Junior Commissioning Editor, Documentaries and Factual Entertainment

Channel 4 Corporation; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Junior Commissioning Editor to join their prestigious training program. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the commissioning process for Documentaries and Factual Entertainment, working closely with experienced professionals. You'll develop key skills in content evaluation and production while contributing to impactful programming that resonates with diverse audiences. If you're passionate about storytelling and eager to grow within a dynamic environment, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Free Virtual GP access

Discounted Gym memberships

Pension

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Holiday Purchase

Qualifications

• Strong background in TV production or development, ideally in Documentaries.
• Experience with independent production companies is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with a Senior Commissioning Editor for hands-on training.
• Review and provide editorial feedback on returning series.

Skills

TV Production Experience

Content Evaluation

Communication Skills

Adaptability

Relationship Building

Education

Experience in Documentaries and Factual Entertainment

Producer Level Experience

Job description

Job Details: Junior Commissioning Editor, Documentaries and Factual Entertainment

Full details of the job.

Vacancy Name

Vacancy Name Junior Commissioning Editor, Documentaries and Factual Entertainment

Vacancy No

Vacancy No VN2414

Location City

Location City Bristol

Location Country

Location Country United Kingdom

Job Description

Job Title: Junior Commissioning Editor, Documentaries and Factual Entertainment
Role type: FTC (18 months)
Number of roles: 1
Reports to: Senior Commissioning Editor Docs and Fact Ent
Department: Commissioning
Location: Bristol

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:

The department’s purpose is to make documentaries and factual entertainment programmes that inform, challenge and entertain, while holding a mirror up to modern Britain.

In Documentaries we are the home of observational filmmaking but are also happy to be daring with new forms. We work with the serious (The Push: Murder on a Cliff; The Voices Inside My Head; Top Guns: Inside the RAF; To Catch A Copper; Undercover: Exposing the Far Right; One Day in October; 24 Hours in Police Custody; Merseyside Detectives and Evacuation) through to the entertaining (The Dog House; Educating Yorkshire and First Dates). Our programmes speak truth to power, get under the skin of the nation and seek to make sense of the changing world we live in.

Factual Entertainment aims to explore both us and our world in a vivid, entertaining way through a vast range of formats. Our primetime shows have scale, and aim to grab viewers with their ambition, whilst engaging them with compelling narratives with titles such as Gogglebox, Go Back to Where You Came from; The Jury- Murder Trial; Hunted; Banged Up: Stars behind Bars.

4SKILLS X COMMISSIONING TRAINING PROGRAMME:

This role is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to build a career in TV commissioning, particularly in the Documentaries and Factual Entertainment genre. As part of Channel 4’s 4Skills training programme, you'll develop practical skills, gain valuable industry insights, and build lasting professional connections to take your career next steps. The 4Skills training programme will provide you with the training, mentorship, and industry experience you need to succeed in the dynamic world of TV commissioning.

JOB PURPOSE:

This Junior Commissioning Editor position is part of Channel 4’s prestigious 4Skills training programme. The role is designed to provide individuals with hands-on, real-world experience in editorial and commissioning within the Documentaries and Factual Entertainment sector. You will be mentored by a Senior Commissioning Editor, allowing you to gain valuable insight into the commissioning process and develop your skills in content evaluation, pitching, and production.
Through structured training and direct involvement in commissioning, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the television industry and the role of a Commissioning Editor at one of the UK’s leading broadcasters.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

• You must be 18 years or older at the time the scheme begins.
• The role is suited for senior members of the production and freelance community. As a Junior Commissioning Editor, you will be mentored and guided by a Senior Commissioning Editor, providing you with a well-rounded understanding of the commissioning process, from content development to final delivery. This role will help you build the skills and knowledge necessary to progress in a commissioning career while contributing to Channel 4’s Documentaries and Factual Entertainment programming.
• Must be based within a commutable distance to the C4 hub office where the role is mapped
• 3-6 years’ experience; at a minimum producer level

