HEAD OF LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS, TV PRODUCTION, FTC in London

Job description

HEAD OF LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS
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.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

London

Type of Contract

Part-time jobs

Published at

09-10-2025

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English