Commissioning Editor, National Geographic

The Walt Disney Company; London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in entertainment is seeking a Commissioning Editor for National Geographic, responsible for the production lifecycle from concept to broadcast. This role demands extensive experience in unscripted genres, collaborating with multiple teams to deliver high стандартs and engaging content, based in London.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a commissioning editor or executive producer.
• Experience across a broad range of unscripted genres.
• Understanding of linear and streaming audience preferences.

Responsibilities

• Create premium programming that exceeds ratings targets.
• Collaborate with producers to implement programming strategies.
• Deliver shows on budget and schedule.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Effective collaboration

Understanding of audience preferences

Knowledge of production budgets

Ability to analyze ratings and research data

Job description

Commissioning Editor, National Geographic

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Job ID: 10123433

Location: London, United Kingdom

Business: National Geographic

Date posted: June 20, 2025

Job Summary:

About The Role & Team

The National Geographic Commissioning Editor is responsible for guiding projects across the full lifecycle of production, from concept to creation, delivery, and broadcast for global and international series, and special hours for Disney+ and linear channels.

This role requires demonstrating storytelling agility across genres such as adventure, science, history, docu-drama, hosted, and premium factual.

Recent projects include: Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, Tucci In Italy, Tsunami Race Against Time, Titanic: The Digital Resurrection, Car SOS, Europe From Above, Lost Treasures Of Egypt, Ice Road Rescue, and Hitler’s Last Stand.

The Commissioning Editor will collaborate with production companies to provide editorial guidance, ensuring compelling visual content with powerful storytelling that meets or exceeds ratings goals.

This role covers both EMEA and global projects, working across linear channels and Disney+. The role reports to the SVP of Production, with a dotted line to the SVP of Development.

This is a permanent position based in our Hammersmith office, working four days a week.

What You Will Do

• Create premium programming that exceeds ratings targets.

• Collaborate with producers to implement programming strategies.

• Communicate channel needs and strategies to producers.

• Develop proposals through the greenlight process, including pre-production, casting, scripting, editing, and final delivery.

• Deliver shows on budget and schedule.

• Work with Production Management to maintain high editorial standards within budget.

• Coordinate with Marketing, Ad Sales, Communications, and Digital teams for cross-platform content initiatives.

• Work with Research to ensure factual accuracy and maintain brand standards.

• Analyze ratings and research data to inform programming decisions and increase audience engagement.

Experience

• Extensive experience as a commissioning editor or executive producer.

• Experience across a broad range of unscripted genres.

• Understanding of linear and streaming audience preferences.

• Knowledge of production budgets and ability to analyze ratings and research data.

Competencies

• Excellent communication skills.

• Effective collaboration and relationship management skills with external partners and internal teams.

• Ability to uphold the standards and practices of the National Geographic brand.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and inclusion, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to various protected characteristics.

This role is based in London, UK.

About National Geographic:

National Geographic Partners LLC, a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, produces science, adventure, and exploration content across various media assets, reaching millions worldwide. A portion of proceeds supports the nonprofit National Geographic Society’s work in science, exploration, conservation, and education.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company is a global entertainment leader with operations in multiple countries, creating stories and experiences cherished worldwide. Disney is committed to diversity, innovation, and storytelling excellence.