Senior Acquisition Manager

Channel 4; Greater London; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Channel 4 in London is seeking a Senior Acquisitions Manager to lead film and scripted pre-buys, shaping our acquired content across transmission and streaming.

You will negotiate high-value deals, manage stock planning, and collaborate with studios and internal teams to deliver programming on schedule.

The role requires at least five years of high-value acquisitions experience and a strong understanding of the evolving rights landscape.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ experience negotiating high-value deals in acquisitions, distribution or related rights environment.
• Established relationships with studios, distributors, and producers across international markets.
• Proven track record negotiating lines, on-demand, series and feature film deals.
• Strong understanding of Channel 4’s content strategy and audience needs.
• Solid knowledge of transmission, streaming and rights landscape, with emerging platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead film acquisitions activity including selection, negotiation and purchase of feature films and stock management.
• Support development and delivery of scripted pre-buy strategy with priority opportunities for portfolio needs.
• Own day-to-day engagement with named studios and suppliers; manage negotiations within agreed parameters.
• Ensure film and scripted pre-buy priorities are represented in slate planning and wider discussions.
• Track market submissions, screeners and materials; support pitches for new acquisitions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure acquired programming progresses from deal to delivery, transmission and streaming.
• Line manage and develop the Acquisitions Manager; deputise for Head of Acquisitions when required.

Skills

Acquisitions negotiations

Relationship management

Content strategy

Rights landscape

Project management

Job description

Department: Content Strategy and Planning

Status: Permanent

Location: London

Job Grade: L2

JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to the Head of Acquisitions, the Senior Acquisitions Manager will support the delivery of Channel 4’s acquired content strategy across the portfolio, with particular responsibility for film and scripted pre-buys. The role will identify, evaluate and negotiate high-value content opportunities, manage film acquisitions activity and stock planning, and help deliver acquired programming effectively for transmission and streaming, while flexing across unscripted and series negotiations where required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead film acquisitions activity, including the selection, negotiation and purchase of feature films, stock management, film season planning and strategic planning of future film deals and supply across the portfolio.
• Support the development and delivery of the scripted pre-buy strategy, identifying priority opportunities and ensuring activity is aligned with portfolio, channel and streaming needs.
• Own day-to-day engagement with named studios and suppliers, supporting the Head of Acquisitions on overall relationship ownership and managing relevant negotiations within agreed parameters.
• Ensure film and scripted pre-buy priorities are clearly represented in slate-level planning, studio engagement and wider portfolio discussions, bringing together market insight, stock analysis, ROI considerations and channel programming needs.
• Track, assess and evaluate market submissions, screeners, treatments and supporting materials, maintaining a clear view of content opportunities under consideration and supporting pitches for new acquisitions.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure acquired programming progresses smoothly from deal negotiation through to delivery, transmission and streaming.
• Line manage, support and develop the Acquisitions Manager, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture, and deputise for the Head of Acquisitions where required.

Essential Skills and Experience

• A minimum of five years’ experience negotiating studio/high-value deals within an acquisitions, distribution or a closely related content rights environment.
• Established relationships with key suppliers, distributors, studios and producers across the international content market.
• A skilled negotiator with a proven track record of negotiating linear, on-demand, series and feature film deals.
• Strong understanding of Channel 4’s content strategy, audience needs and the role of acquisitions across the wider portfolio.
• Strong understanding of the evolving transmission, streaming and rights landscape, including emerging technologies, partners and platforms.
• Excellent understanding of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code and its application to acquired content.
• Excellent time-management and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple negotiations, projects and stakeholder requirements concurrently.
• A strong team player with management experience and the ability to support, develop and collaborate effectively across teams.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience of scripted pre-buys, underpinned by strong market insight and a clear understanding of key international players, supplier dynamics and emerging commercial opportunities.
• Ability to think creatively and commercially, challenge established approaches and adapt quickly to a fast-moving content landscape and evolving business strategy.