Director, Live Productions

Description

The IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series, IRONKIDS®, World Triathlon Championship Series, Epic Series™ mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic®, road cycling events including UTMB®, and other multisport races.

The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world and provides more than a million participants annually with the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN® brand and its first event in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines around the world. Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with hundreds of events across 55+ countries. For more information about The IRONMAN Group visit: www.ironman.com. 

Job Summary

The Director, Live Production is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for all TIG live race broadcast productions. This includes developing and executing live Event broadcast coverage across all brand properties and audience touchpoints — including on-air, OTT, and emerging platforms.

This role plays a pivotal part in elevating the IRONMAN live event coverage experience, adapting to audience and community feedback, continuously incorporating new technology to improve broadcast quality and reduce production costs. The director is responsible for setting up workflow with all production vendors to ensure high event coverage and minimize coverage disruptions.

The Director will work closely with the VP of Content to define the editorial approach, the run of show, select/develop the commentary team, and guide the long-term broadcast strategy.

Equally important is the ability to balance short-term production demands with long-term business goals — specifically, to elevate content quality, enhance the viewing experience, and expand IRONMAN’s global audience.

The Director will also partner closely with the commercial teams to create innovative partnership assets, incorporate partners and host cities in the event coverage, and elevate the brand association.

The Director will work with the marketing and communication team to bring the inspirational athlete journey to life, reinforcing the brand promise that Anything Is Possible.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of all live and studio broadcast productions.
• Be the champion of broadcast technologies, innovate where appropriate to ensure The IRONMAN Group remains the leader in endurance sports live event coverage and ensure we continue to achieve cost efficiencies 
• Manage budget and cost efficiency across all live production activities.
• Establish long-term departmental goals and KPIs while managing daily operations.
• Direct and oversee live production crews, vendors, and on-air talent.
• Develop and refine run-of-show formats and storytelling frameworks.
• Drive continuous improvement of workflow processes, production tools, and systems.
• Collaborate across departments to align production efforts with brand, marketing, and commercial objectives.
• Coordinate travel logistics for production teams including moto crews, field producers, and commentators.
• Conduct site surveys (in coordination with regional production vendors) and determine optimal camera placements and movement strategy.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• 5–10 years of experience in live and studio broadcast production.
• 5–10 years of leadership experience, including:
  • In-house and remote teams
  • Vendor and crew management
  • On-air talent: play-by-play, analysts, reporters, commentators
• Proven understanding of new and emerging broadcast technologies:
  • Cloud-based workflows
  • Bonded cellular transmission, GPS, Starlink
  • Camera systems, drones, and basic AV operational knowledge
• Strong editorial judgment:
  • Ability to identify and shape compelling storylines
  • Calm, protocol-driven  communication during high-pressure situations
  • Deep understanding of triathlon culture, pro fields, and race dynamics
• Budget and resource management experience
• Knowledge of streaming platforms and OTT best practices
• Familiarity with Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems, especially Getty
• Experience using graphics platforms such as Flowics
• Basic script writing and editorial support
• Exceptional time management, organization, and planning skills
• Ability to accept, integrate, and act on constructive feedback 

The above declarations are not intended to be an “all inclusive” list of duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job and are a reasonable representation of its activities.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.