Job Description

Workplace: Quay Street Productions Office, Manchester based role

The team

Quay Street Productions

is on the lookout for a

visionary Head of Development

to lead our creative charge into the next era of bold, brilliant television.


As the

Head of Development at Quay Street Productions

, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a slate of provocative, contemporary, and engaging drama for global audiences. In this key leadership position, you will work closely with award-winning producer Nicola Shindler, championing compelling storytelling and placing writers and talent at the very heart of the creative process. You will be responsible for nurturing and expanding a commercially driven development pipeline, building strategic relationships with key industry partners, and managing a talented script team to ensure the company remains a leading force in high-end television production.

The role

Lead and shape a

diverse, commercially driven development slate

for UK and international markets.

Inspire and manage

our brilliant development team -- driving collaboration, accountability, and growth. Cultivate

relationships with commissioners, writers, agents

, and industry partners. Run

weekly development meetings

, champion new ideas, and ensure our creative strategy stays sharp and forward-thinking. Give

clear, insightful editorial feedback

on scripts, pitches, and treatments. Spot new talent and oversee recruitment for the development team. Represent Quay Street internally and externally, working across ITV Studios and key awards submissions.

Skills you'll need

(minimum criteria)

A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience working in development in TV drama. (evidenced in CV). Proven experience in actively researching and identifying up-and-coming writers and directors within the British television landscape. Experience managing script submission processes, including responding professionally and efficiently to literary agents and writers. Direct experience providing constructive and insightful development and script notes for drama productions. Involvement in taking television drama projects from their initial concept stage through to script commission and development. Proficiency in using Final Draft. Experience in contributing creative ideas to develop projects with senior colleagues. Experience in presenting project ideas to TV channels or senior leaders. Familiarity with and passion for Quay Street Productions' slate. Good relationships with literary agents and a talent for building strong connections with writers. Excellent editorial skills to spot strong projects and give helpful feedback on scripts and ideas Manage the script team, spot new talent and oversee recruitment for the development team.

Other things we're looking for

(key criteria)

Strong knowledge of British TV writers, both established and new, and understanding their strengths. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to give clear and sensitive feedback. Excellent written skills to deliver a variety of supporting documents quickly and accurately. An understanding of diverse UK audiences and a perspective on how to make programmes that appeal to them. Well-organised and able to manage multiple projects at once, paying attention to detail. * Ability to conduct thorough research to support both development and production, ensuring accuracy.