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Training and Mentorship: Work closely with a Senior Commissioning Editor to gain practical experience in the commissioning process, from initial pitches to final content delivery. You'll receive hands-on training and guidance to understand the commissioning landscape and how to build a strong portfolio of Documentaries and Factual Entertainment programming.
• Content Evaluation: Using experience this role will be required to review and provide detailed editorial feedback on returning series, ensuring quality, audience engagement, and compliance with Channel 4’s editorial standards. The role requires attention to detail in making editorial judgements and working alongside Legal and Compliance. It will shadow experienced Commissioning Editors and learn to recommend improvements and innovations.
• Collaboration: Work across various departments within Channel 4, including legal, compliance, marketing, press, and scheduling, to understand the full scope of the commissioning process. This collaborative experience will enhance your understanding of how content is brought to air. This role in time will also be expected to provide guidance and support for junior team members.
• Commissioning New Content: Assist Commissioning Editor colleagues in sourcing and commissioning new Documentaries and Factual Entertainment shows. Review pitches, attend pitch meetings, and support the selection process for new programs. You’ll develop a keen understanding of what makes a successful Documentaries and Factual Entertainment show. Your contribution to creative discussions and ideas you develop will impact decisions that are made in the Documentaries and Factual Entertainment department.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Gain experience working with a variety of independent production companies, particularly those based outside of London. Build relationships with diverse talent and production teams across the UK.
• Financial & Legal Knowledge: Learn about the financial and legal aspects of commissioning, including budget management, contracts, and OFCOM regulations. Gain a solid understanding of how these elements influence the content we create.
• Industry Insight: Stay informed about industry trends, audience preferences, competitor content, and evolving regulations. Participate in strategy discussions to ensure Channel 4’s content remains competitive and relevant.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• TV Production or Development Experience: A strong background and experience in TV production or development, ideally with experience in Documentaries and Factual Entertainment programming. At a minimum producer level. A passion for TV and solid editorial judgment are essential.
• Interest in Documentaries and Factual Entertainment Content: A genuine passion for Documentaries and Factual Entertainment programming, with an understanding of its role in television today. You should be able to form informed opinions on content trends, talent, and stories that resonate with Channel 4’s audience.
• Adaptability and Learning Mindset: A willingness to learn, adapt, and grow in a dynamic environment. You should be eager to take on new challenges and expand your skill set in commissioning.
• Experience with Independent Productions: Experience working with independent production companies, particularly outside of London, is beneficial but not required. You should be able to build relationships and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Knowledge of TV Production Regulations: A basic understanding of the financial, legal, and compliance aspects of TV production, including OFCOM regulations, is useful. A key part of this role will be learning about these areas as you progress.
• Communication & Relationship Building: Strong communication skills are essential for working with internal teams and external partners. You should be diplomatic, approachable, and comfortable managing multiple stakeholders.
• Resilience and Drive: Self-sufficiency, resilience, and motivation are key. You should be able to handle competing priorities, stay focused under pressure, and maintain a solution-oriented approach.

Basic salary per annum starting from

Application questions to complete

Please remember to complete the additional application questions by uploading a Word or PDF attachment. These questions really help us get to know you better and we won’t be able to consider your application without them.

Why do you think you are suitable for the role? Please reference the essential experience and skills section when answering this question (500-words max)

Please provide us an evaluation of the C4 Factual Entertainment & Documentaries output (300-words max)

Benefits There are a million reasons why it’s great to work at Channel 4, here are just a few of the perks for you;

• Private medical insurance
• Free Virtual GP access for employees
• Free Female Health hormone test each year
• Free Tastecard membership
• Financial guidance 1-2-1’s available each quarter
• Discounted Gym memberships
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Holiday Purchase

Hybrid working From September 2023, C4 has operated a 60/40 working pattern, equating to three office days per week.
Having everyone in the office three days a week gives us more opportunity to build our high performing, inclusive culture; to collaborate and to learn and share with each other, as well as helping to coordinate a regular pattern of home and office working days. Employees then have the flexibility to decide where they spend the rest of the working week. All our offices are open five days a week.

Applications Close Date

Applications Close Date 27 May 2025

Equal Opportunities Channel 4’s purpose is to create change through entertainment; by representing unheard voices, challenging with purpose and delivering content which reflects the diversity of different communities across the UK.

We are only able to deliver on this remit by having a workforce rich in diversity of thought, background and lived experience. As an employer we encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on disability, age, gender reassignment, gender expression, criminal history, length of time spent unemployed, marriage or civil partnership status, national origin, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Disability Confident Scheme:
Channel 4 is a member of the Business Disability Forum (BDF) and has also maintained the highest level of the Department of Work and Pension's Disability Confident scheme - Level 3: Leader. Under the Disability Confident Scheme, we aim to offer an interview to all candidates who have a neurodiverse condition, impairment or long-term condition and who meet the essential criteria for an advertised job. If you wish your application to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please select yes when completing the application questions. For more information, please visit the Disability Confident Campaign website.

For our roles and schemes that receive a high volume of applications it may not be possible to provide an interview to all applicants who meet the essential criteria and in this situation we can only select applications that best meet the skills needed for the role.

Care Leaver Friendly Employer:
Channel 4 is a Care Leaver Friendly Employer. By signing the Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter and adopting its principles, we are supporting an immensely talented yet often under-served and under-represented community of young people/ adults. We commit to offering an interview (and constructive feedback) to applicants who identify as care experienced and meet the essential criteria for the role as outlined on the job description. Applicants should indicate if they wish to apply under our Care Leaver Scheme by selecting the option on the application form.

For our roles and schemes that receive a high volume of applications it may not be possible to provide an interview to all applicants who meet the essential criteria and in this situation we can only select applications that best meet the skills needed for the role.

Workplace Adjustments:
We are committed to providing disabled applicants a level playing field when applying for a job and support whilst employed to perform to the best of their ability and develop their careers. If you have a neurodiverse condition, impairment or long-term condition and require any adjustments, additional support or alternative arrangements during the recruitment and wish to discuss this confidentially, please let us know via the following e-mail [e-mail]