Job Description

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Head of Programme Acquisition

Job Requisition ID: 24490
Job Closing Date: 16/07/2025
Job Introduction
The Head of Programme Acquisition will lead the team responsible for acquiring films and series for publication on BBC iPlayer and for transmission on the BBC TV channel portfolio. They will develop and enact a creative strategy to ensure a compelling slate of programming, both scripted and unscripted, that will appeal across all audiences and help BBC iPlayer to grow viewing.
This role will lead a team responsible for the sourcing, deal-making and publishing of high quality acquired programming from the UK and international markets.
Main Responsibilities
Your key responsibilities will inlcude but are not limited to:

• Working to the Director, BBC iPlayer and Channels, develop and lead a creative strategy that supports BBC objectives bringing the finest programming from around the world to BBC audiences;
• Work with all internal stakeholders and strategic partners to assess programming requirements aligned around the BBC's strategy;
• Lead the Programme Acquisition team; providing strong leadership, supporting career development and performance management;
• Responsible for the Acquisitions budget, guaranteeing that every investment represents good value for money and ensuring that the required mix of programmes are acquired and published in line with agreed licenses;
• Ensure that all acquired material meets compliance requirements;
• Effectively develop and maintain an in-depth knowledge of international markets to sustain a comprehensive awareness of trends and developments, and maintain an extensive network of relationships with key industry contacts including all of the key Distributors;
• Support creativity and diversity of ideas and champion diversity both on and off-air;
• Contribute, support and facilitate departmental strategies and involvement in wider BBC initiatives.

Are You The Right Candidate?
The ideal candidate will evidence the following skills and experience:

• As an expert in their field, they will provide professional leadership and act as a role model to their team and other colleagues.
• A significant understanding of current markets, trends and issues within streaming and the wider media industry, and deep knowledge of output across the whole of the BBC, as well as that of competitors.
• Deep expertise and experience of the international TV acquisitions market and a recognised source for creative thinking and innovation.
• Thorough understanding of the way in which programmes are commissioned, financed, produced and distributed.
• Adept at managing senior and executive level stakeholders, often operating under tight timescales and managing numerous competing priorities.

Package Information
Band: SL (Senior Leader)
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: London/ Hybrid
Disclaimer
This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.
Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.
For any general queries, please contact:
Redeployment
The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. Priority consideration means for those employees seeking redeployment their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.
Information at a Glance
This is your BBC
At the BBC you can create and innovate in an inclusive environment while contributing to some of the world's best loved content, and the BBC's mission to inform, educate and entertain.
Life at BBC
Here you will benefit from:

• Fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym.
• Excellent career and professional development.
• Support in your working life, including flexible working which you can discuss with us at any point during the application, selection or offer.
• A values-based organisation where the way we do things is important as what we do.

Benefits may vary if you are joining on an FTC basis.
Learn more about life at the BBC and our values in our candidate pack.
You belong
We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, so all our employees feel that they can belong, thrive and achieve their full potential.
We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to join us. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.
We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.
Find out more about diversity, inclusion and belonging in our strategy below.
Disability confident
We are a disability confident employer. If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process, or to carry out this role, please contact us via email and we'd be happy to discuss:
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BBC Group and Public Services, Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London, United Kingdom, W1A 1AA. BBC Studios Distribution Limited, company no: 01420028, registered address: 1 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, London, United Kingdom W12 7FA.
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