GLOBAL ROLE PROFILE
Global Job Title:Commercial Manager
Location:London
Reporting to:Head of Factual
Grade:
BBC WORLDWIDE
OUR VALUES
At BBC Worldwide our values are at the heart of everything we do; our culture, how we operate and how we work together to achieve our objectives. We are passionate about creating the right culture to work in and employing candidates who can demonstrate they will contribute positively to the organisation.
Purpose of the role
The Content Division is responsible for delivering world class content, ensuring BBC Worldwide is the pre-eminent non US content house. Attracting the best ideas and supporting the best production talent to execute them.
This post is responsible for an agreed portfolio of producers or productions and with support of Head of Factual is responsible for directly acquiring the most commercially attractive content for the BBCW worldwide Regionsfrom a variety of suppliers such as BBC Television, Independent producers (both UK and overseas), BBC Worldwide Productions and BBCW Original commissions for the BBCW worldwide operating businesses to sell domestically and internationally across all media.
The role will involve working closely with the Territory managers, various DVD partners, with BBC Books and third party book publishers, with BBCWW Digital teams and with BBCWW Creative Services and marketing teams.
Accountabilities
Manages an agreed and distinct slate of programming and leads the account management of a number of key producers – both from BBC Television and indie partners. To be the first point of contact for key producers within BBC Television and indie partners.
Supports the Head of Factual across the entire slate managed by the team.
Evaluates projects and directly negotiates the acquisition of rights with minimum supervision.
The Commercial Manager will research and identify factual projects that are; – in development, in pre production or pre broadcast stages – that have international & revenue potential. The role therefore involves assessing programme pitches, debating ideas at concept stage, reading treatments, or analysing key talent attached to projects.
To decide on, or recommend as appropriate, the right level of investment (working closely with TV Sales and Channels) and directly manage and negotiate the acquisition of rights, terms and deliverables with the producer or their business manager on an agreed range of output across the Factual genre and within pre-agreed investment levels.
To secure distribution rights to programming for DVD/DTO release, project managing titles from concept, through to pitch and tender process, to final investment sign-off to ensure timely release.
Is responsible for preparing pitches on Open Offer titles which require a more formal tendering process or where there is a more formal pitch for acquisition of rights from an Independent producer.
Forges new relationships and manages their own contacts with either in house or independent producers in order to acquire commercially attractive content for Worldwide.
Collates sales projections from all regions to enable the preparation of business cases/investment cases. Prepares business cases and presents them at relevant investment board.
Represents BBCWorldwide’s editorial involvement in a key number of projects.
Takes role in co-ordinating pre-sales/co-productions across various Worldwide regions.
Takes lead in ensuring that all Worldwide regions are aware of pipeline and status of all new projects, their editorial development and investment/acquisition status.
Assists in ensuring that all producers receive sales feedback as well as information on the marketing plans for launch of their programming.
Collates and prepares all ROI reports to ensure that BBCW has all the necessary information on which to base decisions.
Is responsible for entering and maintaining all programme data on CILS and SPIN.Following the progress of each title through the investment process up to transmission and delivery.
Being the first port of call for queries from all Regions on up-to-date information regarding all new projects and their editorial and investment status.
Works with Creative Services to agree programmes to be launched at MIP, MIPCOM/Showcase as well as responsible for catalogue copy/marketing and launch plans and obtaining necessary approvals from producers.
Presents programmes at pre market conferences and attends sales markets where appropriate.
Works with the Senior Planner in Science, History and Docs to devise and roll out projects and presentations to roll out to key producers
Deputises and supports Head of Factual
Knowledge & Skills
A detailed understanding of the value of factual programming in the major international markets and across the different media platforms.
A sound knowledge of the key factual producers, both within the BBC and across the independent production sector.
An ability to manage key talent brands, ensuring the optimum relationship between BBC Worldwide and the talent.
Significant experience in a sales, marketing or independent production environment.
Detailed knowledge of the television production process would be beneficial, in particular the issues facing Independents.
Excellent negotiation skills with the ability to communicate and influence at a senior level.
Enthusiastic, self-starter able to work on own initiative.
A strong interest in Factual programming from all UK broadcasters.
Team player, and ability to get on with a wide variety of people at all levels, both internally and externally.