At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale a high-growth podcast division with a business-first approach.
- Company: Join one of the UK's most ambitious media organisations with a strong podcast presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and the chance to shape a thriving podcast business.
- Other info: Dynamic role in a fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of podcast innovation and drive significant commercial success.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in scaling podcast networks or content startups with a commercial focus.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 € per year.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role at one of the UK's most ambitious media organisations, one that has built genuine scale across digital, print, and broadcast, and is now treating its podcast division as a standalone high-growth business. With an audience reach that puts this publisher among the top-tier global news brands, the podcast slate sits at a pivotal moment: the infrastructure is in place, the content pipeline is strong, and the commercial opportunity is significant. What's needed now is an operator who can run it like a business.
We're looking for an entrepreneurial commercial leader to own the podcast division as a dedicated P champion a business-first culture across the team. Work closely with the Head of Podcasts to develop and scale a lean, high-performing unit.
What We're Looking For
- Commercial track record: you've built or scaled a podcast network, creator business, or content startup from the ground up, and made it commercially viable with limited resources.
- Full P: you have a proven strategy for leveraging social clips and algorithm logic to drive reach.
- Agile, start-up mentality: you're comfortable operating without a safety net, delivering results within small teams and constrained budgets.
- Experience with subscription models, understanding how content drives conversion from free to paid.
- Cross-functional influence, aligning teams with competing incentives (editorial vs. commercial) without relying on formal authority.
- Commercial development experience, whether pitching to brand partners or designing new advertising models from scratch.
SUMO are an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, disability or gender. As an employment agency, SUMO are fully committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all (both internally and on behalf of our clients).
Thank you for your interest in the above vacancy.
Managing Director (Podcast) employer: SUMO
Join a dynamic and innovative media organisation in Central London, where your entrepreneurial spirit will thrive in a culture that champions creativity and commercial success. As a Managing Director for the podcast division, you'll benefit from a strong content pipeline and significant growth opportunities, all while working in a collaborative environment that values inclusivity and diverse perspectives. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on building a high-performing team, this role offers a unique chance to shape the future of podcasting within a leading global news brand.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director (Podcast)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the podcasting world. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for podcasts! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your favourite podcasts and what you love about them. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also demonstrates your knowledge of the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to pitch your ideas! If you’re applying for a role like Managing Director, come prepared with innovative strategies for growing the podcast division. Think about how you can leverage social media and content to drive engagement and conversions – this will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application directly, and it helps us keep track of all the amazing talent out there. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your CV lands in the right hands!
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director (Podcast)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Commercial Savvy:Make sure to highlight your commercial track record in your application. We want to see how you've built or scaled a podcast network or content startup, so share those success stories that demonstrate your ability to make things commercially viable.
Be Agile and Entrepreneurial:We love candidates who can operate without a safety net! In your application, showcase your start-up mentality and how you've delivered results with limited resources. This will help us see that you’re the right fit for our dynamic environment.
Align Teams with Competing Incentives:Cross-functional influence is key! In your written application, mention any experiences where you've successfully aligned teams with different goals, like editorial versus commercial. This shows us you can navigate complex team dynamics effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at SUMO
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Managing Director, you'll need to demonstrate your commercial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to podcast growth, audience engagement, and revenue generation. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully scaled a podcast network or content startup in the past.
✨Showcase Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
This role requires an agile mindset. Prepare examples of how you've operated in start-up environments, especially when resources were tight. Highlight your ability to innovate and adapt quickly to changing circumstances, as this will resonate with their need for a business-first culture.
✨Aligning Teams is Key
Expect questions about cross-functional collaboration. Think of instances where you've aligned editorial and commercial teams towards a common goal. Be specific about how you navigated competing incentives and built consensus without formal authority.
✨Pitch Perfect
Since commercial development is crucial, prepare a mini-pitch for a potential brand partner. This could be a mock proposal for a new advertising model or subscription strategy. Show them your creativity and strategic thinking in action, and how you can drive conversion from free to paid content.
