Channels Planner

Summary

Join Sporty, a technology-driven sports media company, as a Senior Channel Planning Manager to support and execute the planning and scheduling of SportyTV’s live and linear sports channels. You will work closely with various teams to build optimized, rights-compliant schedules that drive audience engagement and commercial success. Key responsibilities include managing daily, weekly, and monthly schedules across multiple platforms and markets, maintaining the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG), and collaborating with regional schedulers for localized programming. You will also ensure compliance with content rights and regulatory requirements, monitor scheduling accuracy, and analyze programming performance. The role requires strong organizational skills, data interpretation skills, and experience in TV programming or content scheduling, ideally with sports or entertainment channels. This is a remote position based in Europe.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in TV programming or content scheduling, ideally with sports or entertainment channels
• Solid understanding of broadcast and FAST channel operations, preferably in emerging markets
• Familiarity with global TV programming approaches and localised scheduling trends, especially in African regions
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple schedules and tight deadlines
• Strong numeracy and data interpretation skills to drive performance-led decisions
• Detail-oriented with a proactive, problem-solving mindset
• Experience working across departments and time zones in a collaborative environment
• Knowledge of TV regulatory frameworks and content rights management
• Effective communicator in English; additional languages a plus
• Passionate about sports broadcasting and innovative content delivery

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver daily, weekly, and monthly schedules for all SportyTV channels across multiple platforms (DTH, OTT, Web, Mobile) and markets
• Maintain the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) with accurate metadata and delivery timelines
• Lead and coordinate with regional schedulers to ensure localised, market-relevant programming
• Collaborate with stakeholders across content acquisition, ad sales, production, and operations to manage schedule changes and fulfil commercial and editorial needs
• Ensure compliance with content rights, regulatory requirements (e.g., Ofcom, NBC), and scheduling best practices
• Monitor scheduling accuracy and content flow to ensure optimal viewer retention and server efficiency
• Track and analyse programming performance and viewer trends to continuously refine scheduling strategies
• Produce regular documentation and performance reports for internal stakeholders and senior leadership
• Develop and refine break templates, manage advertising minutage, and ensure strategic ad placement during peak hours
• Assist in the integration of automation tools or basic scripting (e.g., Python) to improve workflow efficiency

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (Media, STEM, Business, or related field preferred)
• Prior experience with regional content planning across African territories
• Knowledge of audience behaviour, sports rights, and ad placement optimisation
• Programming experience in live sports environments is a significant advantage