Head, 3rd Party Channels (Content & Media Production) at Multichoice

Purpose of the Position

• To create and deploy Third party channel strategy on content and campaigns that connects, inspires and entertains audience, strengthen relationship and deepen brand loyalty, that leads to increased revenue and greater lifetime value.

Key Customers:

• Regulatory Boards across Africa, Internal Censorship Board (ICB), MultiChoice, Marketing, DSTV Media Sales, Scheduling, Finance, M-Net Legal and Contracts department, New Media Publications, Content Suppliers – Independents and Studios, Production Partners, Media Agencies, Third Party Vendors, Production Outlets, 3rd party tech providers, Research houses, Media

Role Deliverables
Strategy Execution and Channel Management:

• Ensure that content planning and production of the 3rd party channels are aligned to the master content strategy of the MultiChoice, including but not limited to linear programming, video-on-demand, and subscription video-on-demand.
• Develop a strategy that ensures that the channels cluster brands and content offering grows, supports and uplifts the organizations’ entertainment culture.
• Develop and implement content acquisition strategy for the channels
• Build, develop and manage relationships with hyper local content and Media sectors.
• Competitor insight and analysis of the respective key markets, identifying new programming, channel development and market opportunities.
• Regular performance management of all 3rd party channels, providing editorial and performance feedback to internal and external channels.
• Proposes content changes /acquisitions (channels or commission of new programmes) with supporting business cases (developed in coordination with analytics teams)
• Build relationships with local/ international suppliers and be abreast of their key programming activities.
• Maintain Channel Launches, Terminations and Events calendar for wider business information needs.
• Recommend Qualitative and Quantitative Research that needs to be undertaken in the respective markets to improve channel performance.

Operational Delivery:

• Ensure the 3rd party channel vendors has the skill set and relationships to develop for the platforms the most compelling programming to suit the needs and preferences of the target audience.
• Performance manage established 3rd party channels and ensure that they resonate with the audience.
• Analyse relevant market information and reports from research teams about viewer preferences and behaviour and use the information as a guide in making programming and brand building decisions for the Afrikaans language cluster.
• Stay informed on industry content and consumption trends, and attend key market events to stay abreast of the latest developments in the video entertainment arena.
• Ensure alignment between content scheduling and planning, content production and acquisition.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in the 3rd party Channels clusters.

Governance & Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with license conditions, and safeguard Multichoice’s reputation across programming, marketing and communication.
• Collaborate with the finance and content teams to ensure adequate contractual compliance.
• Review audit issues and findings to ensure adequate measures are implemented to mitigate against risks to the performance of the Channels.

People Management:

• Oversee activities of the team to ensure effective delivery of business unit objectives.
• Develop a high performing team by embedding formal performance development and informal coaching. Encourage frequent knowledge sharing between team members.
• Determine and analyze development needs for the team and ensure that identified training requirements are budgeted for and executed.
• Interview and recruit new members of the team, including determining appropriate compensation levels with input from Human Capital.
• Create effective workforce and recruitment demand plans to ensure that current and future business requirements can be met.
• Review and update the department’s organization structure and role description on at least an annual basis to ensure that they are fit for purpose and contain all the accountabilities of each team member.
• Approve leave requests for team members and create leave plan to ensure adequate coverage.
• When required, initiate disciplinary processes for team members calling on support from Human Capital when required.
• Resolve grievances raised by team members and escalate only if required.
• Address poor performance of any team member through the formal Performance Improvement programme and ensure that continued poor performance is appropriately dealt with.
• Motivate team members and ensure that their efforts are recognized.

Requirements
Qualifications Essential:

• Bachelor's Degree

Qualification Preferred:

• MBA advantageous

Experience:

• At least 10 years’ leadership experience in content, marketing or product management within TV or communications industries
• Experience in formulating & implementing new and profitable growth strategies and launching new products
• International industry experience is an advantage
• Content Planning, Acquisition and Channel Management experience
• Deep knowledge of current and future trends in the broader local, cultural and entertainment sector
• Must have a passion for entertaining and informative video entertainment programming.

Technical Competencies:

• Established knowledge of media content
• Awareness of competitors and best competitive strategies
• Familiarity with current content trends in African and other markets
• Understanding of Qualitative and Quantitative research methods Developing value propositions
• Competitive analysis
• Reporting and Research
• Project Management
• Financial Management/Budgeting
• Product/Brand Knowledge
• Regulatory and Legal Compliance.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking
• Networking
• Risk Management
• Negotiation Skills
• Future Oriented.