Head of Development , Quay Street Productions

ITV Consumer Limited 2024; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading television production company in Manchester is seeking a Head of Development to shape a dynamic drama slate for both UK and international audiences. The successful candidate will manage a talented development team and foster relationships within the industry. A minimum of five years' experience in TV drama development is required, alongside robust communication and leadership skills. This position offers flexible working and a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Generous holiday allowance

Annual bonus opportunity

Competitive pension contribution

Wellbeing days

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience in development in TV drama.
• Proven ability to identify emerging writers and directors.
• Experience managing script submission processes.
• Direct experience providing development and script notes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape a diverse development slate.
• Inspire and manage the development team.
• Cultivate relationships with industry partners.
• Spot new talent for recruitment.
• Give insightful editorial feedback on scripts.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Editorial Skills

Research Skills

Team Management

Tools

Final Draft

Job description

As the Head of Development at Quay Street Productions, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a slate of provocative, contemporary, and engaging drama for global audiences. In this key leadership position, you will work closely with award-winning producer Nicola Shindler, championing compelling storytelling and placing writers and talent at the very heart of the creative process. You will be responsible for nurturing and expanding a commercially driven development pipeline, building strategic relationships with key industry partners, and managing a talented script team to ensure the company remains a leading force in high-end television production.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and shape a diverse, commercially driven development slate for UK and international markets.
• Inspire and manage our brilliant development team - driving collaboration, accountability, and growth.
• Cultivate relationships with commissioners, writers, agents, and industry partners.
• Run weekly development meetings, champion new ideas, and ensure our creative strategy stays sharp and forward-thinking.
• Give clear, insightful editorial feedback on scripts, pitches, and treatments.
• Spot new talent and oversee recruitment for the development team.
• Represent Quay Street internally and externally, working across ITV Studios and key awards submissions.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience working in development in TV drama.
• Proven experience in actively researching and identifying up-and-coming writers and directors within the British television landscape.
• Experience managing script submission processes, including responding professionally and efficiently to literary agents and writers.
• Direct experience providing constructive and insightful development and script notes for drama productions.
• Involvement in taking television drama projects from their initial concept stage through to script commission and development.
• Proficiency in using Final Draft.
• Experience in contributing creative ideas to develop projects with senior colleagues.
• Experience in presenting project ideas to TV channels or senior leaders.
• Familiarity with and passion for Quay Street Productions' slate.
• Good relationships with literary agents and a talent for building strong connections with writers.
• Excellent editorial skills to spot strong projects and give helpful feedback on scripts and ideas.

We also look for:

• Strong knowledge of British TV writers, both established and new, and understanding their strengths.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to give clear and sensitive feedback.
• Excellent written skills to deliver a variety of supporting documents quickly and accurately.
• An understanding of diverse UK audiences and a perspective on how to make programmes that appeal to them.
• Well-organised and able to manage multiple projects at once, paying attention to detail.
• Ability to conduct thorough research to support both development and production, ensuring accuracy.

What we offer:

• Flexible working with a range of options.
• Generous holiday allowance, plus you can buy more.
• Annual bonus opportunity.
• Competitive pension contribution.
• Save as you earn - with an opportunity to buy ITV shares.
• Wellbeing and volunteering days plus a wide range of opportunities to help you live a balanced and healthy life.