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 - degree qualification or relevant vocational qualifications 

• Specialist Knowledge – skilled 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.