Senior Vice President, Format Sales & Production

• Full-time
• Business Segment: Universal Studio Group

Company Description

Universal International Studios (UIS), a division of Universal Studio Group, partners with storytellers from around the globe to create bold and distinctive shows with universal resonance. Based in London and led by President Beatrice Springborn, the business’ in-house production companies include Carnival Films (“The Day of the Jackal,” “Lockerbie: A Search for Truth,” “Downton Abbey”), Monkey (“Made in Chelsea,” “The Real Housewives of Cheshire,” “Made in Bondi”), Matchbox Pictures (“House of Gods,” “Bad Behaviour,” “Made in Bondi”), Working Title Television (“We Are Lady Parts,” “Too Much”) and Heyday Television (“Apples Never Fall,” “The Capture”). UIS also backs Tony Ayres Productions (“Clickbait,” “The Survivors”) and is a minority shareholder with a first-look distribution deal in Canada’s Lark Productions (“Allegiance,” “Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent”). Additionally, UIS houses a scripted unit that develops and produces original series such as “Hanna,” and the BAFTA Award-winner “Dodger”, as well as partnering with third parties on series such as “Everyone Else Burns” and “One Day”. The studio also includes NBCUniversal Formats, the international sales division that brings content to the global market, including shows such as “The Real Housewives,” “Top Chef,” “Saturday Night Live,” “Hollywood Game Night,” “That’s My Jam,” “Suits,” “Superstore,” and more.

Job Description

We are looking for an individual with the credibility and ambition to spearhead the growth and development of NBCUniversal International Studios Formats business. Key to the success of this position will be the ability to devise a dynamic and ambitious strategy for the global growth of the business in both Scripted and Unscripted and drive its implementation. This leader will oversee the development, acquisition and strategic deployment of both proprietary and third-party formats, with a keen focus on identifying and maximising opportunities across key regions, including Korea, the Nordics, and beyond.

The SVP will be a key influencer and collaborator, excelling in stakeholder management and fostering synergy across various areas of the business. A vital component of this role is leading and developing a high-performing global team of nine professionals across APAC and the Americas. The SVP will inspire and drive the team to meet and exceed ambitious sales targets, while keeping a motivated and dynamic culture that supports the division’s growth. Strong leadership and team development skills are essential for success in this role.

Key responsibilities

• Lead strategies for, and effectively manage, deal negotiations and strategic pitches to potential partners, as well as in M&A activity where appropriate.
• Sell format rights for existing IP across global territories and seek out co-development opportunities to co-create IP largely in partnership with commissioners.
• Identify IP opportunities in the marketplace (in partnership with senior leadership across UTAS for unscripted, UTV/UCP/UIS for scripted):
  a. Leverage format selling capabilities to sell on behalf of third parties.
  b. Acquire format rights and produce original series ideally aligned with NBCU platforms under USG banner.
• Foster, manage, and enhance relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, to ensure a collaborative global approach on delivery of the above responsibilities.
• Partner with Universal Parks & Experiences to align revenue generation strategies across brands, ensuring consistency throughout the brand lifecycle and maximising revenue opportunities across all platforms.
• Lead the Formats Production team to ensure the strategic adaptation of Formats across the globe.
• Drive excellence in the International Studios Formats slate to enable the business to maximise growth and revenue opportunities.
• Optimise promotion and marketing opportunities for International Formats at key industry events.
• Oversee P&L and OPEX management in collaboration with internal stakeholders, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to meet business objectives.
• Work with Communications and Marketing teams to create and execute unified strategies that drive format success.
• Serve as a trusted partner to the President of the Studio, providing insights, updates, and strategic recommendations to support overall business objectives.

Experience

• A demonstrable track record of success in leadership positions within the International Formats space.
• Proven experience in building and growing a Formats business through effective strategy, negotiation and leadership.
• Demonstrable experience in managing sales teams across International territories.
• Established senior-level relationships with major broadcasters, producers, and streaming platforms across international markets.
• Experience of managing major television Format rollouts from beginning to end.
• Strong experience in ancillary business models and negotiating ancillary deals with broadcasters.
• Experience of the critical elements of television programming, development and production.
• Detailed knowledge of, and familiarity with broadcast Formats and emerging technologies.
• Extensive experience of, and ability to brief the drafting of financial and legal documents, associated with complex Formats and commercial deals.
• A proven track record of consistently driving strong sales performance and exceeding revenue targets.

Qualifications

• Capacity and enthusiasm to see unlimited opportunities in the types of Formats that can be developed, while able to drive a clear direction and business plan.
• Credibility and interpersonal skills to lead effectively across the company and to inspire the organization.
• Complete dedication to developing people and ensuring collaborative, open working relationships.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic; an unquestioned level of personal and professional integrity.
• Strong relationship-building skills with an ability to forge strong alliances internally with other company divisions and to leverage strong external relationships.
• Excellent client relationship skills.
• An intuitive understanding of television production and programming industry and sound creative judgement.
• First-class commercial and financial management skills in order to devise strategy, budgets and targets and ensure their delivery.
• Ability to manage extensive travel and the team remotely when required.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove they are able to work in the United Kingdom.

The responsibilities associated with this position are not limited to the above description and may be modified at any time by the Company.

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to

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