Head of Development (UK Scripted)

Head of Development (UK Scripted)

Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development strategy for Disney+ UK scripted drama and comedy, nurturing talent and storytelling.
  • Company: Join the iconic Disney team, shaping the future of entertainment with creativity and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private medical insurance, free park entry, and exclusive Disney discounts.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on globally resonant content while championing diverse voices in storytelling.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in scripted television development and strong leadership skills required.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse workforce that values inclusion and supports emerging talent.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic, creative, and highly collaborative Senior Manager, Development, UK Scripted to join the Disney+ UK scripted originals team. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of Disney+'s UK scripted slate, driving strategy, nurturing talent, and championing ambitious storytelling that resonates locally and globally. The ideal candidate will support commissioned projects through development, working with writers, showrunners, and producers, and elevating the overall quality and impact of our original series.

This role will be based in our London Hammersmith office, 4 days a week, with either a Monday or Friday working from home.

Values

You will join a team grounded in our Disney values - acting with Integrity, welcoming everyone through Inclusion, embracing boundless Creativity, working together through Collaboration and caring deeply for our Community. These values shape how we work and how we support one another every day.

What You Will Do

  • Lead and support the development strategy for Disney+ UK drama and comedy in collaboration with the Originals team, shaping a distinctive slate that aligns with overall brand and audience goals.
  • Identify and cultivate compelling project ideas, formats, and original IP with potential for global reach and local resonance.
  • Champion diverse voices and innovative narrative forms that reflect the UK's cultural landscape.
  • Oversee the development process from concept to approved scripts, ensuring creative quality and strategic fit.
  • Provide detailed creative feedback and guidance to writers, creators, and production partners.
  • Work with internal teams (Programming, Legal, Business Affairs, Production Management) to move projects through key greenlight milestones.
  • Forge and maintain strong relationships with writers, agents, production companies, and industry stakeholders.
  • Lead initiatives to discover and support emerging talent in both drama and comedy.
  • Represent Disney+ at industry events, conferences, and talent forums.
  • Partner with senior leaders across Original Productions, International, and Marketing to maximize creative impact and commercial success.
  • Support cross-departmental alignment to ensure timely delivery of development objectives and slate priorities.

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Extensive experience in scripted television development and production, including drama and comedy series.
  • A strong track record of developing and shepherding scripted projects from idea through production.
  • Proven ability to lead and manage a team, providing coaching and feedback to ensure success.
  • Strong creative and strategic thinking skills.
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
  • Ability to build and maintain strong industry relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working with international teams and managing cross-cultural projects.
  • Proficiency in additional languages.

The Perks

  • 25 days annual leave
  • Private medical insurance & dental care
  • Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free
  • Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing
  • Excellent parental and guardian leave
  • Employee Resource Groups - Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, our new disability & neurodiversity focused group - ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Head of Development (UK Scripted) employer: The Walt Disney Company (Germany) GmbH

At Disney+, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity. Our London Hammersmith office provides a dynamic environment where you can thrive professionally while enjoying benefits like 25 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and unique perks such as free park entry and discounts on Disney products. We are committed to nurturing talent and supporting employee growth, making this an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the world of scripted television.
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Contact Detail:

The Walt Disney Company (Germany) GmbH Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Development (UK Scripted)

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with industry folks! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.

✨Show Off Your Creativity

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your creative side shine! Share your ideas and insights about storytelling and development. This is your moment to show them how you think outside the box.

✨Be Ready to Collaborate

Collaboration is key in this industry, so come prepared to discuss how you work with others. Share examples of past projects where teamwork made a difference. It’s all about showing you can lead and support a team effectively.

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our Disney+ family.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development (UK Scripted)

Strategic Thinking
Creativity
Collaboration
Leadership
Project Development
Industry Relationship Management
Creative Feedback
Communication Skills
Talent Nurturing
Cross-Departmental Alignment
Cultural Awareness
Team Management
Script Development
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Creative Side: When you're crafting your application, let your creativity shine through! Use engaging language and examples that showcase your unique storytelling abilities. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can champion ambitious narratives, so don’t hold back!

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in scripted television development. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Senior Manager, Development, UK Scripted. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to driving strategy and nurturing talent.

Emphasise Collaboration: This role is all about teamwork, so be sure to mention your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've worked with writers, producers, and other stakeholders to bring projects to life. We value strong relationships, so show us how you build and maintain them!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Disney+!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Walt Disney Company (Germany) GmbH

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Disney+'s UK scripted originals. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects, understand their brand values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about what they do.

✨Showcase Your Creativity

As a Head of Development, creativity is key! Prepare to discuss your past projects and how you’ve nurtured talent or championed innovative storytelling. Bring examples that highlight your strategic thinking and ability to elevate content quality, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Build Connections

Since this role involves forging strong industry relationships, be ready to talk about your network. Mention any collaborations with writers, producers, or agents, and how these relationships have benefited your projects. This demonstrates your ability to connect and collaborate effectively.

✨Embrace Their Values

Disney values integrity, inclusion, creativity, collaboration, and community. Think of examples from your career that reflect these values. Whether it’s leading a diverse team or supporting emerging talent, showing that you embody these principles will make you a standout candidate.

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