At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in legal and business affairs for unscripted productions.
- Company: Join Banijay UK, the largest international content producer with iconic shows like Big Brother and Peaky Blinders.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative powerhouse shaping global entertainment while making impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: 15+ years PQE with experience in TV production legal affairs and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive employer committed to diversity; flexible working discussions welcome.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Director of Legal and Business Affairs, Unscripted
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Director of Legal and Business Affairs, Unscripted
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Join to apply for the Director of Legal and Business Affairs, Unscripted role at Banijay UK
Opportunity: Director of Legal and Business Affairs, Unscripted
Location: Shepherds Bush, London
Company:
Banijay stands as the largest international content producer and distributor; home to over 120 production companies across 22 territories, and a multi-genre catalogue boasting over 88,000 hours of original standout programming.
A collective of creative entrepreneurs, the group represents some of the biggest global brands including Survivor, Big Brother, Peaky Blinders, MasterChef, Good Luck Guys, Rogue Heroes, Marie Antoinette, Mr Bean, The Summit, Black Mirror, Deal or No Deal Island, and The Fifty among others. Imagining and delivering high-quality multi-genre IP that was born locally and travels globally, the business offers the best stories told the best way.
Built on independence, creative freedom, entrepreneurialism and commercial acumen, the company, launched in 2008, operates under the direction of Chief Executive Officer, Marco Bassetti.
Job Purpose:
The Director of Legal and Business Affairs is a full-time role leading the Legal & Business Affairs team, working across several unscripted production labels within Banijay UK Productions Limited (specifically including Electric Robin, Initial, Remarkable Entertainment and Zeppotron) and the procurement, commercial and policy work for the core teams at Banijay UK.
The role is responsible for leading a team of approximately 8 lawyers and will work closely with the Managing Directors and Directors of Production/Operations for the relevant labels, as well as working with the Banijay UK Senior Management Team.
The individual ensures that an exceptional legal and business affairs service is delivered to production teams. The role is key in delivering commercial success for the relevant labels and supporting MDs and DoPs.
Duties:
- Leading the legal production and business affairs operations for the relevant production labels to ensure smooth processes, best practice, legal compliance and maximising of returns.
- Actively reviewing, drafting and negotiating the high profile, high risk or sensitive deals including, development agreements, production agreements and distribution licence agreements and guiding the team in their negotiations
- Advising the team on drafting and negotiating agreements required by productions; including presenters’ agreements, contributors’ agreements, format agreements, location agreements and production service agreements.
- Identifying, overseeing and managing risk on productions for all labels particularly on high value entertainment and reality programmes. Guiding the Legal & Business Affairs team in managing risks and making decisions or escalating where required.
- Drafting and advising on press and complaints responses in short time frames on high pressure fast turnaround programmes.
- Building and maintaining excellent working relationships with the MDs and DoPs of the relevant labels, to become a trusted advisor.
- Confidently building great working relationships with external parties including UK broadcaster and global/streaming Legal & Business Affairs teams, broadcaster compliance teams and agents.
- Providing effective solutions on significant issues that arise on productions or within the BUK business and providing support to the BUK General Counsel and other members of the BUK Senior Management Team.
- Working at a senior level in the business with credibility, tact, conciseness and a positive outlook.
- Being a recognisable and vocal ambassador and advocate of the governance processes in place at Banijay UK and Banijay Group.
- Advising on general legal queries including intellectual property such as copyright issues, fair dealing, trade marks and chain of title of productions.
- Advising on relevant areas of compliance including in relation to the OFCOM Codes and data protection law
- Advising and liaising internally and externally (specifically broadcasters and solicitors) on pre-litigation correspondence, right to reply letters, Data Subject Requests, OFCOM complaints and drafting responses to complainants and their lawyers.
- Liaising and building excellent working relationships with other parts of the BUK Group, including Banijay Rights, Banijay Brands, Banijay Group and Creative Networks.
- Advising on and implementing any relevant changes in the law across the labels and core BUK departments.
- Demonstrating and valuing good team work for the Legal & Business Affairs Team. Providing positive and encouraging leadership and supporting the development of the team and their work on productions.
- Giving advice on employment related issues in respect of the production teams.
Knowledge and skills:
- Legally qualified (15 years PQE +)
- Significant experience of leading a Legal & Business Affairs team in-house at a television production company working on quiz shows, large entertainment and reality shows.
- An extensive knowledge of IP rights and commissioning deals with linear UK broadcasters, streamers and US commissioners.
- Demonstrable track record of building excellent working relationships with MDs and HoPs.
- Demonstrable track record in crisis management on fast turnaround productions.
- Extensive experience in independent drafting and negotiating high value deals and agreements.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to respond to and make decisions based on rapidly changing circumstances and assist team members in the same.
- The ability to work calmly under pressure to tight deadlines.
- Experience of working for a company within a large group.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Reporting to: General Counsel
Contract type: Full time, permanent
Hours: 9:30am – 6pm
We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational requirements prevent otherwise. There is no obligation to raise this at the application stage but if you wish to do so, you are welcome to. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.
Closing date: 30th June 2025
If you apply for this role, your personal information will be used by Banijay UK for recruitment purposes and in accordance with our Recruitment Privacy Policy https://www.banijay.com/privacy-notice/.
We are an inclusive and disability confident employer. We actively encourage applications from individuals from diverse and under-represented backgrounds and are committed to providing a creative and inspirational home for all people. To make sure we are inclusive and accessible to all, please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments or assistance either to help you with your application or whilst working with us.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Legal
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Industries
Media Production
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Director of Legal and Business Affairs, Unscripted employer: Banijay UK
Contact Detail:
Banijay UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Legal and Business Affairs, Unscripted
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the television production industry, especially those who have experience in legal and business affairs. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in unscripted content.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Banijay UK's portfolio and their approach to unscripted programming. Understanding their key shows and production labels will help you tailor your discussions and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your crisis management experiences in detail. Given the fast-paced nature of unscripted productions, showcasing your ability to handle high-pressure situations and make quick decisions will be crucial in impressing the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your leadership skills and experience in managing a legal team. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully guided teams through complex negotiations and legal challenges, as this role requires strong leadership in a collaborative environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Legal and Business Affairs, Unscripted
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in legal and business affairs, particularly within the television production industry. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific achievements related to unscripted content.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of Banijay UK's operations and the specific challenges faced in unscripted production. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs and express your enthusiasm for the role.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, provide examples of high-profile deals you've negotiated or managed, especially in entertainment and reality shows. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
Demonstrate Cultural Fit: Banijay UK values creativity and independence. Use your application to convey your passion for storytelling and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering high-quality programming.
How to prepare for a job interview at Banijay UK
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Legal and Business Affairs, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure environments, particularly in the media production sector.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Expertise
This role involves negotiating high-profile deals. Come equipped with specific examples of past negotiations you've led, focusing on the outcomes and how you navigated challenges. Highlight your understanding of IP rights and commissioning deals.
✨Understand the Company’s Culture
Banijay UK values creativity and independence. Research their productions and be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs. Show that you can be a trusted advisor to the MDs and DoPs by understanding their needs and challenges.
✨Prepare for Crisis Management Scenarios
Given the fast-paced nature of unscripted productions, be ready to discuss how you've handled crises in the past. Provide examples of how you maintained calm under pressure and made effective decisions quickly, ensuring minimal disruption to production.