Executive Producer (Manchester, UK)

Job description

**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.