Senior Programming Manager, CEE & MENAT

Pracovní nabídka

POSITION DETAILS

CONTRACT TYPE: Full-time, permanent
EMPLOYER/DEPARTMENT: BBC Studios
LOCATION/PLACE OF WORK: Prague, Czech Republic
WORKING HOURS: 40 hours per week, 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home
FINANCIAL ASSESSMENT: Monthly salary 91 - 133 thousand CZK, depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience, plus a bonus of up to 15% upon meeting targets, depending on the company's results.
TRAVEL: Warsaw 1xquarter, London 1x6 months
PREFERRED STARTING DATE: October 2026 (preferably at the beginning of the month)

About BBC STUDIOS

BBC Studios is a globally recognized media company formed from the BBC, creating and distributing the world's most sought-after television, audio and digital content.

Our ambition is to be the home of the most compelling, entertaining and inspiring stories for audiences around the world.

In the CEE & MENAT region, we operate a portfolio of premium TV brands, including BBC Earth, BBC News, BBC First, BBC Brit, BBC Lifestyle and CBeebies, along with the streaming service BBC Player. We reach audiences across one of the world's most diverse and dynamic media regions.

WHY JOIN US?

The Programming team shapes the content strategy and performance of BBC Studios' premium TV brands across the CEE & MENAT region. Using audience insights, acquisitions expertise and performance analysis, we identify and deliver content that strengthens our brands and engages millions of viewers across multiple markets.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in deciding what audiences watch, working with leading global content partners and collaborating with colleagues across an international network. Based in Prague, you will be part of a regional team working closely with programming colleagues in Warsaw and across the wider business.

We are looking for someone who is curious, analytical, commercially minded and passionate about great television content.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Senior Programming Manager, CEE & MENAT, is responsible for developing and delivering audience-focused programming and editorial strategies across BBC Studios' portfolio of television channels and non-linear products.

Combining data-led decision making, market insight and strategic thinking, you will optimise content performance, maximise audience engagement and support business objectives across the region. The role also provides leadership to a team of Programming Managers, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring delivery against strategic priorities.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT OF THE ROLE

Strategic content and programming leadership

• Create and lead audience-focused editorial and programming strategies for BBC television channels in the CEE & MENAT region in line with long-term plans and regional priorities.
• Create content strategies to support viewer acquisition, engagement and retention, focusing on the Polish market and the Central and Eastern European region, based on viewer data and performance analysis.
• Provide strategic recommendations regarding genre mix, title selection and identification of gaps in the portfolio so that the offering is ready for future developments across linear broadcast, VOD and digital platforms.
• Translate long-term strategies into specific content acquisition assignments in collaboration with the Research & Insights and Acquisitions teams.

Portfolio planning and operational excellence

• Lead annual and quarterly planning cycles and create strategic broadcast plans that meet audience needs, regulatory requirements, and financial goals.
• Ensure operational planning and financial balance of the portfolio using data-driven tools for portfolio optimization and performance monitoring.
• Oversee the content purchasing model, evaluate trends in offerings, and inform frameworks for ordering and acquisition decisions.

Performance management and collaboration

• Contribute to the regional performance management framework, identify risks and opportunities, and ensure timely resolution of any deficiencies.
• Collaborate with Programming, Marketing, Research, Finance and Acquisitions teams to create integrated solutions focused on the audience and maximize return on investment.

Team leadership and development

• Lead and motivate Programming Managers, set clear expectations, effectively divide work, and support a culture of continuous improvement.
• Promote teamwork and uphold BBC Studios values: ambition, clarity, accountability and respect, whilst promoting efficiency and best practice
• Ensure adherence to internal processes and planning deadlines and support the professional development of team members.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Necessary requirements:

• Experience working in a television broadcast planning or similar environment and understanding of the financial and operational impacts of programming plans.
• Advanced data literacy and the ability to work with data from its acquisition and processing to strategic interpretation and practical use.
• Deep knowledge of the television and media landscape, including the processes of commissioning, financing, production and planning of both television and online content.
• Strategic understanding of changing audience behavior and its impact on content planning and service delivery. Ability to combine a regional strategic perspective with an understanding of the specifics of local markets.
• Experience in leading and developing teams and building a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to present complex information clearly and convincingly to various target groups.
• Fluent in both Czech and English, including the ability to confidently communicate with internal stakeholders, external partners and regulators.

Additional requirements are an advantage, not a requirement:

• Experience in the media, entertainment or digital video sector.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel and data analysis, ability to translate complex data sets into actionable insights and recommendations for programming, broadcast planning, and contracting.
• Ability to work with large amounts of information, identify key trends, and maintain focus on long-term goals while keeping track of day-to-day details.
• Proven experience in managing large budgets and applying financial principles in creating content strategy.
• Experience in leading strategic planning cycles, managing quotas and creating long-term broadcast plans that balance creative ambitions with regulatory and financial constraints.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills and the ability to build credibility with senior management and collaborate effectively across departments.
• Demonstrable ability to think strategically, anticipate challenges, and propose creative solutions.
• Good understanding of editorial and content compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of other languages, especially Polish, is an advantage given the regional scope of the role.

NEXT STEPS

If you are ready to shape the content strategy of some of the world's most recognized media brands across CEE & MENAT, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Thank you for your interest in this position and for taking the time to apply. In case of high interest, we reserve the right to close the application period earlier than originally planned. This step will help us ensure a high level of care and communication with all applicants. Thank you for your understanding.