Job Descriptions

Television Floor Manager Job Description

What is the job description of a Television Floor Manager? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Television Floor Manager? What does a Television Floor Manager do?

Job description of a Television Floor Manager

Television floor managers ensure that sets, props and technical equipment are safe, ready to use and in the right position prior to filming. They have a liaising and coordinating role, acting as the link between the director and the many people involved in a production.

It is the floor manager’s responsibility to pass on cues to presenters and guests to ensure timings are met and the broadcast goes smoothly. The floor manager ensures that events go according to a set plan and that people taking part know their particular roles and how it fits in with whatever else is happening. The work is mainly studio-based, but may also include outside broadcasts, depending on the production.

This Television Floor Manager job description example includes the list of most important Television Floor Manager duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Television Floor Manager profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Television Floor Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Television Floor Manager job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Briefing and looking after those involved in the programme;
  • Managing the audience, e.g. explaining safety requirements, show timings and what will happen during filming and when the programme will be aired;
  • Dealing with any technical problems;
  • Controlling the studio and halting production if necessary;
  • Assisting guests on the show;
  • Relaying instructions from the control room to the studio floor using a talkback system;
  • Keeping the director and producer informed of action off-camera;
  • Assisting in the planning and preparation of productions;
  • Overseeing the work of other departments, such as sound, lighting and props;
  • Rehearsing live shows;
  • Liaising with public relations staff to agree who will be interviewed, for example at sports matches;
  • Passing information and progress reports from live events to studio presenters;
  • Adhering to health and safety regulations, e.g. keeping ‘safe areas’ and fire exits clear of equipment.
  • Checking that equipment, e.g. microphones and earpieces, are working before the show;
  • Seating the audience (if in attendance);
  • Referring to floor plans;
  • Giving cues and time counts to presenters, actors or guests;
  • Organising runners to make the best use of studio time;
  • Looking ahead in the programme schedule to anticipate any changes to the set or to see what props are required later in the show;

Television Floor Manager Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Television Floor Manager job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Degree in theatre studies, television, film, media or radio production.
  • Experience working as a runner, assistant floor manager or in a technical sound or lighting role.
  • Ability to foresee, solve and avoid problems under pressure
  • An air of calm authority
  • Excellent communication skills to receive, interpret and convey information accurately and concisely
  • Interpersonal skills, in order to quickly judge how to get the best out of different people
  • Organisational skills and the ability to multitask
  • Flexible approach to work and working hours.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Television Floor Manager starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Television Floor Manager job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Television Floor Manager may also reference it in preparation for the interview.