Global Acquisitions Manager - FTC in London

We have an exciting opportunity for an individual to join the Global Acquisitions team on a fixed‑term contract of approximately 8 months. This role will help to ensure the portfolio of BBC Studios (BBCS) linear and non‑linear services, including UKTV’s linear channel brands and streaming service U, is supplied with the programming required to hit performance targets while remaining on budget and on brand.

Key Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Personal Qualities

• A team player who enjoys collaboration, supports others and understands how they contribute to a high‑performing team.
• Extensive negotiation experience gained in content acquisitions for broadcast or streaming, or sales and distribution, or digital broadcasting.
• Experience of acquiring or selling for the UK and international markets.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience negotiating with studios and major international distributors; deep understanding of programme rights, deal terms and pre‑buys across scripted and unscripted content.
• A proactive and can‑do attitude, always seeking solutions.
• A person who loves TV, has an opinion about it, and has a keen editorial eye.
• An understanding of the value of content in the UK and globally.
• Extensive experience managing, mentoring and developing people on a day‑to‑day basis.
• Adaptable and resilient, able to cope with the pressure of managing high volumes of work and tight deadlines.
• A strong communicator who can convey points effectively and is confident in managing expectations to deliver realistic timelines.
• Collaboration skills that enable problem‑solving and producing positive outcomes with a range of stakeholders across the business.
• Ability to use own initiative with confidence, using judgment to escalations where necessary.
• An understanding of evolving audience requirements and the wider media industry.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the international content market and the ability to assess content pipelines, discerning editorially appropriate titles for UKTV and BBC Studios channels and streaming services.

Key Outputs and Responsibilities

• Contribute to the success of linear and on‑demand services by sourcing and acquiring content from distributors across the globe.
• Work on prominent channel brands such as Dave, Alibi and BBC Earth, as well as streaming brands such as U.
• Negotiate complex and interesting deals across multiple territories.
• Work closely with editorial stakeholders across BBCS and UKTV, building and maintaining strong relationships and ensuring effective collaboration and communication.
• Source and negotiate content from external suppliers for linear and non‑linear services, leveraging the business’s joint buying power to maximum effect and coordinating across the global portfolio of channels and streaming services.
• Ensure that all deals are within the approved budget and deliver optimal value for money.
• Ensure all deals comply with BBCS and UKTV policies regarding rights, commercial terms, compliance and editorial integrity.
• Serve as the expert in the team for channels and streaming services outside the UK, acting as the strategic acquisition lead, key contact person for global editorial teams, and escalation point for any issues that arise.
• Forge new relationships and build on existing relationships with content producers and distributors, positioning BBC Studios/UKTV for first look at titles.
• Line‑manage Global Acquisitions Executives and/or Acquisition Assistants, developing and supporting them to do their best work.
• Attend screenings, industry markets and events as required.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of competitors’ schedules, the wider TV market, and a clear understanding of UKTV and BBCS branded services requirements and priorities.

Hybrid Working

UKTV operates in a hybrid environment with a mixture of home and office work. The split between office and home time will be agreed with your manager based on the role’s needs, team meetings, and personal preference.

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

UKTV is committed to ensuring a level playing field for all employees and job applicants. We welcome applications from everyone and strive to create a culture where every person feels included, empowered, and free from discrimination.