Commissioning Editor, Comedy & Entertainment
Job Requisition ID: 36045 - Closing Date: 28 May 2026.
Location: Belfast - Hybrid. Preferred band: F. Contract type: Permanent, Full-time.
Proposed salary range: £90,000 to £103,000. Flexible working option available.
Purpose of the Role
Join BBC NI’s Commissioning team to shape vibrant, thought-provoking content that drives the development of Northern Ireland’s creative sector and cultural identity. As Commissioning Editor for Comedy & Entertainment, you’ll be central to enhancing the level of ambition, energy and impact of the BBC NI and BBC Content’s co-commissioned content from Northern Ireland, with a focus on the development and delivery of comedy, entertainment, factual entertainment and new digital content.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and deliver high quality, cost-effective returnable series from Northern Ireland, aligning with the priorities of BBC Network Commissioning.
* Work proactively to enhance the genre-specialist skill set and credibility of the Northern Ireland creative sector across a range of genres, including Comedy, Drama, Factual Entertainment, Entertainment and Youth programming.
* Lead on the generation and articulation of effective, results-oriented Content Strategies for Scripted Comedy & Drama and Entertainment & Youth programming. This requires audience insights, industry trends and stakeholder consultation to generate useful and meaningful goals and priorities for content in these areas.
Essential Criteria
* Editorial Leadership: Proven experience and capacity to act as the primary or sole editorial lead on high quality, impactful content broadcast by BBC Network or equivalent. Significant experience in the management of editorial with high levels of legal or reputational risk.
* Strategy: Demonstrable capacity and experience in leading on the design and presentation of coherent and effective strategies for content, responding to current broadcasting trends, insights and audience needs.
* Scripted / Entertainment / Youth Genres: Proven experience in leading content creation/development in scripted comedy/drama, entertainment/factual-entertainment and youth-focused programming, including digital consumption models.
* Comedy: Understanding of the challenges, risks, tactics and opportunities in developing and delivering high-quality content in the comedy genre. Substantial content-making experience in high-quality scripted comedy, notably sitcoms and/or comedy dramas.
* Partnership Models: Capacity to work effectively in partnership and collaboration models, articulating and asserting the interests of the BBC and its audiences in a collegiate, robust and effective manner.
* Experience and knowledge of managing financial budgets, editorial compliance, contract negotiations and production schedules.
* Strong editorial judgement and creative flair with a track record of developing new ideas, and meticulous attention to detail in managing delivery of complex content.
Benefits & Flexibility
* Competitive salary within the £90,000-£103,000 range.
* Flexible working options discussed at offer stage.
* Annual leave: 25 days (plus option to buy an extra 5 days).
* Pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym benefits.
* Professional development opportunities.
* Inclusive, values-based work environment.
EEO & Diversity
We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We are a disability-confident employer and will make reasonable adjustments where required.
Disclaimer
This description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the role, including duties and required qualifications. It is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.
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