Playout Controller

We believe in better. And we make it happen.   

Better content. Better products. And better careers.   

Working in Tech, Product or Data at Sky is about building the next and the new. From broadband to broadcast, streaming to mobile,   SkyQ   to Sky Glass, we never stand still. We   optimise   and innovate.   

We turn   big ideas   into the products, content and services millions of people love.   

And we do it all right here at Sky.   

The Core responsibility of the Playout Controller is to manage the transmission of ‘Live’ complex events, as well as to provide schedule management, output monitoring and first line recovery for any Sky hosted channels.

The management of ‘live’ complex events includes, for example: broadcasts where the break structure is variable, the duration of the event is unpredictable or where the timings of two subsequent events may overlap.

Schedule management includes the preparation, checking and updating of automation schedules delivered into the area to ensure discrepancies are identified before the output is affected. It also includes the alteration of “live” automation schedules due to changing editorial or commercial requirements. For both the preparation and management of the automation schedules, a high degree of attention to detail and adherence to agreed process is necessary to avoid potential impact to the channel output.

Through monitoring of the channel outputs the Controller is responsible for the scheduled content being delivered to the distribution platforms without defect or degradation. Direct “eyeball” monitoring of the channel output is supported and enhanced through the use of automated fault detection and alarming which the Controller must be fully capable of interpreting and interrogating.

In the case of any fault or deviation from the required output it is the Controller’s responsibility to minimise impact to the viewing public either through restoration of service or by fault management. Knowledge of the playout infrastructure and agreed best practices for recovery are essential in performing this function effectively.

The Controller is skilled in the management of both server-based content and “live” content including complex live events.

The Controller will also be responsible for effective training of others, contributing to the integration of new systems and services. The Controller will prioritise incidents and escalate effectively, taking financial, reputational and stakeholder concerns into account.

What   you’ll   do    

• Schedule Preparation - performing required manual and automated tasks on the playout schedules to   identify   potential errors and known faults and ensure readiness for   broadcast  

• Live schedule management – editing of live automation schedule to alter content or timings as   required  

• Live schedule monitoring –   monitoring   the output of channels to confirm and   maintain   fault-free   playout  

• Regulatory Knowledge – knowledge of Ofcom regulations and Sky policies  

• Fault Identification – immediate identification of any loss or degradation of the channel outputs, as well as loss of encryption or PIN protection  

• Fault recovery – use of system resilience or schedule editing to recover from channel loss or   degradation  

• Fault management – use of on-screen messages, voice-overs, or other messaging to keep customers informed when a fault is not   immediately   recoverable  

• Escalation – efficient communication to 2nd line support teams and operational management  

• Editorial Knowledge – knowledge of Sky’s programming and promotional strategies.  

• Logging & Reporting – accurately recording any faults, changes, or other deviations from the originally scheduled   content  

• Information Management – accurately passing on information to colleagues or operational management to ensure channel   continuity  

• Communication – concise and   accurate   verbal and written communication, professional and courteous   at all times    

• Training – passing on knowledge and experience of workflows, systems and procedures as   required . Structured training of others   utilising   established training materials as   required  

• Support – Provides support to the Playout Specialist and Operational Lead functions as   required  

• Complex Live Event Management – line-up, preparation and control of complex live events including negotiation with production teams when event durations are variable or   overlapping  

• Gallery Free Production – making any necessary editorial decisions to   maintain   channel continuity when communication with event source is incoming only   e.g.   World Feed  

What   you’ll   bring     

• Qualifications -   d egree qualification or relevant vocational qualifications  

• Specialist   Knowledge   –   s killed in Playout systems and workflows, skilled in managing live events, skilled in Playout systems used by Sky, skilled in managing live Sports   events  

• Industry Experience   –   Experience of digital playout environment, complex Live broadcast experience  

• Leadership Skills   -   Excellent communication & influencing skills, excellent decision making and prioritisation   skills  

The Sky Playout Team works 24/7   365 days   a year to ensure that Sky Customers   are receiving   the best quality live   sports   and entertainment   programmes .   You’ll   be joining the team and working a fixed shift pattern of day, mid and night shifts.   

The rewards    

There's   one thing people   can't   stop talking about when it comes to #LifeAtSky: the   perks .   Here’s   a taster:   

• Sky Q, for the TV you love all in one   place    

• The magic of Sky Glass at an exclusive rate   

• A generous pension   package    

• Private healthcare   

• Discounted mobile and   broadband    

• A wide range of Sky VIP rewards and experiences   

Team overview    

The Playout department is responsible for ensuring the seamless, accurate and robust delivery of Sky’s channels and those of third parties that we are contracted for.  The department provides a service to Sky’s Entertainment, Commercial, News & Sports departments in ensuring delivery of these channel outputs for distribution on all platforms.   re.   

Content technology and innovation    

Our Content Technology and Innovation team delivers high-quality content to homes, customer devices,   businesses   and commercial partners across our European markets. With over 2500 colleagues from around the world, we combine our strategic insights, engineering   know-how   and operational excellence to use the most innovative technologies to create and distribute our award-winning content!   

Inclusion & how   you'll   work    

We are a Disability Confident Employer, and welcome and encourage applications from all candidates. We will look to ensure a fair and consistent experience for   all, and   will make reasonable adjustments to support you where   appropriate . Please flag any adjustments you need to your recruiter as early as you can.   

Your office   space    

Our Osterley Campus is a 10-minute walk from Syon Lane train station. Or you can hop on one of our free shuttle buses that run to and from Osterley, Gunnersbury, Ealing   Broadway   and South Ealing tube stations. There are also plenty of bike shelters and showers.   

On campus,   you’ll   find 13   subsidised   restaurants, cafes, and a Waitrose. You can keep in shape at our   subsidised   gym, catch the latest shows and movies at our cinema, get your car washed, and even get pampered at our beauty salon.   

We'd   love to hear from   you    

Inventive, forward-thinking minds come together to work in Tech, Product and Data at Sky.   It’s   a place where you can explore what if, how far, and what next.   

But better   doesn’t   stop at what we do,   it’s   how we do it, too. We embrace each other’s differences. We support our community and contribute to a sustainable future for our business and the planet.   

If you believe in better,   we’ll   back you all the way.   

Just so you know: if your application is successful,   we’ll   ask you to complete a criminal record check. And depending on the role you have applied for and the nature of any convictions you may have, we might have to withdraw the offer.