HEAD OF LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS
Find out if this opportunity is a good fit by reading all of the information that follows below.
FTC (9 MONTHS +), JANUARY 2026 START
LEADING TV PRODUCTION COMPANY
LONDON (HYBRID)
A leading independent TV production company, part of a major global group, is seeking a Head of Legal & Business Affairs to cover a maternity position for an initial 9-month contract, starting in January 2026.
You will oversee its legal, commercial, and compliance operations across a wide-ranging and high-profile slate of programming.
The company produces award-winning factual, scripted, and entertainment content for all major UK broadcasters, as well as global SVOD platforms, alongside a host of international broadcasters.
Its portfolio spans premium documentaries, hit scripted shows, and long-running unscripted formats enjoyed by audiences worldwide.
This is a senior and highly visible role within the business, working closely with the senior leadership team, external partners, and legal colleagues across the wider group. You will lead a small in-house legal team and advise across both production and corporate matters, providing strategic, commercial, and solutions-focused guidance in a fast-paced creative environment.
Key Responsibilities:
* Drafting and negotiating commissioning, co-production, financing, and acquisition agreements with UK and international broadcasters and platforms
* Overseeing production contracts, including talent, rights, and access agreements
* Managing development deals such as option, format, and co-production agreements
* Advising on compliance, rights, and editorial risk (defamation, privacy, Ofcom, contempt)
* Overseeing exploitation and distribution of the company’s back catalogue
* Leading, mentoring, and managing the legal and business affairs function, including one direct report
About You:
* Qualified Solicitor (5+ PQE) with significant post-qualification experience in media/TV production law
* Strong track record in drafting and negotiating complex agreements within the TV/media sector (international contracting desirable)
* Experience across both unscripted and scripted production is ideal (but not essential and we can consider either/or)
* Skilled at balancing legal precision with commercial pragmatism
* Experienced manager with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
* Confident, collaborative, and able to thrive under pressure with multiple deadlines
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced lawyer to play a pivotal role at the heart of a creative and ambitious production business, with exposure to world-class content and partnerships.