BBC Studios Audio is home to iconic radio, hit podcasts, world-class drama, impactful factual storytelling and specialist science and comedy teams. We use our unique heritage, experience and values to pursue the highest creative ambition. BBC Studios Audio is a major supplier of innovative, creative and purposeful audio to BBC radio networks and BBC Sounds and a proud partner to many other platforms.



Our titles include Desert Island Discs, In Our Time, This Cultural Life, Things Fell Apart, You're Dead To Me, The News Quiz, Splinter Cell, I Am Not Nicholas, Evil Genius, Just One Thing, History's Secret Heroes, Million Dollar Lover, Ramblings, The Disciples, Great Lives, Counterpoint, The Life Scientific, The Infinite Monkey Cage, Acid Dream, Believe in Magic, Trust and many, many more.



The new Narrative Factual team is looking for two exceptional editorial leaders with a demonstrable record of delivering stand-out factual storytelling which audiences love.



We produce ambitious long-form serials and impactful journalism. Our work includes The Missing Cryptoqueen, I'm Not Nicholas, To Catch a Scorpion, Things Fell Apart with Jon Ronson, History's Secret Heroes, Million Dollar Lover, Vishal, Believe in Magic and Mother, Neighbour, Russian Spy. We are an important supplier to the BBC but we also work with other global platforms.

About the Role


Executive Producers (EPs) play an essential role in managing complex editorial risk, driving up creative ambition and enabling producers to deliver their best work. They will be expected to line manage teams of highly creative individuals in a high performance, results driven team.



Successful applicants will be determined to find new business and storytelling opportunities in audio and will know how to manage, support and enable our talented team. They will know how to handle complex and risky productions safely. They will have a stellar production record of their own, as producer or executive producer, and experience of working to tight deadlines and budgets. They will be a role model for the professionalism required when working in a high-pressure, results-driven team. They will be as ambitious as we are for BBC Studios Audio.


Our EPs will need to know how to craft compelling narrative arcs through storyboarding, structure and scripting. They will know how to meet exacting specifications required by platforms and commissioners. They will be experienced, resilient and a thoughtful team leader - as well as a team player.



Many of the projects we make are exposed to a high level of scrutiny and require quick but careful decision making. The winning candidates must be strong journalists able to make the right judgements, often under pressure. They will need to understand and be able to apply the BBC's editorial policy, and have a solid grasp of relevant law.



Executive producers will be expected to have and develop relationships with commissioners. They will know how to budget complex projects and bring them in on target.



Above all, the successful candidates will be passionate about telling stories that matter to audiences who love them. They will take pride in supporting the producers they work with to deliver their very best. And they will be fearless and fair in the pursuit of creative and journalistic excellence.

Main Responsibilities


To be editorially, financially and managerially responsible for a range of productions and output.


To provide strong leadership and effective team management, ensuring staff members receive development and manage performance.


Ensure all productions are consistent with the BBC's high editorial standards.


Innovating and evolving strategy for the department, anticipating audience needs and maintaining relevance on all existing and future platforms.


A commitment to creating diverse content and inclusive teams.


To consider a range of problems and use own judgment to apply effective, time critical solutions.


Maintain a high level of creativity - be able to bring fresh new approach and bring out creative ideas in others


Ensure all programmes/content are delivered on time and within budget, encouraging the highest possible standards throughout.


Able to manage budgets, control costs and maximise value across all productions.


Provide clear direction, editorial insight and quality control for both ongoing and newly commissioned projects.


Play a key ambassadorial role in ensuring the BBC has effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.


Maintaining a thorough knowledge of industry trends, innovations and creating effective networks.


Will take a key role in developing ideas for new commissions, both individually and working with the producers in their charge.



Are you the Right Candidate?


Essential



Demonstrable record of delivering multiple, impactful long-form audio serials which have found considerable audience success


Able to amplify the creativity of others; ambitious to lead, not just follow, audio innovation.


Firm understanding of the BBC's editorial guidelines and legal issues, contractual agreements and regulations as they apply to programme-making, broadcasting and digital media.


Financial acumen; able to manage budgets, control costs and maximise value across all expenditure.


A deep understanding of audience trends and the audio industry and landscape; an ability to discern and pursue new opportunities in audio.


Able to create a clear editorial vision for the lifecycle of all our content across all platforms.


Strong experience of developing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external partners.


Effective planning and organising skills. Ability to concentrate on several areas of work at one time; prioritizing and delivering consistently to deadlines and reacting positively to changes and conflicting priorities.


Ensuring teams are motivated and supported to deliver their best work for the BBC.


Able to demonstrate strong editorial judgment in a fast-moving environment.


Proven ability to develop innovative content, be open to new ideas and motivate colleagues to take the right creative risks.


Evidence of strong leadership and effective team management, ensuring staff members are developed and their performance managed.


Contribute to the overall strategic management of the wider team.


Evidence of a commitment to creating both diverse content and staff base to reflect our audiences.


Has the ability to consider a range of problems and uses own judgment to apply effective, time critical solutions.