We have an exciting opportunity for the role of Technology Manager at Absolute Radio.

If you think you have what it takes to lead a team of multi-skilled individuals at the most exciting and innovative Radio group in the UK, then we want to hear from you.

<b>The Role:</b>

Reporting to the Technology Director, you will be responsible for the day-to-day activities of the Technology department including both the maintenance and development of Absolute Radio’s broadcast (on-air/IP) and IT infrastructure. This includes business and digital media systems, along with all studio facilities and transmission links.

Our Technology department strives for the highest standards of service, reliability and quality. You will work collaboratively with the members of your team, other departments and suppliers, plus play an active role in the OGS labs team to enhance and exploit our systems further. Your work will enable Absolute Radio staff in all departments to work more effectively, promoting an increase in audience and revenue.

<b>Main Responsibilities:</b>

Day-to-day maintenance of all terrestrial and digital broadcasting, IT and office infrastructure, including studios, broadcast transmission links, core infrastructure servers, network equipment, telephony, internet connectivity and Disaster Recovery facilities.

Day-to-day management of Genesys playout systems, PhoneBox and Klotz Vadis, ensuring a high level of uptime and a low level of failure for both systems.

Manage and motivate the Technology team to include prioritising workloads where required and ensuring that members of your team are trained according to their expected responsibilities. Management of the Absolute Radio support desk.

Management of all telecoms, including broadcast and office telephony. Responsible for managing maintenance contracts for studio air conditioning, UPS and Generator.

Management of all broadcast distribution platform providers, to include but not limited to Arqiva, SDN, FreeSAT, VirginMedia, BSkyB, WRN, Ipercast, COLT and BT.

Management of the MailSweeper, Microsoft ISA Servers, ManageSoft imaging solution and network security including firewalls and virus protection.

Manage and sign-off of all desktop and software imaging and application builds.

Implementing and documenting new IT systems, broadcast infrastructure and installing / upgrading servers and network equipment.

Working with members of your team, you will manage, co-ordinate and execute live sessions, outside broadcasts and events.

Responding to out-of-hours broadcast and IT infrastructure issues when on call and at other times if calls have been escalated to you from your team.

Developing and delivering training to office and studio users when required.
Resolving transmission issues including liaison with third party suppliers.

Resolving calls relating to broadcast and IT systems when escalated to you.

Handling enquiries passed to your team regarding transmission quality and interference issues. Handling and approving planned work for transmission platforms.

Management and reporting responsibilities of Server, Desktop and Application licensing. Maintaining up to date records and ensuring full accountability.

Sign off of Request For Change (RFC) forms, including research where necessary.

Responsibility for approving invoices directed to you by the Finance department for items that fall under your jurisdiction.

Maintain current knowledge of new broadcast and IT hardware and software, recommending upgrades where appropriate to maintain efficient operation.

Manage the spares store ensuring that levels are kept fulfilled.

Understanding the long-term business objectives, suggesting technical strategies to meet those objectives where necessary.

Gathering and documenting the requirements for new systems and enhancements to existing systems.

<b>Skills & Experience:</b>

A clear focus on customer service and the ability to identify and meet customer expectations.

Needs to have the ability to form good, effective working relationships with all levels of staff, a record of producing accurate detailed reports, work to agreed standards, able to use initiative, work with minimum supervision and deliver to agreed timescales.

Knowledge and experience of the core Microsoft technologies including but not limited to Windows XP/7, Windows Server 2003/8, Active Directory, Exchange Server, etc in a VMWare virtualised environment.

Knowledge and experience of installing, supporting and maintaining broadcast technology such as microphones, mixing desks, DAT, CD players, talkback systems, processors and effects equipment.

Confidence with the cabling infrastructure found in a modern radio station including a clear understanding of balanced, unbalanced and digital audio, making up cables by hand, use of a soldering iron, experience with ‘Krone’ type cabling and patch bays.

Previous experience with our specialist broadcast infrastructure, including Klotz Vadis digital studio infrastructure, the Genesys playout system and RCS.

Experience of producing live radio and non-linear audio editing.
Network infrastructure skills including an understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing and security.

A minimum of four year’s experience working with broadcast, IT systems and technology infrastructures is required as is previous management experience.

Experience with some of our specialist business systems, including GES PlanIT, V3 and PlanIT traffic.