Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Working Life

The Unit Manager is responsible for all operational issues relating to an individual Outside Broadcast (OB) Unit.

Role and Responsibilities 

The role starts at a pre-commission stage, when location recces are undertaken to establish necessary crewing levels, camera positions, equipment needs, and location of power sources.  The unit manager works closely with the Head of Operations to ensure that all necessary planning, resourcing, and crewing is completed. 

Unit Managers sit at the centre of a very focused team effort, often in demanding live TV situations with multiple pressure points. 

The role demands someone who is entirely conversant with all elements of the OB world: the operational, technical, and personnel dimensions. This requires a calm personality and the ability to maintain a cool head when problems arise during live TV and major events.

Besides fully understanding all the “moving parts” of a TV event and the role the OB unit plays, the unit manager must have problem-solving skills that function well in a pressurised environment.

As the person with overall operational responsibility for the OB unit, the unit manager will be the first person to arrive on site to ensure that all conditions, services, and set-up positions are in accordance with the plan. 

In addition to overseeing the OB team and handling all operational matters, this role involves managing the relationship with the client and serving as the main point of contact during live days on location.

Works with

• Director
• Series Producer
• Producer
• Camera Team
• OB Crew
• Broadcaster

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Switch between video sources in a studio or on multi-camera remotes, using equipment such as switchers, video slide projectors, and video effects generators.
• Observe pictures through monitors and direct camera and video staff concerning shading and composition.
• Supervise and assign duties to workers engaged in technical control and production of radio and television programmes.
• Monitor broadcasts to ensure that programmes conform to station or network policies and regulations.
• Operate equipment to produce programmes or broadcast live programmes from remote locations.
• Test equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Train workers in use of equipment, such as switchers, cameras, monitors, microphones, and lights.
• Act as liaisons between engineering and production departments.
• Collaborate with promotions directors to produce on-air station promotions.
• Confer with operations directors to formulate and maintain fair and attainable technical policies for programmes.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Education Route: There are no formal qualifications for this senior role, but courses in television production, media production/broadcast operations, technical theatre or production management, broadcast engineering technology, or similar relevant areas are beneficial. 

Career Path to Unit Manager - Outside Broadcast - Multi Camera: There are potentially a number of paths available to Unit Manager, including project management, engineering, broadcast engineering, events management, and logistics.

Career Path from Unit Manager - Outside Broadcast - Multi Camera: Head of OB/Operations Director.