Deputy Controller of Sport

Deaf Unity; Greater London; On-site; GBP 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports production company is seeking a proactive Deputy Controller to enhance the delivery of sports coverage. The role requires extensive live program-making experience, talent management, and a collaborative approach to production. Key responsibilities include managing production teams, ensuring budget compliance, and providing editorial leadership. The ideal candidate will thrive under pressure and adeptly juggle multiple priorities to support the production of major sporting events.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as an Editor or Director in Sport.
• Proven track record in managing production teams.
• Ability to make swift decisions on and off-air.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the day-to-day running of the ITV Sport Production team.
• Provide editorial leadership in absence of the Managing Director.
• Oversee staffing and scheduling.

Skills

Live programme-making experience

Managing and scheduling production teams

Talent management

Collaborative work in sports

Decision-making under pressure

Budget management

Schedule coordination

Job description

Workplace: White City, London

Salary Range: £105,000 – £115,000

Closing Date: Friday 30th Jan

The role

We are looking for an organised, proactive Deputy Controller to support the delivery of world-class sports coverage across our live and recorded output. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a fast-paced production environment, contributing to some of the UK’s biggest sporting events.

As Deputy Controller, you will support the teams in the planning and delivery of ITV Sport productions. You’ll play a key role in ensuring productions run smoothly, on time and within budget, working closely with production, editorial, technical and external partners.

Main responsibilities

• Assist with the day-to-day running of the ITV Sport Production team, ensuring close alignment between editorial and production management.
• Provide editorial leadership for the department in the absence of the Managing Director.
• Drive creativity for internal programming and external programme pitching.
• Partner with the Head of Production and Production Executives on department management and budget planning.
• Oversee staffing and scheduling alongside the Senior Operations Manager.
• Manage staff development, including monthly meetings and training opportunities.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal M&E and external commissioners.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders across ITV Studios labels.
• Lead on talent management, contract negotiations, and various editorial meetings.
• Serve as the on-site editorial lead across a range of productions and broadcasts.
• Provide oversight of digital content.
• Act as the editorial lead for Sustainability, the BCOMS relationship and Sport Industry awards events.

Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)

• Extensive live programme-making experience as an Editor or Director in Sport.
• Proven track record of managing and scheduling production teams.
• Extensive talent management experience and evidence of developing new talent.
• Extensive experience working with senior management.
• Record of working collaboratively across all areas of Sport department.
• Ability to make swift, efficient decisions both on and off-air.
• Demonstrable experience managing and delivering programmes within budget.
• Experience devising schedules in coordination with network schedulers.

Other things we’re looking for (key criteria)

• Calm and composed under pressure, particularly in live broadcast environments
• Highly organised, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong communicator, able to build positive working relationships across teams and with external partners
• Proactive and solution-focused, anticipating issues before they arise
• Adaptable and flexible, responding positively to changing production demands
• Collaborative team player who supports others and contributes to a positive working culture
• Detail-oriented, with a high level of accuracy and accountability
• Resilient and dependable, with a professional approach to confidential and sensitive information