Lead Coordinator - Newsgathering & Planning

Job Title: Lead Coordinator - Newsgathering & Planning

Job Ref: LC-NP-502

Closing Date: 28/07/2026

Summary

Newsgathering and Planning sits at the heart of Volant Media's journalism, connecting correspondents, contributors, planning and output teams to deliver distinctive, high-quality content across linear and digital platforms.

Reporting to the Head of Newsgathering & Planning, the Lead Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the department's operational activity, resources and expenditure, ensuring that editorial priorities are delivered efficiently, effectively and within budget.

The role combines day-to-day operational oversight with financial responsibility and plays a central role in ensuring that departmental resources are managed efficiently and responsibly. Working closely with editorial, operational, finance and support teams, the Lead Coordinator ensures that the department operates efficiently, resources are allocated responsibly and financial processes are managed effectively.

The Lead Coordinator directly manages the Newsgathering & Planning Co-ordinator(s) and plays a key role in maintaining high operational standards, supporting colleagues and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the department.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and support the Newsgathering & Planning Co-ordinator(s), providing guidance, oversight and professional development.
• Oversee the day-to-day operational activity of the Newsgathering & Planning department.
• Coordinate departmental resources to ensure editorial priorities are supported effectively.
• Act as the primary liaison between Newsgathering & Planning and the Finance Department, ensuring the timely and accurate management of financial processes and reporting.
• Manage purchase orders, invoices and expenditure processes in accordance with company policy.
• Scrutinise departmental expenditure and ensure resources are used efficiently, responsibly and in line with approved budgets.
• Support budget management, expenditure forecasting and financial reporting, providing financial insight to support decision-making by the Head of Newsgathering & Planning.
• Maintain accurate operational, financial and resource records.
• Monitor freelancer usage and associated costs, ensuring value for money and effective resource allocation.
• Support the allocation of resources across the department, balancing operational requirements with available budgets.
• Oversee travel bookings and associated operational arrangements across the department.
• Work closely with correspondents, planning teams, Finance and support teams to support editorial delivery.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, workflows and working practices.
• Promote collaboration across Newsgathering, Planning, Finance, HR and other support functions.
• Support the delivery of high standards of professionalism and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure all activity complies with Volant Media's policies and procedures.
• Champion innovation and modern ways of working, including the appropriate use of AI and emerging technologies in accordance with Volant Media policies and standards.

Requirements

• Credibility as a senior operational professional within a broadcast news environment.
• Understanding of departmental operations, resource management and financial controls within a broadcast news environment.
• Financially astute, with the ability to scrutinise expenditure, manage resources effectively and support budget oversight.
• Understanding of purchase order processes, expense management and financial governance.
• Confidence working with financial data, budgets and expenditure reporting.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy when managing financial and operational information.
• The ability to support and develop colleagues while maintaining high professional and operational standards.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and allocate resources effectively.
• Excellent communication, coordination and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to build productive relationships across Newsgathering, Planning, Finance, HR and other support functions.
• Fluent spoken and written English. Fluency in Farsi or Dari would be advantageous.
• A willingness to embrace innovation and modern ways of working, including the appropriate use of AI and emerging technologies in accordance with Volant Media policies and editorial standards.
• Commitment to Volant Media's editorial values and standards.

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating notes of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.