Business Affairs Manager – Maternity Cover

Aardman Animations, Ltd.; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled legal professional to join their Business Affairs department. This role involves negotiating agreements for various productions and managing data protection queries. The ideal candidate will possess essential experience in entertainment law, with a focus on negotiation and drafting skills. You will thrive in a collaborative environment that values creativity and innovation, contributing to exciting projects that resonate globally. Flexible working hours are available to accommodate your needs, making this an attractive opportunity for those looking to balance work and personal commitments.

Qualifications

• Essential experience in entertainment law with in-house experience preferred.
• Strong drafting skills and adaptability to various agreement types.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and draft agreements for Interactive and Rights teams.
• Manage and advise on data protection queries across the company.

Skills

Entertainment Law

Negotiation Skills

Drafting Skills

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Job description

Start Date: End of May/Early June 2025
Contract length: 9-12 months fixed-term contract (some flexibility may be required as this is a maternity cover)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with some flexibility to be discussed (minimum 4 days per week)
Salary: Depending on experience
Location: Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, with some remote working to be agreed with your Line Manager

The Role:

The Business Affairs department provides commercial and legal advice across all departments within Aardman, including marketing, IP development, production, feature films, licensing, merchandising, digital, and commercials. The department also focuses on protecting the company’s intellectual property rights and brands.

Key Responsibilities:

• Negotiate and draft various agreements for the Interactive and Rights teams, focusing on content acquired from third parties for distribution, as well as merchandising and hybrid game development deals.
• Lead on specific productions within the team.
• Manage and advise on data protection queries across the company.
• Draft, implement, and maintain company policies and protocols as necessary.
• Negotiate and draft sales and licensing agreements, including TV sales, agency contracts, merchandising licenses, and publishing agreements.
• Negotiate and draft agreements for marketing and live events teams, including exhibitions and attractions.
• Manage production development agreements, including music licensing and post-production delivery requirements.
• Lead on productions by providing legal support throughout, including drafting and negotiating supplementary agreements and offering day-to-day legal advice.

Required Skills

The Candidate:

Essential experience in entertainment law, with in-house experience being desirable. Knowledge of rights distribution globally and proven negotiation skills with external partners are required.

Strong drafting skills and adaptability to various agreement types are necessary. The candidate should be a clear, robust thinker capable of gaining consensus and presenting ideas effectively.

Excellent presentation, communication (both internal and external), problem-solving, organizational, and negotiation skills are essential. The candidate should be proactive, motivated, flexible, and positive in approach.

For this maternity cover, flexible working hours across Monday to Friday are possible. Please specify your preferred working pattern, salary expectations, and availability in your application.

Applications will be reviewed as received.

Application Deadline: 5 pm on Wednesday, 7th May 2025

About Aardman: Aardman is an independent, multi-award-winning studio creating feature films, series, advertising, interactive entertainment, and attractions for global markets. Our productions are known for their charm, creativity, and visual appeal, reflecting the talent and dedication of our team. We continue to lead in the industry with innovative content for cinema, broadcast, digital platforms, and live experiences worldwide.

In November 2018, Aardman became an Employee-Owned organization, safeguarding its independence and creative legacy for the future.

Our Diversity & Inclusion Charter underscores our commitment to building a workforce that reflects society. We believe diversity and inclusion are vital to our mission: creating entertainment for all and being the most inspiring animation company globally. We welcome applications from all individuals and support flexible working arrangements. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Disability Confident Employer, and a Living Wage Employer.