Senior Distribution Manager

Senior Distribution Manager

Full-Time 69100 - 85000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
BBC Group and Public Services

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the BBC's distribution strategy and manage key partnerships in a dynamic media landscape.
  • Company: Join the BBC, a trusted global brand shaping the future of media.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and excellent career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Inclusive environment valuing diversity and offering support for all employees.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on how audiences experience BBC content across platforms.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and experience in strategic partnerships and commercial negotiations.

The predicted salary is between 69100 - 85000 £ per year.

JOB BAND: ECONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time.

DEPARTMENT: Distribution & Business Development, BBC Chief Operating Group.

LOCATION: Office base is London Broadcasting House - London. This is a hybrid role.

PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: anticipated range £69,100 to £85,000pa (plus London Weighting £5,441pa), depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Help shape the future of the BBC. We are seeking a Senior Distribution Manager to join our Distribution Ventures team for this permanent role. In BBC Distribution & Business Development, we ensure that the BBC’s public services are innovative, prominent and available to all, now and in the future. We need an exceptional individual to join our team and play a crucial role in the evolution of BBC services and how they are delivered to audiences through broadcast and online platforms.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

BBC Distribution & Business Development’s Ventures team is at the centre of defining how audiences will discover and experience BBC content in a rapidly evolving media landscape. We shape the strategy, partnerships and platforms that ensure the BBC remains innovative, prominent and universally available in the years ahead.

We do this through our focus on:

  • Leadership of the BBC’s long term distribution strategy, including the migration from broadcast to internet (IP) delivery on TV and radio platforms.
  • Shaping distribution policy and evolving strategic partnerships in response to market and technology changes.
  • Managing the BBC’s investment in platform joint ventures Everyone TV, YouView and Radioplayer.
  • Maximising the commercial value from the BBC’s distribution assets and infrastructure.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:

You will be an engaging and adaptable individual, comfortable operating across both strategic and delivery-focused work. Bringing a broad and complementary skillset, you will contribute across a number of areas, including:

  • Strategy – Supporting the Director of D&BD and leadership group to develop and evolve distribution strategy and policy.
  • Partnerships – Building and managing influential relationships across the industry, helping to deliver outcomes that support the BBC in complex and changing market.
  • Commercial – Leading and supporting complex negotiations and transactions.
  • Joint ventures & governance – Managing relationships with the BBC’s distribution joint ventures and supporting recommendations on their long-term strategic direction.
  • Regulatory – Contributing to responses to Ofcom and other consultations, ensuring the BBC’s interests are effectively represented.
  • Technical & market insight – Applying an understanding of broadcast and IP distribution technologies, product roadmaps, and market trends to inform decision-making.
  • Project Delivery – Leading cross-functional projects, often through virtual teams, to deliver against strategic objectives in complex and evolving environments.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

You will:

  • Be a leader – Develop strategies and drive delivery through others, operating confidently in complex and sometimes ambiguous environments.
  • Be insightful - Understand and articulate the audience, policy, commercial and financial implications of strategic choices.
  • Be influential – Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across the BBC and the wider industry, shaping decisions and outcomes.
  • Be commercially astute - Bring sound judgement when balancing public service priorities and commercial considerations.
  • Be comfortable with complexity - Navigate complex deals, regulatory issues and strategic challenges with clarity and confidence.

If you can bring some of these skills and experiences, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.

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.

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.

Find out more about the BBC Life at BBC. Here you will benefit from:

  • 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 may 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.

Senior Distribution Manager employer: BBC Group and Public Services

The BBC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment at its iconic London Broadcasting House. With a commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave and professional development opportunities, the BBC empowers its staff to thrive while shaping the future of media. Join a values-driven organisation that prioritises innovation and diversity, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.

BBC Group and Public Services

Contact Details:

BBC Group and Public Services Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Distribution Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already at the BBC or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the BBC's current distribution strategies and recent projects. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the future of media and how you can contribute.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the BBC’s goals. We want to see your leadership skills and how you can navigate complex challenges with confidence.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Distribution Manager

Leadership
Strategic Development
Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Commercial Acumen
Regulatory Knowledge
Technical Insight

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Senior Distribution Manager role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role is all about leading strategies and managing relationships, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. We love seeing how you've influenced others and driven projects to success in complex environments.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand your fit for the role.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!

How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Group and Public Services

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into the BBC's distribution strategy and recent developments in media technology. Familiarise yourself with their partnerships and how they’re adapting to changes in audience behaviour. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also invested in the company’s future.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in complex environments. Highlight your ability to navigate ambiguity and drive results through others. The BBC is looking for someone who can inspire and influence, so be ready to discuss your leadership style and successes.

Build Relationships

Think about how you’ve built and maintained relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific instances where your influence made a difference. The BBC values collaboration, so demonstrating your interpersonal skills will be key.

Be Commercially Savvy

Understand the balance between public service priorities and commercial considerations. Prepare to discuss how you’ve approached similar challenges in the past. Showing that you can think commercially while keeping the audience's needs in mind will set you apart from other candidates.