Start date: Mon 4^th Jan 2027 – 25^th June 2027

Contract: Freelance (PAYE)

Base: Bristol, with weeks on location in Central London.

Shoot Week: 10^th May – 22^nd May (including rig + rehearsals)

Interviews: 16^th/17^th/18^th December 2026

SUBJECT TO GREENLIGHT

BBC Studios Natural History Unit is home to some of the UK’s most-loved and award-winning series, including Countryfile, Gardeners’ World, and Blue Planet 3

We are now seeking an experienced Production Manager to join the team delivering Chelsea Flower Show 2027 — one of the BBC’s flagship programmes and a highlight of the broadcasting calendar. 

This role works closely with the Series Editor to lead a large, on-site team and oversee the delivery of 14 hours of live and pre-recorded programming across an intensive week of coverage.

We are looking for a candidate who is a strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, proven problem-solving abilities, and a positive, can-do attitude. Successful candidates will be managing different elements of the production at once so will require strong multi-tasking skills, proactive thinking, and strong attention to detail. A genuine passion for the horticultural world is also highly valued. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in producing one of the BBC’s most prestigious and well-loved live events.

The Production Manager will be responsible for all aspects of production management, including:

·      end-to-end planning and scheduling,

·      budget oversight and forecasting,

·      staffing and resource management,

·      oversee the planning, scheduling, and delivery of all pre-shot VTs,

·      coordinate the complex logistical operation of the week-long live OB at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea,

·      ensure compliant, safe, and smooth operational delivery throughout.

Main Responsibilities

·      Responsibility for scheduling, budgeting and managing the production from pre-production through to delivery.

·      Responsibility for managing, reporting and forecasting the budget for the production.  

·      Have experience of managing a large team in a deadline driven environment.

·      Be able to effectively lead a large team which includes PC’s, PMAs and Runners.

·      Ensure the smooth running of location shoots involving members of the public.

·      Oversee the planning, scheduling, and delivery of all pre-shot VTs, working closely with editorial teams to manage shoots, workflows, edits, and final post-production delivery.

·      Provide timely and accurate comms to the large production team of on-screen talent and craft freelancers.

·      Have a firm understanding of health and safety needs at a large public-facing events.

·      Negotiate effectively with suppliers to secure the highest-quality services and best value for the BBC.

·      Maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders across the production.

·      Be an effective communicator, including experience dealing with high-profile talent, including liaising regarding scheduling commitments and logistics.

·      Have an understanding of BBC Compliance procedures, and adhering to the Editorial Guidelines, as well as completing the I&RP Ofcom Compliance forms. 

·      Ensuring compliance with GDPR and BBC data protection policies.

·      Championing environmentally responsible practices and ensure compliance with Albert certification.

·      Assisting in ensuring compliance with BBC policies, guidelines, legislative and regulatory requirements, in order to minimise the BBC’s exposure to risk.

Are you the right candidate?

·      A Production Manager with at least 2 years’ experience, with credits on Live OB programming. 

·      Proven experience in the day-to-day management and support of production staff.

·      Strong track record in delivering fast-turnaround programming within tight deadlines.

·      Excellent working relationships with suppliers in the outside broadcast market and wider industry.

·      Strong financial skills and experience managing, reporting and forecasting large budgets.

·      A solid understanding of health and safety procedures — including the creation and management of risk assessments — and a good working knowledge of relevant H&S legislation.

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BBC Studios is committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce, and we strongly encourage applicants from under-represented backgrounds to apply.