At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform a top Manchester United podcast into a visual-first powerhouse.
- Company: Join The Athletic, a leading sports media company with a global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, unique perks, and a vibrant work culture in Manchester.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for creativity and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sports media and engage millions of passionate fans.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in digital media, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of football.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About Us
Powered by one of the largest global newsrooms in sports media, The Athletic brings sports fans the most comprehensive stories about the teams, sports and athletes they love. The Athletic’s newsroom of 450+ full-time staff delivers in-depth coverage of hundreds of professional and college teams across more than 47 North American markets and all 20 football clubs in the English Premier League, as well as many Championship clubs.
About the Role
The Athletic is seeking a visionary, video-forward Executive Producer to lead and scale Talk of the Devils, our flagship, chart-topping Manchester United podcast. As one of the most successful United programs in the UK, the show is primed for its next evolution. Your mission is to transform this elite podcast into a dominant, visual-first powerhouse on YouTube and across global social media platforms.
Based in-person at our studio hub in Manchester, you will lead the production team including producers, editors, and community managers. This role requires a rare mix of editorial sophistication, sharp visual instincts, and people management skills. You must be able to manage high-profile talent and elite football journalists, keeping them focused and energized through the relentless 24/7 Manchester United news cycle while maintaining the premium journalistic standards of The Athletic.
Responsibilities
- Creative Ownership: Direct the strategic, editorial, and visual evolution of Talk of the Devils, completing its transition from a traditional audio podcast into a multi-platform, video-first franchise.
- Studio Team Leadership: Manage and inspire a Manchester-based team of full-time and freelance producers, video editors, and social specialists, fostering a culture of creative excellence and rapid turnarounds.
- YouTube & Social Growth Engine: Architect and execute an ambitious growth strategy for YouTube and social vertical video (TikTok, Instagram Reels, X). You will own the visual optimization of the show from thumbnail ideation and title hooks to pacing and community engagement.
- Talent Management: Build deep, trusted relationships with our high-profile hosting talent and premier Manchester United correspondents, providing constructive feedback on pacing, video presence, and on-camera chemistry.
- Newsroom Collaboration: Partner closely with the UK football editorial team to align show topics with breaking news, transfer windows, and matchday coverage, ensuring the show remains the definitive destination for United fans worldwide.
- Commercial Integration: Work alongside the commercial and ad-sales teams to seamlessly integrate premium, custom sponsorships into both the audio and video feeds without degrading the listener experience.
- Data-Driven Iteration: Regularly analyze YouTube and social Analytics and podcast download data to refine show structure, test new segment formats, and maximize audience retention.
Requirements
- 7+ Years of Digital Media Experience: A proven track record developing and producing high-profile video podcasts or digital football programming for a major publisher, broadcaster, or club channel.
- YouTube Mastery: Deep, demonstrable knowledge of the YouTube ecosystem, including algorithm mechanics, retention strategies, thumbnail/title optimization, and community-building.
- Manchester United & Football Fluency: An exhaustive understanding of Manchester United’s history, fan culture, and the wider Premier League landscape. You must understand how United stories move the global sports media needle.
- Video Talk Show Expertise: Expert knowledge of video talk formats, control room workflows, multi-camera studio setups, and modern digital editing techniques.
- In-Person Leadership: Strong managerial skills with experience leading creative teams under tight deadlines.
- Calm Amid Chaos: The ability to pivot production schedules instantly when a major transfer drops or breaking news hits Old Trafford.
Location: This is a full-time, in-person position based at our studio production hub in Manchester. The Athletic offers unique perks and benefits to all full-time employees based on their country of residence. Our UK benefits packages offer benefits and perks, competitive to the local market.
The Athletic Media Company is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. The Athletic will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Executive Producer (Manchester, UK) employer: The Athletic Media Company
The Athletic is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Manchester, where creativity and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide unique opportunities for professional development and collaboration within a passionate team dedicated to delivering top-tier sports media content. Our commitment to inclusivity and competitive benefits ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to excel in their roles.
Contact Details:
The Athletic Media Company Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Producer (Manchester, UK)
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at The Athletic Media Company!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like The Athletic Media Company, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Producer (Manchester, UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for The Athletic Media Company:When applying for the Executive Producer (Manchester, UK) role at The Athletic Media Company, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what The Athletic Media Company produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Athletic Media Company
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within The Athletic Media Company. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
