At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Content Architecture Team to shape Channel 4’s streaming and broadcast systems.
- Company: Join Channel 4, a pioneering public service broadcaster known for innovative content.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of creativity and diversity in the tech industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how audiences experience content across multiple platforms.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems architecture and hands-on development skills required.
The predicted salary is between 83125 - 83125 £ per year.
Shape the systems behind Channel 4’s streaming and broadcast platforms, helping deliver content across TV, streaming and partner services. Channel 4 creates innovative and alternative content which is distributed for free and admired globally. We are a publicly-owned, commercially-funded public service broadcaster, we don’t receive any public funding and have a remit to be innovative, experimental and distinctive.
The Technology department is charged with establishing, monitoring and maintaining IT and Broadcast systems and services to serve our TV and VoD viewers, and enable business users to carry out their roles efficiently, productively and securely. The department must stay at the frontier of technology change in order to meet multiple business requirements, provide secure IT infrastructure and proactively support C4 strategic growth opportunities.
Job purpose
This role provides leadership of the Content Architecture Team, whose responsibilities include architectural oversight of Channel 4’s critical scheduling and metadata systems. These systems enable the business to publish content across linear broadcast, syndication partner platforms, and the Channel 4 Streaming platform. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure system scalability, security, and performance. The team is also accountable for maintaining the integrity and consistency of content metadata, supporting new technological advancements, and aligning the architecture with overall business strategies to enhance content delivery and user experience.
Key responsibilities
- Lead a small team of technical architects delivering features and solutions for the Content business owner.
- Assist the Media Supply Chain Principal Architect in the development and maintenance of target blueprints for the Channels Broadcast Management Systems and supporting infrastructures.
- Work at several levels within a project delivery lifecycle, from requirements definition through to testing and operational planning.
- Assist multiple application development teams, both internal and external, in the delivery of new and the evolution of business applications and websites, in accordance with the aforementioned blueprints.
- Balance adherence to our architectural standards with providing timely architectural support to projects in a pragmatic but purposeful way, engaging and influencing disparate stakeholders as required.
- Provide general technical due diligence support for the business to assist them when evaluating new technology-based business opportunities.
- Maintain technical credibility with, and therefore the ability to influence, our development teams (Internal & External) by taking a “hands on” approach to the role.
- Monitor advances in Information Technology and identify opportunities to leverage emerging technologies in innovative ways to provide business benefit within Channel Four.
- Undertake limited PoC (Proof of Concept) activities to better assess the potential of new technology.
Essential experience and skills
- Architectural experience based on practical experience gained working in a systems development environment, ideally working on large scale, business critical applications from feasibility to implementation.
- Development and analysis of complex application architectures including; Object-oriented analysis and design using C4 Model and UML.
- Services Orientated Architecture (SOA).
- Utilisation of design patterns and frameworks.
- An understanding of current technologies and development methods including: Service-Oriented and Domain based Architectures, Application integration patterns, Business Process Orchestration, Workflow and ESB.
- Hands‑on development experience using an Object‑Oriented programming language, such as Java, Javascript, Python, .net or Delphi.
- Experience of delivering projects in Scrum, Kanban and Waterfall project management frameworks.
- Experience of selecting and implementing COTS software packages.
- Web application architectures.
- Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing.
- Ability to build Proof‑of‑Concepts.
Autonomy/Judgement/Decision Making
In an environment where deliverables are often tied to broadcast and/or commercial schedules, pragmatism and pace become critical to successful project delivery. Thus, the role holder will be expected to reach decisions regarding application architectures in a timely manner while remaining broadly within the overall direction set by our target blueprints. In reaching a decision, the individual must be able to balance multiple perspectives such as overall strategic priorities, specific project priorities, financial factors and technology related factors.
Relationship Management
Effective communication skills, being able to present technical solutions and options to non‑technical stakeholders. In order to operate effectively, the role holder must build relationships with our departmental customers across the Channel, internal development teams, and 3rd party development and service delivery teams. A critical factor to success in this role is obtaining respect, at a technical level, from the development teams. To do so will require the individual to remain abreast of IT industry developments, recognise the potential relevance to C4, and be capable of outlining their relevance to the development teams.
Complexity/Problem Solving
In designing application architectures, the role holder will need to meet requirements which are both challenging and, at times, may be contradictory. The outcome will be based on an assessment of salient factors, which will need to be communicated effectively to the major stakeholders and the Architecture Review Board. In supporting development teams, the role holder will regularly be called on to provide assistance with problem determination. Such problems will concern issues identified during development or, on occasion, in live applications and are often extremely complex and convoluted in nature. The ability to approach such problems logically, using a process of elimination is essential.
Business Impact/Strategic Perspective
The role holder is accountable for the strategic alignment of the Content Systems with the Technology Strategy and will be responsible for multi‑year articulation of the application architecture. The decisions taken by the role holder will significantly influence our catalogue of applications and services and thus directly influence the day‑to‑day operation of the business. Decisions regarding technology that may have significant financial implications across the development and operational service teams.
We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under‑represented in the creative industries. Please make sure that you state in your application that you found this role via Creative Access.
Lead Content Systems Architect – Streaming & Broadcast employer: Hachette UK
Channel 4 is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London or Leeds where innovation and creativity thrive. As a publicly-owned broadcaster, we provide our employees with unique opportunities for professional growth, a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives, and the chance to shape the future of media technology while delivering content that resonates globally. Join us to be part of a team that is not only at the forefront of technological advancements but also committed to making a meaningful impact in the creative industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Content Systems Architect – Streaming & Broadcast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who works at Channel 4. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal project that showcases your expertise in content systems architecture. This is your chance to demonstrate what you can bring to the table beyond just a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Channel 4’s tech stack and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around innovative content delivery and system scalability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to Channel 4’s mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Content Systems Architect – Streaming & Broadcast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with content systems and architecture. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Lead Content Systems Architect, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:This role is all about technical expertise, so be sure to include specific examples of your experience with object-oriented programming, application architectures, and any hands-on development work. We love seeing how you’ve tackled complex problems in the past!
Communicate Clearly:Remember, you’ll need to present technical solutions to non-technical stakeholders. Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate your communication skills. We’re looking for someone who can bridge the gap between tech and business!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Channel 4!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hachette UK
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Object-oriented programming and Service-Oriented Architecture. Brush up on your knowledge of application integration patterns and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Content Systems Architect, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects before. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and communicate technical solutions to non-technical audiences.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to face complex problem-solving questions during the interview. Think of specific challenges you've encountered in previous roles and how you approached them. Be ready to explain your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Align with Their Vision
Channel 4 values innovation and distinctiveness. Research their recent projects and initiatives, and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. Be prepared to discuss how you can help them stay at the forefront of technology change.
