Job description
Senior Channel Planning Manager
Location: Remote (Europe)
Team: Content & Programming
About Sporty:
Sporty is a technology-driven sports media company, operating one of the fastest-growing sports and entertainment platforms in emerging markets. Our TV division, SportyTV, is a free-to-air linear channel dedicated to live sports, original programming, and locally relevant entertainment, serving millions of fans globally with a specific focus on African audiences.
Role Overview:
We are seeking an organised, data-savvy, and commercially aware Channel Planner to support and execute the planning and scheduling of SportyTV’s live and linear sports channels across multiple platforms and geographies. Working closely with Programming, Acquisition, Sales, Production, and Data teams, you’ll help build optimised, rights-compliant schedules that drive audience engagement and commercial success.
Key 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
Key Tools & Software:
- Broadcast Scheduling Systems: What’sOn, IBMS, MediaPro, Mediahub, BTS, ABS, Iconik
- EPG Metadata Systems: Red Bee, Gracenote, PA TV Metadata
- Data Analysis: Excel, Google Sheets, Python (for automation/data wrangling), Tableau, Power BI
- Project & Workflow Management: Jira, Asana, Monday.com
Profile We’re Looking For:
- 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
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
