Programming Integrations Lead

Key Responsibilities:

Product Meeting Leadership:

• Lead Product Meetings as the forum where Programming and Marketing teams collaborate on innovation
• Drive creative brainstorming, content planning, and campaign development
• Ensure alignment between on-air content, digital strategy, social media, and brand campaigns
• Facilitate cross-team collaboration: Programming (Digital Lead, Commercial Implementation Manager, Production Manager, Executive Producers, Digital Producers) + Marketing (Brand Specialist, Marketing Coordinator, Social Media Specialist, CSI & Events)
• Create environment where best ideas surface and execution follows through
• Drive efficient meetings with clear actions, accountability, and follow-up

Content Planning and Integration:

• Assist Programming and Content Manager in leading daily content meetings, ensuring alignment with programming strategy
• Manage content planning across platforms (FM, digital, social)
• Drive innovation in content and audience engagement approaches
• Ensure brand consistency across all content touchpoints
• Manage seamless interdepartmental integration across all projects
• Coordinate Programming and Marketing content strategies for maximum impact

Presenter Development and Airchecks:

• Conduct systematic airchecks across shoulder dayparts (workday, nights, weekends)
• Provide constructive feedback to presenters on performance, branding, TSL optimization
• Support and create key show development initiatives
• Track presenter development progression and coordinate training interventions
• Participate actively in Phil Dowse consultant sessions

Quality Control and Standards:

• Ensure format clocks and programming policies followed
• Maintain ECR's brand voice and community connection principles
• Coordinate content strategy with marketing, promotional and commercial initiatives

Commercial Programming and Sales Integration:

• Serve as primary Programming liaison to Sales team for all commercial programming initiatives
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with Sales and Commercial teams
• Respond quickly to commercial opportunities and client briefs
• Ensure Sales team has clear line of sight on Programming capabilities and inventory
• Operate as the Programming and Content Manager's "operational shadow" - going where he cannot
• Handle day-to-day commercial integration while PCM focuses on strategic client relationships

Commercial Programming Development:

• Proactive: Generate innovative NTR concepts, sponsored content ideas, and commercial programming properties that drive revenue
• Reactive: Respond to Sales briefs and client requests with creative Programming solutions
• Participate in Sales ideation sessions and strategy meetings
• Help craft compelling client proposals that leverage ECR's programming strengths
• Develop commercial programming strategy that serves clients while maintaining listener trust and editorial integrity
• Stay ahead of market trends to identify commercial programming opportunities

Client Engagement:

• Participate in client meetings to present Programming capabilities
• Articulate how Programming can deliver on commercial objectives
• Build credibility with clients through professional presentation and follow-through
• Translate client needs into deliverable Programming solutions
• Ensure Programming delivers on commitments made to clients

NTR Integration and Execution:

• Ensure Programming can deliver what Sales promises to clients
• Coordinate sponsored content, product placements, and branded integrations
• Work with Commercial Implementation Manager on execution logistics
• Balance commercial objectives with programming excellence and audience experience
• Ensure NTR integrations feel authentic and serve listeners, not just clients
• Track commercial programming performance and optimize based on results

Commercial Programming Quality:

• Protect ECR's brand while enabling commercial success
• Ensure sponsored content aligns with format and audience expectations
• Maintain clear distinction between editorial and commercial content
• Apply ICASA/BCCSA commercial content regulations
• Build sustainable commercial programming that clients value and audiences accept

Station Calendar Management:

• Run, administrate, and coordinate Station Calendar as single source of truth
• Integrate all departmental planning (programming, promotions, marketing, commercial, technical)
• Manage promotional windows, special events, OBs, campaign timelines, commercial commitments
• Ensure calendar drives workflow coordination across departments
• Make Station Calendar the tool everyone depends on

Daily Programming Operations:

• Manage daily programming schedule execution and on-air quality
• Monitor technical quality and content consistency throughout broadcast day
• Ensure seamless transitions between shows and proper implementation of format principles
• Troubleshoot operational issues before they impact listeners
• Maintain ICASA, BCCSA, and regulatory compliance

Departmental Coordination:

• Work with Senior Music Compiler on music rotations and format alignment
• Coordinate with Digital Lead and Digital Audio Lead on digital strategy
• Support News Manager with programming integration and content coordination
• Collaborate with Audio Production Manager on content quality standards
• Manage Executive Producers on show execution and development

Station-Led Promotions Project Management:

• Own strategy, planning, and execution coordination for station-led promotions: Back to the Beach, ECR brand campaigns, community initiatives, listener engagement programmes
• Coordinate with Marketing on integrated campaign execution (on-air, digital, social, events)
• Work with Commercial Implementation Manager who handles implementation logistics
• Ensure station properties maintain brand integrity and programming standards
• Manage Outside Broadcasts as part of station-led promotional strategy
• Own timelines, creative direction, and campaign success

Research Planning and Interpretation:

• Contribute to focus group planning and music testing coordination
• Participate in analysis of BRC/GFK ratings data
• Support interpretation of audience research findings
• Apply research insights to programming decisions

Competitive Intelligence and Trends:

• Monitor competitive landscape and format trends
• Track listener feedback across platforms
• Identify opportunities for audience growth and engagement
• Support Programming and Content Manager's demographic expansion strategy with tactical execution

Leadership Backup:

• Make operational and programming decisions when PCM unavailable
• Represent Programming department in cross-functional meetings
• Handle escalations and urgent issues with sound judgment
• Maintain operational continuity during PCM strategic work

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure programming complies with ICASA, BCCSA, and other regulatory requirements
• Maintain compliance documentation
• Monitor regulatory changes and update procedures
• Coordinate compliance training for team members
• Uphold BBBEE and company compliance standards
• Ensure commercial content meets regulatory requirements

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Sign off on presenter invoices for shoulder shows
• Assist with necessary reporting
• Manage operational budgets for promotions and initiatives
• Performance reviews for direct reports (Executive Producers)

Educational Requirements:

• Matric / Grade 12
• Degree or Diploma in Media and Communication Studies and Management

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in radio broadcasting, programming, or content management
• Experience in on-air presentation, production, or multimedia content creation
• Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills
• Solid underst