Planner and Scheduler - 12-Month Contract

About Virgin Media Ireland

Virgin Media Ireland offers the fastest broadband services in the country and is a leader in delivering connected entertainment and broadcasting solutions. Serving millions nationwide daily, it provides ultrafast broadband, TV, mobile, and home phone services that enable seamless communication and entertainment. Virgin Media Business caters to entrepreneurs, SMEs, large organizations, and public sector entities with premier broadband speeds and advanced connectivity.

Virgin Media Television operates as Ireland's top commercial public service broadcaster, delivering four free-to-air channels and a leading streaming platform, Virgin Media Play. It offers a diverse range of original Irish and international programming, including news, entertainment, factual, and drama content.

Virgin Media Ireland is part of Liberty Global Ltd., a prominent international connectivity and investment company overseeing billions in revenue and investments across telecoms, media, and technology sectors.

Role Overview

Under the guidance of the Scheduling Supervisor in the programming department, the Planner and Scheduler plays a central role in strategically planning and assembling daily content and presentation schedules for Virgin Media Television channels, spanning both linear and FAST platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop strategic forward-looking schedules to target the VMTV audience and maximize commercial market share.
• Incorporate data insights to drive informed schedule planning decisions.
• Forecast and monitor costs associated with channel programming outputs.
• Create daily presentation and continuity schedules ensuring precise timing and correct break patterns.
• Coordinate commercial break planning and ensure compliance with regulations alongside Traffic team.
• Prepare schedules for weekly publication deadlines, programming meetings, and weekly listings.
• Update channel schedules promptly to reflect program changes and confirm final listings with Publicity team.
• Participate actively in regular internal stakeholder meetings, including with Commissioning, Transmission, Acquisitions, and Programming teams.
• Collaborate with Materials and Commissioning teams on new licensed titles.
• Support and backfill fellow channel schedulers and planners when required.
• Reconcile and dispatch As-Run files as needed.
• Maintain highest broadcast standards for all scheduled channel content.
• Ensure final schedule submissions to Transmission after thorough verification.
• Perform additional duties aligning with role evolution and company objectives as directed.

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong interest and knowledge of broadcasting and TV programming.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to multitask and manage pressure in a dynamic TV environment.
• A minimum of two years in a similar planning or scheduling role.

Candidate Profile

• Excellent interpersonal abilities suited for team collaboration.
• Professional conduct and clear communication skills.
• Solid negotiation and problem-solving capabilities.
• Analytical mindset with capacity to address core issues effectively.
• Adaptability to fast-paced workflows and a positive attitude towards change.
• High standards for accuracy and quality in every task.
• Methodical and organized approach to routine and project work.
• Self-driven, resourceful, and motivated to identify growth opportunities.
• Alignment with Virgin Media's goals and values.

Equal Opportunity

Virgin Media fosters an inclusive workforce and is an equal opportunities employer, recognizing diversity as critical to its success.