Production Operations Manager (Voluntary / Unpaid Opportunity)

About Us

Quilombo UK is an independent, non-party-political social-impact organisation working to tackle inequality, celebrate diversity, and help build stronger communities. We believe organisations should be prepared to challenge inequality and question institutions when their actions do not match the values they promote. Around 450 people engage with our programmes each year, gaining practical professional experience while contributing to positive social change. By joining us, you are not only developing your CV and leadership profile—you are helping to drive meaningful social impact.

About the Role (Fully Remote)

This is a 16-week unpaid Professional Development Programme designed for professionals seeking sector transition, leadership development, or a way to apply their expertise for social good. The role is fully remote (work from home) with UK-wide flexibility.

Suggested commitment: approx. 12 hours per week, flexibly arranged across a minimum of two weekdays, fitting around your current schedule or commitments. Training and ongoing support are provided from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Turning organisational media priorities into clear production plans covering pre-production, production, and post-production activity.

• Leading and coaching Production Managers so projects have clear ownership, priorities, schedules, and delivery standards.

• Coordinating workflows across scripting, storyboarding, filming, editing, sound, and other media-production activities.

• Improving briefs, planning, and review stages so the team can reduce avoidable technical rework and delivery delays.

• Maintaining clear visibility of production work in progress, milestones, dependencies, and technical risks using the team's project-management systems.

• Working with Directors to translate objectives for podcasts, documentaries, training videos, and other media into practical delivery plans.

• Providing regular updates on production milestones, work in progress, and technical risks, with clear recommendations where decisions are needed.

• Maintaining professional, technical, and creative standards across the Production department.

What You Will Gain (Volunteering Benefits)

• Real-World Experience: Work on genuine, live projects rather than simulated tasks.

• Meaningful Portfolio & CV Enhancement: Demonstrate actual responsibilities, leadership, and tangible impact.

• Professional Development & Training: Develop advanced role-specific and strategic management skills.

• Progression Opportunities: High-performing participants can take on greater responsibility and access leadership pathways.

• Potential Supplementary Benefits: Participants may receive commission where their work directly contributes to eligible successful production, commercial, partnership, or other income-generating outcomes (separate from the voluntary programme and subject to applicable structures).

Requirements & Skills

• Strong experience in media-production management across pre-production and/or post-production.

• Leadership skills and confidence in coordinating and coaching production managers or specialist teams.

• Excellent planning and organisational abilities, with the capability to manage multiple production workflows and deadlines.

• Good technical understanding of video, audio, or multimedia production and relevant production software.

• A keen eye for technical quality, visual consistency, and practical delivery detail.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.

• A professional, collaborative approach and a willingness to take ownership of departmental outcomes.

• A portfolio of video, audio, or multimedia work is useful, and a relevant media or film qualification is an advantage.

How to Apply

To apply for this voluntary Professional Development Programme, please submit your CV and a brief covering statement outlining your relevant experience and what you hope to achieve through the role. Quilombo UK is committed to equality, diversity, and fair treatment in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.