At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a high-impact podcast division with full P&L ownership.
- Company: Join one of the UK's most ambitious media organisations in Central London.
- Benefits: Autonomy, accountability, and support from a major media brand.
- Other info: Inclusive employer committed to diverse applications.
- Why this job: Shape the future of podcasting and drive audience engagement on a global scale.
- Qualifications: Proven commercial track record in podcasting or content startups.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Location: Central London
The Business
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.
The Role
We're looking for an entrepreneurial commercial leader to own the podcast division as a dedicated P&L, someone who sits at the intersection of content and commercial, and holds both to account. You will be the internal champion for podcasting at the most senior level: part strategist, part revenue builder, part team leader. The role carries genuine autonomy, real accountability, and the backing of a major media organisation behind you.
What You'll Do
- Distribution & Audience Growth
- Design and execute a multi-channel distribution strategy across global audio platforms, YouTube, and short-form social video.
- Build a formal collaboration model with the video team, owning the process of clipping, reformatting, and amplifying long-form content for social-first audiences.
- Own audience growth KPIs by show and by channel, with a data-driven approach to hitting rigorous targets.
- Drive the owned-and-operated channel evolution, including how podcast content feeds into premium subscription products, through pilot testing, performance measurement, and funnel optimisation.
- Commercial Leadership
- Partner with the commercial team to build a scalable advertising and branded content proposition that converts listener engagement into sustainable revenue.
- Act as the internal CEO for the podcast division, reporting at C-suite level with commercially grounded, transparent performance data.
- Build the investment case for resources only when the ROI is proven; 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
Non-negotiables
- 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&L ownership: you've owned a specific revenue or commercial metric and can demonstrate how you drive growth, pivot under pressure, and manage a budget.
- Deep distribution expertise: you understand how audience behaviour differs between Spotify, Apple, and YouTube; 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.
Strongly Preferred
- 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.
Managing Director (Podcast) in Slough employer: SUMO
Join one of the UK's most ambitious media organisations as a Managing Director for our podcast division, where you'll enjoy a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer opportunities to lead a high-performing team while driving significant commercial success in a thriving market. Located in Central London, you'll benefit from a vibrant city atmosphere and the backing of a major media powerhouse, making this an exceptional place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director (Podcast) in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the podcasting world. Attend industry events, join online forums, 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 expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your achievements in podcasting. Highlight any successful projects you've led, especially those that demonstrate your commercial acumen and audience growth strategies. This will make you stand out when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s podcast division. Understand their current shows, audience demographics, and commercial strategies. Bring fresh ideas to the table during your interview to show you’re ready to take the reins and drive growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention any key points from the conversation that you found particularly exciting. It keeps you top of mind and shows your genuine interest.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director (Podcast) in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Managing Director, Podcast. Highlight your commercial track record and any experience you have in scaling podcast networks or content startups. We want to see how you've driven growth and managed budgets!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your entrepreneurial spirit and how you can bridge the gap between content and commercial. We love seeing passion and a clear vision for the podcast division, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role involves hitting audience growth KPIs, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. We’re looking for someone who can back up their strategies with solid performance metrics!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
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 your P&L management skills and be ready to discuss specific metrics you've driven in previous roles. Show them you can back your strategies with data!
✨Understand the Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the podcasting landscape, especially how audience behaviour varies across platforms like Spotify, Apple, and YouTube. Be prepared to share your insights on distribution strategies and how you've successfully engaged audiences in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership, so think about how you can convey your approach to team management. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams and navigated cross-functional challenges, especially between editorial and commercial teams.
✨Be Ready to Innovate
The company is looking for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit. Come armed with ideas on how to scale the podcast division and drive revenue. Think about innovative advertising models or subscription strategies that could work in this space and be ready to pitch them!
