Head Producer

At Hearst UK, there’s always more to the story. Join us as our new Head Producer to start next chapter in your career.

We’re the UK’s leading premium publisher, and the people behind iconic media brands such as Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and Country Living. We’ve created a working environment that encourages everyone to pull together. We never stop looking for brave new ideas. We’ll always try to develop and improve, we trust each other to do our best, and we have fun as we build on our heritage to make history.

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will oversee the Producer team that is involved in all commercial video and stills shoots, working with the in-house creative teams, or coordinating with our of house production companies. As the Head of Shoot Production, you will be the central point of contact for our overall strategy for the overall production of all commercial still and video shoots. You will need to work closely with other leads within Commercial Production. Our customers choose Hearst due to our best-in-class creative and custom shoot expertise; you will ensure we continue to improve our shoot offering and that it aligns with our overall commercial strategy whilst ensuring the wellbeing and career development of the Producer team.

Key Duties

Team Management

• Lead and manage a team of Producers, ensure the team are clear on their development goals for each quarter and month; proactive performance and skill improvement through upskilling, knowledge sharing, and training

• Demonstrate what excellence looks like to the team by proactively defining success, encouraging collaboration between teams, being the embodiment of Hearst culture at all times

• Use key metrics to stay appraised of team workload in relation to clients and agencies, deal sizes, amount revenue being driven through the business

• Lead and manage your team, proactively developing each individual to identify and fill skillset gaps and thereby improving confidence levels

• Be the guardian of the perception of your team internally and externally, look to always be known for being solutions-oriented, motivated, and helpful

Shoot Production

• Work alongside our Project Management team as the central point of contact between clients, our internal Commercial Production team, and any external talent, artists and creative teams

• Accurately cost up concepts at pitch stage, and execute shoots within budget, always with a view to maximising profit

• Manage the timeline for pre- and post-production, in order to meet our clients’ desired live dates

• Ensure all required formats are considered in shoot planning (digital, print, video specs)

• Source talent, liaise with agents and coordinate meetings and castings

• Negotiate talent rates and contracts, including usage rights for all assets produced

• Have an understanding of crew roles, and what roles and experience are valuable/required on each shoot

• Co-ordinate kit, crew, travel, catering and location bookings

• Manage the shoot day on set - troubleshooting and keeping crew to schedule

• Liaise with clients, either on set or remotely

• Delight the customer with a fantastic shoot experience

• Develop long term relationships with freelancers, negotiating rates for block bookings and specialised skill sets

• Additional project management skills a plus ,or willingness to learn wider skills to assist the project management team when necessary

• Experience using project management tools such as Smartsheet, JIRA, Confluence is a plus

Post Production

• Prepare post-production schedules and setting client expectations for timings and final formats

• - Book freelancers (editors/graphics and re-touchers) in advance for workload overflow

• Comprehensive understanding of different video formats and platform requirements

ABOUT YOU

Experience producing video and stills shoot in a commercial or editorial environment

• A natural leader who can impartially help all teams as well as represent the interests of their own team

• Understands the importance of building a strong and motivated team culture

• Is able to navigate the team through unchartered territory with confidence, honesty and authenticity

• Goes into all situations with a view to adding value, and as such is known throughout the business as a ‘must be involved’ person

• Excellent communication skills and enjoys interacting and building relationships with both clients and internal stakeholders

• Always keeps the customer front and centre when managing shoots

• Strives for excellent results and excellent customer service

• Knows the importance of trust within professional relationships; looks to establish a reputation as a trusted shoot expert

• Commercially savvy

• Excellent budget management, time management and prioritisation skills; able to work effectively under pressure

• Collaborative attitude is essential

• Flexible, personable attitude; ability to develop excellent professional relationships with all level of personnel

• Has a deep understanding of digital and print market changes, and wants to stay ahead of the curve

• Proactive and enjoys a varied role

• Pays attention to detail at all times

• Ability to achieve results through influence and problem solving

WHAT WE OFFER

At Hearst UK, you can choose from a huge range of perks and benefits that can help you learn well, work well and live well including:

• 25 days’ holiday (with the option to buy up to 5 additional holiday days) – pro rated for part-time or fixed-term employees

• Hybrid working model – 2 days per week in the office

• Discounted gym membership

• Healthcare cash plan

• Spend a charity day with your favourite good cause

• Life assurance and pension scheme

• Regular socials and more!

There’s more to your story than you imagine. And the next chapter begins right here. T

Hearst UK is deeply committed to using our influential brands to reflect the world we want to live in – one that respects, protects, represents and uplifts the voices and opinions of all people. As a business, we recognise the significant benefits of creativity, collaboration and innovation that comes with diverse teams. Not only is diversifying the voices in our organisation the right thing to do, but it also helps us to make powerful and exciting content that can be enjoyed by many more people. This is why we’re working to build a sense of true belonging within our business and foster a culture in which everyone feels heard.