Job Purpose
Working under the Director of Factual, the Head of Documentaries will lead the growth of both new and existing documentary content brands, setting an editorial strategy that drives the BBC’s mission to inform, educate and entertain and supports the Value for All strategy. You will deliver editorial objectives, build strong relationships with internal and external partners, and champion programs that reflect life across the UK.
Key Responsibilities
* Drive the documentary commissioning strategy, providing creative and collaborative leadership across the genre.
* Lead a small team of commissioners, nurturing and developing new commissioning talent.
* Collaborate with BBC teams to ensure strategy delivery considers diverse audiences, platforms and commissioning opportunities, including partnerships with Nations.
* Mentor and coach commissioning editors and develop new talent.
* Act as the editorial contact for suppliers, cultivating and managing supplier relationships in line with the documentary strategy and ensuring commissions meet diversity, cost, quality, rights, and funding requirements.
* Understand the production pipeline, working with suppliers in productive collaboration to deliver projects on budget, on time, and ready for iPlayer release.
* Own a strong development pipeline, encouraging risk‑taking and innovative idea development aligned with commissioning strategy and evolving audience and platform needs.
* Maintain relationships across diverse stakeholders, attracting and developing talent and partners for BBC.
* Guarantee content and activity complies with the BBC’s editorial standards, guidelines, and key policies.
Skills and Experience
* Deep expertise in documentary production or commissioning, with a thorough understanding of domestic and international markets and industry trends.
* Significant editorial leadership experience, able to provide inclusive, collaborative leadership and develop high‑performing teams.
* Adept at managing senior and executive stakeholders, establishing positive, collaborative relationships across departments.
* A track record of initiating and managing successful external partnerships and building relationships with emerging and high‑profile documentary talent.
* Comprehensive understanding of programme commissioning, financing, production, and financial management of significant budgets.
* Broad knowledge of the BBC’s legal, contractual agreements and regulations related to programme making, broadcasting and digital media.
Benefits
* Competitive salary package.
* Flexible 35‑hour working week and 25 days annual leave, with the option to purchase 5 additional days.
* Defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym memberships.
* Excellent career and professional development opportunities.
* Flexible working arrangements can be discussed throughout the application and offer process.
* Values‑based organisation that prioritises how we do things as well as what we achieve.
Diversity & Inclusion
We welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief. The BBC is a disability confident employer and will provide reasonable adjustments for the interview process or the role if required. reasonable.adjustments@bbc.co.uk
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