Access Services Manager

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Job Title: Access Services Manager

Reports to: Content Delivery Manager

Department: Content Management

Location: Any C4 Office

Job Grade: M

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

The Content Management department supports the delivery of Channel 4 content across linear channels, Streaming, FAST channels and VOD syndication.

The team works collaboratively with internal departments and third-party providers to deliver agile, resilient and business-critical operations that support Channel 4's evolving content strategy. This includes content and platform launches, live events, listings and programme information, graphics and access services.

Access Services is a vital part of this remit, helping ensure Channel 4 content is accessible, compliant and inclusive across platforms.

JOB PURPOSE

Channel 4 is committed to making its content accessible, inclusive and compliant across all platforms. Access Services plays a vital role in delivering that commitment for audiences across linear, Streaming and other digital services.

The Access Services Manager will lead the operational delivery and continued development of Channel 4's access services - subtitling, audio description and signing. The role will support growth in access provision, enhance accessible coverage of live events and ensure audience insight helps shape service delivery.

The post holder will support Media Act implementation, help Channel 4 meet and exceed its regulatory obligations, and act as a company-wide subject matter expert, identifying opportunities to improve accessibility workflows, technology and audience experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as Channel 4's first point of contact and subject matter expert for Access Services queries, initiatives and best practice across the business.
• Manage and develop relationships with Access Services suppliers, third-party providers, technology partners and relevant industry stakeholders.
• Lead the selection, preparation, delivery and archiving of subtitling, audio description and signing across Channel 4 content, working closely with Scheduling and other internal teams.
• Oversee delivery of sign-presented programming through Channel 4's content partnership with LumoTV.
• Ensure Channel 4 meets and exceeds current and incoming Ofcom Access Services requirements, including monitoring, reporting and supporting implementation of new regulatory obligations.
• Own end-to-end operational delivery of Access Services across relevant platforms, tracking content, resolving issues and supporting timely delivery for linear, Streaming and partner services.
• Lead editorial standards and quality assurance for Access Services, working with suppliers to maintain and improve editorial practice.
• Manage Access Services budgets, cost forecasting, purchase orders, invoices, contracts and related commercial processes.
• Work collaboratively with Content Management, Broadcast Operations, Technology, Commissioning, Content Strategy, Acquisitions, Streaming, Product, Equity and Inclusion, and other internal teams on operational, strategic and accessibility initiatives.
• Represent Channel 4 externally on Access Services and accessibility matters, including engagement with Ofcom, audience groups, charities, broadcasters, streamers, conferences and industry forums.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Proven Access Services experience, with a strong operational understanding of broadcast, Streaming and VOD environments.
• Strong knowledge of Ofcom Access Services requirements, including current regulations and future obligations.
• Experience managing Access Services suppliers, contracts, SLAs, budgets and commercial relationships.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end content workflows, including scheduling, media management, metadata, file-based delivery and relevant broadcast, CMS/BMS, MAM and VOD systems.
• Knowledge of Access Services production processes, including subtitling, audio description and signing workflows.
• Excellent prioritisation, time-management and decision-making skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality services under tight transmission and launch deadlines.
• Confident stakeholder manager, able to build strong relationships, influence decisions and collaborate effectively across internal and external teams.
• Self-motivated and adaptable, with the judgement to manage competing priorities in fast-moving operational environments.

RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Access Services providers, internal teams, senior stakeholders, Policy colleagues, Ofcom and other external partners.
• Communicate clearly and confidently with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels, providing guidance and influencing decisions where required.
• Manage competing priorities across multiple teams and suppliers, driving clarity, alignment and effective collaboration in fast-moving operational environments.

Basic salary per annum starting from£61,250.00.

BENEFITS

• Private medical insurance
• Free Virtual GP access for employees
• Free Female Health hormone test each year
• Free Tastecard membership
• Access to financial wellbeing resources
• Discounted Gym memberships
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection

Holiday Purchase Hybrid workingFrom September 2023, C4 has operated a 60/40 working pattern, equating to three office days per week.

Having everyone in the office three days a week gives us more opportunity to build our high performing, inclusive culture; to collaborate and to learn and share with each other, as well as helping to coordinate a regular pattern of home and office working days. Employees then have the flexibility to decide where they spend the rest of the working week. All our offices are open five days a week.

Applications Close Date08 Oct 2026

Equal OpportunitiesChannel 4's purpose is to create change through entertainment; by representing unheard voices, challenging with purpose and delivering content which reflects the diversity of different communities across the UK.

We are only able to deliver on this remit by having a workforce rich in diversity of thought, background and lived experience. As an employer we encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on disability, age, gender reassignment, gender expression, criminal history, length of time spent unemployed, marriage or civil partnership status, national origin, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Disability Confident Scheme:
Channel 4 is a member of the Business Disability Forum (BDF) and has also maintained the highest level of the Department of Work and Pension's Disability Confident scheme - Level 3: Leader. Under the Disability Confident Scheme, we aim to offer an interview to all candidates who have a neurodiverse condition, impairment or long-term condition and who meet the essential criteria for an advertised job. If you wish your application to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please select yes when completing the application questions. For more information, please visit the Disability Confident Campaign website.

For our roles and schemes that receive a high volume of applications it may not be possible to provide an interview to all applicants who meet the essential criteria and in this situation we can only select applications that best meet the skills needed for the role.

Care Leaver Friendly Employer:
Channel 4 is a Care Leaver Friendly Employer. By signing the Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter and adopting its principles, we are supporting an immensely talented yet often under-served and under-represented community of young people/ adults. We commit to offering an interview (and constructive feedback) to applicants who identify as care experienced and meet the essential criteria for the role as outlined on the job description. Applicants should indicate if they wish to apply under our Care Leaver Scheme by selecting the option on the application form.

For our roles and schemes that receive a high volume of applications it may not be possible to provide an interview to all applicants who meet the essential criteria and in this situation we can only select applications that best meet the skills needed for the role.

Workplace Adjustments:
We are committed to providing disabled applicants a level playing field when applying for a job and support whilst employed to perform to the best of their ability and develop their careers. If you have a neurodiverse condition, impairment or long-term condition and require any adjustments, additional support or alternative arrangements during the recruitment and wish to discuss this confidentially, please let us know via the following e-mail recruitment@channel4.co.uk

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