monitoring of productions (internal and external) to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of operations and ensuring quality productions
• Assisting and monitoring with rigging and de-rigging cables and equipment, ensuring the efficient and effective setting up and dismantling of the complete infrastructure and its safe return to the SABC base.
• Managing specialised skills within the team to leverage alternative revenue streams as and when required
• Expert problem-solving principles to resolve a fault within a reasonable time in a facility system during production, showing the understanding of the system, e.g. transmission problems, configuration, etc.
• Read, analyse, identify and understand technical circuit drawings and component functionality. 

Key Performance Skills

• Expert understanding of broadcast standards and best practice. 
• Expert to Advanced Knowledge and understanding of current operating systems, configurations and security requirements.
• Expert Knowledge and understanding of IT Security policies and procedures.
• Expert knowledge & understanding of different audio & video formats. 
• Sound Knowledge and understanding of circuit diagrams and electronic components.
• Expert understanding of broadcast operations.
• Expert understanding of Financial Management.
• Expert Knowledge and understanding of business and broadcast planning

Minimum Requirements:

• Sound Engineering Certificate (3 years) or a Diploma NQF Level 6
• Or Film/Video Technology/Production Course/Relevant Qualifications
• Specialised courses (RAB), Management Diploma/Relevant Management Certificate
• Code 10 with PDP
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a broadcast environment, minimum of 4 years as Principal Operator with relevant experience in Digital Sound & Video within live, production and post-production environment