Production Manager, Studios (KSA)

About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Production Manager to provide administrative and general support to the Saudi Pro League Production Team based in Riyadh. This role will also involve working across other the company's productions in the region as required. As a senior management position, you will have key responsibilities, direct line management of supporting roles, and will work closely with senior team members, including the Head of Production, Production Executive, Executive Producer, and Senior Producers. The role requires flexibility to work unsociable hours and weekends as necessary, reflecting the demands of a Sports Broadcast environment.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Manage day-to-day production logistics for multiple matches, ensuring they are produced efficiently, on budget, and in compliance with health and safety guidelines.
• Act as the main point of contact for ad hoc productions, ensuring timely and budget-compliant deliveries.
• Manage programme budgets, cost reports, forecasts, and prepare a quarterly finance report for the Production Executive & Production Accountant.
• Collaborate with the Production Executive and Senior Producers on scheduling and planning for SPL departments, ensuring adequate staffing for all programmes.
• Coordinate with internal departments (e.g., legal, HR, finance, immigration) to secure necessary visas and work permits for staffing, suppliers, and freelancers.
• Develop effective relationships with external facility providers and suppliers, maintaining regular communication to troubleshoot issues and avoid delays.
• Disseminate production reports, understanding what the data means, identifying gaps for discussion, and recognizing trends.
• Attend meetings with Executive Producer, Production Executive, Producers, and Directors to monitor scheduling progress and address specific issues as they arise.
• Facilitate production meetings to ensure clear communication, acknowledge accomplishments, and discuss challenges.
• Advise the Production Executive/Head of Production on potential issues impacting schedule and budget, presenting proposed solutions.
• Provide mentorship and opportunities for growth for production staff, delegating tasks and empowering them with additional responsibilities as needed.
• Actively manage a team of Production Coordinators and Assistants, ensuring transparency on pertinent issues with staff and freelancers.
• Promote departmental initiatives to staff and freelance crew when appropriate.
• Work to establish new processes, procedures, and methods that improve production systems, outcomes, and overall workflow.
• Support producers' operational demands as directed, ensuring Risk Assessments are created and adhered to.
• Ensure adherence to Health and Safety procedures alongside the Production Executive, Executive Producer, and Technical Manager, maintaining appropriate plans and paperwork.
• Confirm all freelancers are contracted correctly as per local and relevant guidelines.

Knowledge and Experience

• Previous experience in a similar role.
• Experience dealing with broadcasters, stakeholders, and various personnel.
• Knowledge of rights and clearances, production workflows, insurance, and health and safety matters.
• Proficiency in producing production budgets.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Organized, efficient, and resilient in overseeing and prioritizing multiple projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience managing junior members of the admin team.
• An understanding of the UK or international TV industries.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• Good client liaison skills.
• Health & Safety Production Training.

Desirable (not essential)

• Fluency in Arabic is highly advantageous but not mandatory.

Core Competencies
Success at the company is driven by four core competencies that apply to all employees:

• Business Acumen: Understanding financial drivers, interpreting business data, and aligning decisions to strategic outcomes.
• Operational Excellence: Driving efficiency, governance, and continuous improvement in delivery and operations.
• Innovation Mindset: Cultivating curiosity, experimentation, and forward-looking capability development.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Inspiring others, building trust, and enabling collaboration across teams.

Working Conditions

• This is an initial 12-month fixed-term contract role.
• The role is based in Riyadh.
• May require attendance and travel to various locations, including other the company's buildings and stadiums.
• Expect unsocial hours as required by the production schedule.