At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commissioning process and build relationships with production partners.
- Company: Join the BBC, a leader in innovative storytelling and content creation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven organisation that champions diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the documentary world while working with diverse talent.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme-making and strong editorial judgement required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 75000 £ per year.
LOCATION: UK Flexible (Hybrid) — This role involves home and office working throughout the week.
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £55,000 - £75,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights. We’re happy to discuss flexible working. If you’d like to, please indicate your preference in the application – though there’s no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.
Purpose of The Role
As Assistant Commissioner, Storyville you will be a key part of the commissioning process. You’ll be the point of contact for suppliers, assessing new proposals with confident editorial judgement and spotting opportunities for development. Your role will involve providing clear, constructive feedback, managing submissions, and maintaining strong relationships with both established and emerging partners. You’ll bring a keen eye for trends and an understanding of the international landscape. Your work will support Storyville’s strategy, ensuring our commissions are editorially robust, creatively ambitious, and aligned with BBC values. You’ll also play an important role in compliance, ensuring content meets BBC editorial standards.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
The Assistant Commissioner will work closely with the Head of Storyville and a small team including those in business affairs, finance and delivery co-ordination.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT
- Work closely with the Head of Storyville to maintain a strong development pipeline and to deliver the Storyville strategy.
- Assess new proposals with sound editorial judgement and identifying opportunities.
- Act as a first point of contact for suppliers.
- Oversee the management and submission of proposals, monitoring team performance and supplier relationships.
- Build and maintain relationships with new and emerging production partners.
- Ensure all commissioning decisions reflect BBC Content/Genre strategy, including diversity, quotas and editorial objectives.
- Track key trends across documentaries and international filmmaking.
- Ensure commissions are underpinned by a clear understanding of cost, delivery, rights and production needs.
- Review content to ensure it meets editorial policy and BBC standards.
- Attend external festivals and networking events to build international industry relationships.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- A strong interest in the commissioning process, supported by programme‑making experience.
- Excellent editorial judgement with an awareness of evolving audience needs.
- Outstanding organisational skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
- Experience managing confidential or sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
- A solid understanding of the international film landscape.
- Experience as a Series Producer or Executive Producer, with the ability to oversee compliance across Storyville.
- Proven experience collaborating with international partners and representing projects or content strands.
- Strong awareness of legal, duty of care, and compliance obligations within documentary production.
Disclaimer
This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.
Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.
The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. Priority consideration means for those employees seeking redeployment their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.
Information at a Glance
This is your BBC At the BBC you can create and innovate in an inclusive environment while contributing to some of the world’s best loved content, and the BBC’s mission to inform, educate and entertain.
Life at BBC
Fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym. Excellent career and professional development. Support in your working life, including flexible working which you can discuss with us at any point during the application, selection or offer. A values-based organisation where the way we do things is important as what we do.
Benefits vary if you are joining on an FTC basis or on an orchestra conditions contract. Learn more about life at the BBC and our values in our candidate pack.
Candidate pack
You belong We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, so all our employees feel that they can belong, thrive and achieve their full potential. We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to join us. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity. We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. Find out more about diversity, inclusion and belonging in our strategy below.
Diversity, inclusion & belonging strategy
Disability confident We are a disability confident employer. If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process or to carry out this role, please contact us via email and we’d be happy to discuss: reasonable.adjustments@bbc.co.uk
Assistant Commissioner employer: BBC Group and Public Services
The BBC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where creativity thrives. As an Assistant Commissioner, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, a competitive salary, and extensive professional development opportunities, all while contributing to impactful content that resonates with diverse audiences. With a commitment to employee well-being and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, the BBC ensures that every team member can achieve their full potential in a supportive atmosphere.
Contact Details:
BBC Group and Public Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Commissioner
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We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Commissioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
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Tailor Your Application for BBC Group and Public Services:When applying for the Assistant Commissioner role at BBC Group and Public Services, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what BBC Group and Public Services produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Group and Public Services
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
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As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within BBC Group and Public Services. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
