Role: Head of Business Development
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Belfast Harbour Studios, Northern Ireland
Contract Type: Permanent
Job Reference: HOBD/07/25
INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND
Studio Ulster Ltd is a ground-breaking large-scale Virtual Production creative technology company, established in early 2024 and set to launch in Q1, 2025 at Belfast Harbour Studios, just 10 minutes from Belfast City Centre. This £75 m, 75,000 ft² facility will house some of the most advanced virtual production facilities worldwide, including cutting-edge In-Camera Visual Effects (ICVFX) stages, alongside world class Motion Capture stages, 3D/4D Volumetric Scanning stages, and other supporting facilities. This combination of technologies under one roof at this scale is globally unique and provides one of the most advanced virtual production facilities available globally.
Studio Ulster is a strategic partnership with Belfast Harbour Studios, supported by Northern Ireland Screen, and is designed to elevate the commercial studio capability in the UK, Ireland and Europe for real-time visual effects. The complex is also home to the UKRI/AHRC-funded CoSTAR Screen Lab, a creative technologies lab focusing on real-time production, which alone unlocks nearly £11m in research investment.
This world-class facility, housed in a custom-built BREEAM Excellent facility, powered by renewal energy and supported by a highly skilled crew, is in a region renowned for its production excellence, with iconic shows like Game of Thrones made in Northern Ireland. The infrastructure needed for productions of any scale is available on our doorstep drawing productions and companies back to shoot in NI time and time again.
Aligned with the recent government initiatives under the Creative Industries Sector Vision to grow the UK's GDP by £50 billion and create one million jobs by 2030, Studio Ulster is poised to attract some of the largest production companies globally, as well as local and national screen industry contracts.
To support the growth and operational excellence of Studio Ulster, we are seeking to recruit a Head of Business Development.
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking a dynamic, results-driven Head of Business Development with a strong background in strategic growth and a passion for the film and entertainment industry. This senior leadership role is critical to identifying new revenue opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and driving sustainable business growth. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of industry trends, distribution channels, content monetisation, and global market expansion in film and media.
KEY DUTIES
Strategic Growth Planning:
Develop and implement business development strategies aligned with the company’s short and long-term objectives.
Partnership Development:
Identify, negotiate, and manage strategic partnerships with studios, production companies, distributors, platforms (e.g., Netflix, Amazon, local OTTs), and festival organisers.
Market Expansion:
Drive international expansion initiatives and assess market viability for company products and services in new territories.
Revenue Generation:
Develop revenue models for IP, content licensing, and distribution. Identify new monetisation streams such as branded content, co-productions, or ancillary markets.
Deal Structuring & Negotiation:
Lead deal structuring, negotiation, and closing of high-value contracts, ensuring alignment with business objectives and ROI.
Team Leadership:
Build and lead a high-performing business development team, fostering collaboration across marketing, sales, and content production.
Market Intelligence:
Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscape to inform strategic decisions.
Investor & Stakeholder Engagement:
Work closely with finance and executive leadership on investor presentations, pitch decks, and joint venture opportunities.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
* Strong attention to detail, outstanding organisational abilities, and the capability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, and diplomacy skills.
* Proven track record (ideally 9+ years) in senior business development roles, ideally within film, television, entertainment, or media sectors.
* Strong existing network within the global film industry (e.g., distributors, financiers, agents, sales agents, festivals).
* Demonstrated success in deal-making, revenue growth, and partnership management.
* Deep understanding of film financing, rights management, and international distribution.
* Experience working with streaming platforms and digital content monetisation strategies is highly desirable.
* Experience in Virtual Production.
* Degree in Business, Media Management, or related field.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
* Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive, solution-oriented approach.
* Passion for storytelling, cinema, and creative industries.
* Comfortable navigating fast paced, evolving business environments.
WORKING AT STUDIO ULSTER
Studio Ulster offers a competitive salary package that is commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate. This package includes a comprehensive benefits suite which aligns with the industry standards and reflects our commitment to the wellbeing of our team.
Studio Ulster Ltd is committed to developing all employees and operates a Developmental Appraisal Review (DAR) which is mandatory. You will be required to meet with your line manager at least every year as part of the DAR process. If you have line management responsibility for other staff, you will be required to conduct DAR meetings with your staff at least once every two years.
All staff in Studio Ulster Ltd have a responsibility to comply with the company’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Health and Safety Policy. Line Managers have responsibility for ensuring compliance with these Policies within their own area.
We welcome applications from all members of society, irrespective of age, disability, sexual orientation, race, gender, religion, or belief. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.
HOW TO APPLY
We welcome applications from candidates based in London or elsewhere in the UK who are willing and able to travel to Belfast as needed. This role requires regular travel to engage with stages, venues, and prospective partners, so flexibility and confidence in building relationships on the ground are essential.
Apply now if you’re interested in being a part of an innovative new enterprise in the heart of motion picture and television.
Send your CV and a Cover Letter to our team via our LinkedIn job post.
Submissions that do not include BOTH a CV and Cover Letter will not be considered.
Deadline for submissions is Friday 18th July 2025
We look forward to receiving your application!