Head of Acquisitions

The Role

The role

Developing and executing an acquisition strategy for ITV’s channels & ITVX, aligning with wider business goals to deliver on the Media & Entertainment division’s targets. Leading the team who negotiate key commercial terms on all acquired programming, including feature films & content partnerships.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the content acquisitions team, providing guidance, coaching and mentorship.
• Set and execute the overall content acquisition strategy across all genres and platforms, aligning with ITV's short and long-term business objectives.
• Take the lead in negotiating major content deals with studios, independent distributors and other content providers.
• Oversee the selection of content for potential deals across ITVX & channels and advise the editorial teams accordingly.
• Manage acquired content stock across all channels and ITVX, working closely with Scheduling Strategy & Editorial Managers to ensure that content is scheduled for maximum commercial and editorial benefit.
• Ensure that channels & ITVX have the right mix of relicensed & new content to deliver on their editorial objectives.
• Build, develop and maintain productive relationships with all distributors, identifying new suppliers and fostering existing relationships to support the content acquisitions strategy.
• Identify co-production and pre-buy opportunities for ITV1 & ITVX
• Contribute to the editorial strategy by providing insight on the acquisitions market and advising on available content.
• Represent ITV at acquisition markets, screenings and other relevant industry events, acting as an ambassador for the business.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of competitor plans and the wider TV market and a clear understanding of ITV’s requirements and priorities.
• Together with the wider acquisitions team, oversee the creation of Programme Offer (Genre) forms for internal approvals on acquired deals, ensuring queries from stakeholders are dealt with in a timely manner.
• Ensure relevant records relating to acquired series are maintained in a thorough and timely manner and in appropriate formats.
• View solicited and unsolicited materials and communicate an assessment of their suitability for acquisition, co-production or pre-buy to the Director of Content & Director of ITVX, Channels & Acquisitions

Other Responsibilities:

• Ensure that all stakeholders within ITV - including the Channel & ITVX editorial teams, business affairs, marketing, press, finance, compliance and ops - are informed of deal terms as closed and relevant changes during their lifetime, adhering to ITV’s financial procedures.
• Work with other departments as necessary to ensure stakeholders have access to relevant materials and information in order to promote acquired content effectively.
• Act as a leader within the ITVX, Channels & Acquisition teams & represent the team as required

Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)

• Experience of working at a senior level within an acquisitions team at a UK broadcaster / streamer
• Proven understanding of the streaming landscape, both domestically & worldwide, alongside UK linear commercial PSB TV experience

Other things we’re looking for (key criteria)

• Demonstrates an enthusiasm for, & knowledge of, a range of TV content, in particular acquired series & film that resonates with under 55s
• Good communicator
• Commercially aware with an understanding of audience behaviour and demographics
• Able to work cross-functionally
• Prepared to be an ambassador for the channels & ITVX