HEAD OF LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS, TV PRODUCTION, FTC

HEAD OF LEGAL and BUSINESS AFFAIRSFind out if this opportunity is a good fit by reading all of the information that follows below.FTC (9 MONTHS +), JANUARY 2026 STARTLEADING TV PRODUCTION COMPANYLONDON (HYBRID)A leading independent TV production company, part of a major global group, is seeking a Head of Legal and 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 platformsOverseeing production contracts, including talent, rights, and access agreementsManaging development deals such as option, format, and co-production agreementsAdvising on compliance, rights, and editorial risk (defamation, privacy, Ofcom, contempt)Overseeing exploitation and distribution of the company’s back catalogueLeading, 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 lawStrong 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 pragmatismExperienced manager with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skillsConfident, 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. ..... full job details .....