Production Manager

CNN Business Arabic is IMI's digital-first Arabic-language business news platform, operated in partnership with CNN International Commercial.Launched in 2023, it delivers regional and global business, markets, technology and economic news through breaking coverage, analysis, podcasts, interviews and data-led storytelling. Combining CNN's global newsgathering capabilities with IMI's regional expertise, the platform aims to become the leading destination for Arabic-language business journalism, helping audiences understand the forces shaping the global economy.Role SummaryThe Production Manager is responsible for leading the visual production function across shows and formats, bringing videographers, editors, graphic designers, and photographers together as one integrated craft team. The role owns the visual language and creative execution of content, setting high standards for aesthetics, storytelling, and technical quality across all assets.The Production Manager oversees production resources, workflows, and pipelines to ensure high-quality creative output is delivered consistently, efficiently, and on schedule across digital and social platforms.ResponsibilitiesCreative & Visual LeadershipLead videographers, editors, graphic designers, and photographers as one integrated creative and craft team.Own the visual language across shows and formats, including mood, lensing, lighting, camera work, sets, composition, motion, and visual storytelling.Set and maintain the aesthetic and technical bar for all visual content and ensure consistent quality across every asset.Direct the overall look and visual identity of shows, formats, campaigns, and digital content.Ensure visual execution remains consistent with the brand while being adapted appropriately for different platforms.Provide creative direction and feedback throughout the production process, from concept and pre-production through final delivery.Review key visual assets, edits, graphics, photography, and final cuts to ensure they meet the required creative standard.Encourage innovation and experimentation in visual storytelling, production techniques, and digital formats.Ensure every asset demonstrates a high level of visual craft, finish, and attention to detail.Production ManagementManage the end-to-end production workflow across filming, editing, graphics, photography, and post-production.Own production planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and delivery across the shows and content pipeline.Assess production requirements and ensure the appropriate creative and technical resources are assigned to each project.Manage multiple productions simultaneously, balancing quality, deadlines, resources, and priorities.Establish efficient production workflows and processes to improve quality, consistency, and turnaround times.Monitor production progress and proactively address creative, technical, or resourcing challenges.Ensure projects are delivered to agreed timelines and quality standards.Coordinate with Show Leads, Content Producers, editorial teams, and other stakeholders to ensure production requirements are clearly understood and delivered.Manage external production partners, freelancers, suppliers, and production resources where required.Support production planning for shoots, including locations, equipment, crew, sets, lighting, and other technical requirements.Team Leadership & DevelopmentLead, manage, and develop the production team, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, priorities, and expectations.Provide regular creative and technical feedback to team members and support continuous improvement.Identify capability gaps and recommend training, development, or additional resources where required.Build a collaborative culture across video, editing, graphics, and photography.Ensure effective communication and knowledge sharing across the craft disciplines.Support recruitment and onboarding of production and creative talent as required.Platform & Content DeliveryEnsure visual content is produced and delivered in platform-native formats for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and other relevant platforms.Work closely with the Head of Shows and Show Leads to ensure the visual execution supports the creative and editorial objectives of each format.Ensure assets are appropriately adapted for different aspect ratios, durations, resolutions, and platform requirements.Collaborate with audience, social, and digital teams to understand performance and optimise visual storytelling accordingly.Stay informed about emerging production techniques, visual trends, platform developments, and audience behaviours.Establish and maintain production and visual quality standards across all shows and formats.Ensure all content complies with brand, editorial, copyright, legal, and technical requirements.Ensure appropriate quality-control processes are followed before content is published.Identify and escalate significant creative, production, technical, legal, or reputational risks.Maintain efficient asset management and production documentation to support the wider content operation.Protect the consistency, quality, and reputation of the brand across all visual output.QualificationsProven experience leading multidisciplinary creative or production teams.Strong expertise in cinematography, lighting, camera, composition, editing, graphics, photography, and visual storytelling.Proven experience setting and maintaining visual and aesthetic standards across multiple shows, formats, or platforms.Strong understanding of digital-first and platform-native content production, particularly YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.Proven experience managing production pipelines, resources, schedules, and multiple projects simultaneously.Strong understanding of end-to-end production workflows from pre-production through post-production and final delivery.Excellent creative judgment with a strong eye for detail, aesthetics, and visual quality.Strong leadership, communication, collaboration, and stakeholder-management skills.Ability to balance creative ambition with practical production requirements, resources, and deadlines.Experience managing external production partners, freelancers, and suppliers is preferred.Strong understanding of current visual and digital content trends.Fluency in Arabic and English is preferred.Minimum of 8–10 years of professional experience in video production, creative production, television, digital media, or a related field.Bachelor’s degree in film, Television Production, Media, Visual Arts, Communications, or a related field.