Junior Commissioning Editor, Drama (Leeds)

Channel 4; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK broadcaster is looking for a Junior Commissioning Editor in Leeds as part of its training programme. This role provides hands-on experience in drama commissioning, offering mentorship and direct involvement in the commissioning process. Ideal candidates will have 3-6 years of production experience and a passion for storytelling. The position offers a starting salary of £70,438 and encourages diverse applications.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Free Virtual GP access

Gym membership discounts

Qualifications

• 3-6 years' experience at producer level.
• Experience in delivering feedback on story and scripts.
• Basic understanding of financial and legal aspects of TV production.

Responsibilities

• Gain practical experience in the commissioning process.
• Review and provide editorial feedback on dramas.
• Collaborate with various departments to understand commissioning.

Skills

TV Production and Development Experience

Communication & Relationship Building

Adaptability and Learning Mindset

Education

Experience in management during production

Strong editoral judgment

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Junior Commissioning Editor, Drama

Role type: FTC (18 months)
Number of roles: 1
Reports to: Commissioning Editor, Drama
Department: Commissioning
Location: Leeds

Department Description

The Channel 4 Drama team are deeply committed to our remit to innovate, take risks, back unheard voices, and explore fresh perspectives. As a commercial broadcaster, we also need to make entertaining, high-quality, compelling work that has the potential to attract audiences at scale, across the UK. Fulfilling our remit and entertaining sizeable audiences are not mutually exclusive activities – Channel 4 Drama can and should aim to achieve both. The most defining and memorable shows we’ve made have embodied both principles, whether it’s Shameless, Top Boy, or It’s a Sin.

4skills x Commissioning Training Programme

This role is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to build a career in TV commissioning, particularly in Drama. 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. You will be mentored by a 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?

• 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 Commissioning Editor, providing you with a well-rounded understanding of the commissioning process, from content development to final delivery.
• 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 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 Drama programming.
• Content Evaluation: Review and provide detailed editorial feedback on all dramas, from continuing, to serials and 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.
• Commissioning New Content: Work alongside Drama Team in sourcing, developing and commissioning new shows. Review pitches, attend pitch meetings, and support the selection process for new shows. Learn to give good and focussed notes on ideas, scripts, edits and all post production. You’ll develop a keen understanding of what makes a successful drama. You will also support Commissioning Editors throughout Marcomms campaigns.
• 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 and Development Experience: A strong background and experience in scripted TV production and scripted development. Essential to have producer level experience, and to include extensive on set experience. You will possess the skills and in-depth knowledge of post-production process. You can contribute creatively as well as discussing practical and technical solutions.
• Been involved in managing scripting process and talent during production.
• Experience in working effectively with editorial and production teams on the ground.
• Experience in delivering feedback on story and scripts during development phase and under pressure during production, with understanding and experience of challenges that face productions every step of the way.
• Have experience in developing ideas and working effectively with wider editorial team and key talent to deliver exciting and original proposals.
• A passion for TV and solid editorial judgment are essential.

• 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 £70,438.00

Application questions

• Please Attach Your CV And Answer The Following Questions (500 words max)
• 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 Drama output (500 words max)

Benefits

• 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

05 Oct 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.

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]