Head of Content & Programming

Location: Mumbai
Working Days: 5
Industry: Media & Entertainment
Function: Media & Communication

⚠️ Confidentiality Note:
Kindly do not mention the company name on public or social media platforms as it is restricted by the client. Company details can be shared directly with shortlisted candidates via call or personal communication.

About the Role

As the organization accelerates its digital transformation journey, this role will lead the end-to-end content vision and programming strategy for its flagship digital app.

The Head of Content & Programming will own the creative and commercial direction of the platform — transforming it into a high-engagement, monetisation-driven content destination across audio, video, and interactive formats.

This is a strategic leadership position requiring a balance of editorial excellence, business acumen, audience insight, and cross-functional execution.

Role Purpose

To own the end-to-end content vision, programming roadmap, genre mix, and ROI for the digital platform — ensuring content not only engages audiences but also drives retention, monetisation, and long-term brand equity.

Key Responsibilities

1️⃣ Content Vision & Strategy

• Define and execute a long-term content roadmap aligned with brand legacy and digital-first ambitions.

• Build a differentiated content identity across audio, video, and interactive community formats.

• Identify high-potential genres and audience segments through data insights and market research.

• Establish scalable content verticals that strengthen platform positioning.

2️⃣ Programming & Genre Mix

• Curate and continuously optimise the genre mix including:

  • Talk shows

  • Storytelling formats

  • Celebrity-led shows

  • Infotainment

  • Podcasts

  • Youth and culture content

• Greenlight original IPs based on editorial strength and commercial viability.

• Develop seasonal programming calendars and tentpole strategies.

• Ensure a balanced slate aligned with audience demand and revenue opportunities.

3️⃣ Content Creation & Quality Control

• Oversee end-to-end commissioning from ideation to production and launch.

• Maintain consistency in tone, storytelling quality, and production standards.

• Implement scalable pipelines for rapid experimentation and iteration.

• Establish governance frameworks for content quality control.

4️⃣ Team Leadership & Execution

• Lead and mentor producers, commissioning teams, writers, editors, and creative partners.

• Build SOPs for ideation, production, publishing, and content lifecycle management.

• Drive alignment across Marketing, Growth, Sales, Partnerships, and Technology teams.

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and performance excellence.

5️⃣ Performance & Optimisation

• Track and analyse key performance metrics including:

  • User acquisition & retention

  • Listening/viewing time

  • Completion rates

  • Subscriber growth

  • Revenue per IP/show

• Continuously refine programming strategy based on analytics and audience behaviour.

• Drive performance-led content scaling decisions.

6️⃣ Monetisation & ROI Ownership

• Align content strategy with advertising, sponsorships, branded integrations, and subscription models.

• Work closely with sales teams to build content-led revenue solutions.

• Ensure measurable ROI from content investments.

• Own financial accountability across content budgets.

⚠️ Mandatory Criteria (Non-Negotiable During Screening)

1. Relevant Industry Background

Must have leadership experience in audio/content/OTT platforms such as:

• Kuku FM

• Pocket FM

• Pratilipi

• Storytel

• Reel Saga

• Dramabox

• StoryBox

• Story TV

OR strong content leadership background in digital media, OTT, or radio-led consumer platforms.

2. End-to-End Content Ownership

• 12–15+ years in media/content ecosystems.

• Demonstrated ownership of full content vision, genre strategy, and programming roadmap.

• Proven track record of building scalable original IPs and content verticals.

3. Programming & Editorial Depth

• Experience curating genre mix across audio and video formats.

• Strong editorial judgment in greenlighting commercially viable content.

• Experience designing seasonal calendars and tentpole programming strategies.

4. Performance & Monetisation Accountability

• Track record of linking content strategy to measurable metrics such as retention, completion, subscriber growth, and revenue.

• Strong understanding of monetisation models including:

  • Ads

  • Branded integrations

  • Sponsorships

  • Subscription-based revenue

• Proven ROI ownership of content investments.

5. Team & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Experience leading large creative and commissioning teams.

• Built SOPs and scalable processes for content lifecycle management.

• Worked closely with Growth, Marketing, Sales, and Tech teams to drive business impact.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 12–15+ years of experience in media, OTT, digital content, or storytelling ecosystems.

• Proven leadership in building and scaling content verticals.

• Strong exposure to audio-first or OTT-driven environments.

• Editorial instinct combined with strong commercial acumen.

• Experience launching or scaling digital content platforms is highly desirable.

• Ability to operate in a fast-evolving, entrepreneurial environment.

Why This Role Matters

This is a transformative leadership opportunity to define the future of a digital-first content platform. The selected candidate will shape audience experience, revenue growth, and long-term IP strategy.

If you are a visionary content leader who understands both storytelling and monetisation — this role offers a platform to build something meaningful at scale.

📩 Interested candidates may share their CV directly.

Why Orbit Global Stands Apart

Executive Search Excellence: Deep industry expertise in identifying and securing C-suite, senior management, and niche specialist talent across India.

Pan-India Reach: Comprehensive recruitment coverage from metros to tier-2/tier-3 cities, ensuring access to talent wherever your business operates.

End-to-End Recruitment Services: From executive headhunting to bulk hiring—sourcing, rigorous screening, assessment, and seamless placement.

Speed & Precision: Proven track record of filling critical positions rapidly without compromising on quality.

Strategic Partnership Approach: Customized recruitment strategies aligned with your organizational culture, growth objectives, and competitive positioning.

Market Intelligence: Competitive salary benchmarking, talent mapping, and industry insights to inform your hiring decisions.

Recruitment Made Strategic & Simple

Whether you need a single C-level executive or a complete team across multiple locations, Orbit Global delivers results. Our pan-India network and consultative approach ensure you get the right talent, at the right time, anywhere in India. Looking for Hiring – Share your requirements to info@orbitconsultancy.in | 8810363997.

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