Commissioning Executive, Hollyoaks (12 month FTC)

Reports to: Commissioning Editor, with a dotted line to Head of Drama

Department: Drama

Job Grade: M

Department Description

Channel 4 Drama aims to commission and broadcast the most talked-about and original drama in the UK, commissioning new work from both established and up‑coming drama writers, in order to be a surprising, thought‑provoking, entertaining alternative to the drama output on other channels. We strive to be true to the Channel's remit, balancing the popular with the provocative.

This job would suit someone collaborative and energetic, with a genuine passion for continuing drama and an appetite for nurturing new talent. We are an approachable team with an inclusive outlook, who share a passion for television drama and a belief that the job should be a lot of fun! We welcome applicants from all ethnicities and backgrounds and will happily accommodate any specific needs.

Job Purpose

To be executive responsible for C4’s continuing drama, Hollyoaks. The Commissioning Exec acts as primary interface with the production itself, working across all aspects to ensure creative quality, optimal performance and reach, and contractual delivery. Within the corporation she or he plays a key role in overseeing and working with Channel 4 corporate departments including the Drama Department itself, Press, Marketing and Digital, Research and Consumer Insight, and Business Affairs, Legal and Compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Work to ensure that Hollyoaks is true to its brand DNA, and is aligned with the brand of the Channel.
• Reporting to the Commissioning Editor in the day‑to‑day, taking responsibility for signing off storylines, scripts, rough cuts and casting for HOLLYOAKS.
• Forming and maintaining a strong, open, effective commercial and creative relationship with the Commissioning Editor, Drama.
• Forming and maintaining strong, open, effective commercial and creative relationship with the Lime leadership team, the Executive Producer, and the Hollyoaks creative and production team.
• Attending HOLLYOAKS long term story conferences, working closely with the Executive Producer and Series Producers to shape, progress and sign off stories in consultation with the Commissioning Editor.
• Working with Channel 4 and the production company’s Press, Marketing and Digital departments to shape, deliver and sign off on promotion and support for the show.
• Organise internal routines on the progress of HOLLYOAKS and including attendance of the Director of Programmes.
• Co‑ordination, preparation of, and contribution to, reports, including board, strategy reports and others.
• Signing off on responses to viewer enquiries or Ofcom should they arise, in consultation with the Commissioning Editor.
• Work with the Channel Scheduling on any issues that may arise, and keep in touch about the show’s performance.
• Maintain a good working relationship between Audience Research and production company, using research to inform story and character decisions when needed.
• To oversee new digital commissions developed by 4Studios eg Hollyoaks: IRL and the Hollyoaks podcast ‘Don’t Filter Feelings’.
• Work with Commissioning Editors and Head of Drama to support new writing and talent development schemes.
• Build a pipeline for new talent into Hollyoaks.
• Work within the team to hone the drama strategy and messaging to producers.
• Fulfil other responsibilities and duties as required from time to time.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Proven production experience as a seasoned script editor or a producer.
• Strong editorial judgment.
• Experience of the production process beyond script, e.g. casting and the edit.
• Strong understanding of legal/compliance guidelines and functions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to give clear feedback in a business and creative context.
• The ability to be flexible with communication style, depending on what is most effective for the talent.
• Able to create goals, and put in place the processes to see them through.
• Resilient and tenacious, with energy and stamina.
• Experience of returning drama a plus.

Autonomy/Judgement/Decision Making

• Strong prioritising and time management skills, demonstrable ability to work to hard deadlines.
• Will often be working with teams based in a different location, both at Channel 4 and Lime, so needs to be autonomous and proactively manage communications to ensure continued effectiveness and efficiency.

Proactive and responsive Relationship Management

• Demonstrable experience of managing relationships with on- and off- screen talent.

Complexity/Problem Solving

• High tolerance of stress, comfortable with ambiguity.
• Problem solving often needed around issues of compliance.
• Problem solving in character and story in both storylines, script and rough cuts.
• Discussing any casting issues with Executive Producer and Casting Director.
• High degree of creativity required when developing ideas and problem solving with highly demanding and unpredictable talent.
• Role holder will need to assess the impact of any contentious material on the general public.

Desirable Experience and Skills

• Inspirational team player, alignment building and with a clear sense of focus.
• Development as well as production experience.
• Considerable experience in continuing drama.
• Strong editorial judgment.
• Sound knowledge and experience of working for younger audiences.