Manager, Acquisitions

Fifth Season; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global independent studio in London is seeking a passionate Manager, Acquisitions to discover, negotiate, and secure premium television content. This role involves collaborating with innovative creators, building relationships, and securing content while leveraging strong negotiation skills and financial acumen in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a content acquisitions and distribution environment.
• Deep understanding of global scripted and unscripted TV landscapes.
• Demonstrated talent for identifying programming with significant commercial potential.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure compelling new content acquisitions.
• Build and nurture relationships with producers and content creators.
• Develop and negotiate strategic offers for content acquisitions.

Skills

Content acquisitions experience

Client-facing roles

Exceptional negotiation skills

Financial acumen

Job description

Manager, Acquisitions

Location: London, UK

Role Summary

FIFTH SEASON Television Distribution (TVD) is seeking a passionate Manager, Acquisitions to discover, negotiate, and secure premium television content - both scripted and unscripted - for our global distribution network. In this influential role, you’ll shape our content portfolio while collaborating with the industry's most innovative creators and storytellers in a fast-paced, creative environment.

Role Responsibilities

• Identify and secure compelling new content acquisitions and IP opportunities for our global Distribution group, working collaboratively with VP Acquisitions, regional Sales teams, and the Scripted TV Strategy and Fifth Season Documentary teams across London and LA.
• Build and nurture relationships with producers and content creators through regular meetings to source exceptional projects across all genres.
• Develop and negotiate strategic offers for content acquisitions, with particular emphasis on digital-first opportunities.
• Evaluate pitch materials and scripts with a discerning eye for commercial and creative potential.
• Create comprehensive financial models to support and justify content investment decisions.
• Collaborate strategically with VP Acquisitions, Finance team, and International Sales Heads to secure production financing and valuable presales.
• Deliver regular content and sales updates to producer partners, maintaining transparent communication.
• Provide expert guidance to producers on developing their ideas to maximize global sales potential.
• Design engaging content presentations and coordinate sales materials for new releases.
• Partner with our analytics team to generate actionable insights on Fifth Season titles within our slate.
• Coordinate with Fifth Season technical and marketing teams to ensure seamless delivery of programs and materials, proactively communicating any variations to stakeholders.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a content acquisitions and distribution environment, demonstrating strong financial acumen and success in client-facing roles.
• Deep understanding of global unscripted and scripted TV landscapes with the ability to identify and anticipate industry trends.
• Demonstrated talent for identifying programming with significant commercial potential.
• Exceptional negotiation skills with a track record of successfully executing content deals.
• Solid understanding of production financing models and deficit financing strategies.

About Us

FIFTH SEASON is a leading global independent studio that specializes in the development, financing, production and distribution of feature films, premium television series and documentaries for theatrical distributors, streaming platforms as well as broadcast and cable networks globally. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and operates major hubs in New York and London as well as additional offices in Europe, Asia and South America.

Known for producing and distributing award‑winning content that engages audiences and moves culture, the studio's film titles include the multi‑Oscar‑nominated The Lost Daughter from Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ambulance directed by Michael Bay, Destin Daniel Cretton's Just Mercy, the Book Club franchise, the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award winner Cha Cha Real Smooth, and 80 For Brady. The studio produces premium TV series including the 14‑time Emmy‑nominated Severance, See, & Truth Be Told for Apple TV+, Wolf Like Me for Peacock, Life & Beth, Nine Perfect Strangers, and McCartney 3, 2, 1 for Hulu, and Tokyo Vice for HBO Max. FIFTH SEASON also handles global distribution for dozens of hit series in addition to its own studio productions, including Killing Eve, The Morning Show, Normal People, and The Night Manager.

Our Culture

A studio with a soul, FIFTH SEASON is proud to be an anti‑racist and feminist company, focused on leaving the entertainment business better than we found it. We empower freedom and ownership, delivering the expertise of a big studio with the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of a start‑up. Join our diverse team where your unique perspective will be valued and your talents can truly shine in an inclusive, collaborative environment.