Lawyer (Technology)

Department: Corporate Legal & Governance

Location: Leeds or London

Status: 12 months (fixed)

Job Grade: M

Department Description

There is nowhere quite like Channel 4. Publicly owned yet commercially funded, it occupies a unique place in the UK's media landscape. Channel 4 was created to be a disruptive, innovative force in UK broadcasting. Its role is to represent unheard voices, challenge with purpose and reinvent entertainment. Channel 4 broadcasts across the whole of the UK and Republic of Ireland via a network of television channels including Channel 4, E4, More4, Film4, 4seven and E4 Extra, as well as the UK’s biggest free streaming service. Separately, Film4 co‑produces feature films for the UK and global market and Channel 4’s digital content studio, 4Studio, launched in 2020 with a remit to create social‑first branded content for young audiences, and became the UK’s most viewed social branded content partner within its first year and is now a leading social channel amongst broadcasters for 18‑34s.

The Corporate Legal and Governance team currently comprises 11 lawyers and provides legal support to all areas of the business, except for programme and film compliance, commissions and acquisitions. This very wide remit means we advise and negotiate contracts for a variety of teams including Technology, 4Sales, 4Creative, 4Studio, Channel 4 Ventures, Indie Growth Fund and Distribution and Platform Partnerships. We’re also the team that looks after Channel 4’s regulatory obligations, including data protection and freedom of information, as well as providing the corporation secretarial function for the Channel 4 Board.

Job Role

In a world which is turning increasingly digital, the technology function at Channel 4 forms a key part of Channel 4 innovation and is critical to the delivery of Channel 4’s Fast Forward strategy. We are looking for a lawyer, principally to support the Technology team - reporting to the Senior Lawyer for Technology. This role will involve providing legal and commercial support for Channel 4’s varied technology‑based activity, which includes the distribution of Channel 4’s content across all platforms, including linear channels and our streaming service, as well as all underlying technology needed for internal business purposes. Although you will principally support Technology, you may be required to assist on a wide variety of other general commercial contracts as part of the Corporate Legal and Governance team.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting and negotiating agreements with technology suppliers (e.g. to support development of Channel 4’s streaming service, playout distribution and software supply agreements).
• Providing clear, pragmatic legal advice to the Technology team and other stakeholders such as Procurement on a variety of procurement projects.
• Drafting and negotiating general commercial contracts across other areas as required, including marketing, advertising sales, press, and publicity.
• Maintaining and updating template documentation.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Technical & Professional Skills
• Qualified commercial lawyer (NQ–3 years PQE).
• Strong knowledge of a broad range of commercial contracts.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating technology contracts, including software development, licensing, outsourcing, SaaS and professional services agreements.
• Experience advising on technology‑related intellectual property and data protection matters.
• Experience in a broadcast or wider media setting desirable but not essential.

• Autonomy, Judgement & Decision‑Making
• Ability to work independently, prioritising key matters effectively.
• Skilled at identifying legal risks and escalating where necessary.
• Strong organisational skills to manage a demanding workload and meet deadlines.
• Adaptable and able to handle multiple matters simultaneously, while managing stakeholder expectations.

• Relationship Management
• Clear and effective communicator, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to build strong relationships and to explain complex legal concepts clearly to non‑lawyers.
• Proactive in managing inputs from internal and external stakeholders (e.g., Procurement, Information Security, Data Protection) to ensure timely contract execution.
• Collaborative team player with a positive, “can‑do” attitude.

• Complexity & Problem‑Solving
• Analytical approach to assessing risks across a range of technologies and related services.
• Ability to balance commercial and legal considerations and deliver practical, risk‑aware solutions, taking account of Channel 4’s objectives and issues affecting Channel 4 and its remit.
• Exceptional attention to detail.

Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type: Contract

Job Function: Legal

Industries: Broadcast Media Production and Distribution