VP, Commissioning Editor - Drama

Paramount Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Paramount Skydance Corporation seeks a senior drama commissioning executive to lead Channel 5’s drama slate. You will find, develop and commission high‑impact series and pilots from UK independents, shepherding projects through development, production and post while protecting 5’s creative interests.

You will influence a high-profile slate, manage budgets, build strategic partnerships, and collaborate with scheduling, marketing and international teams to maximize audience reach.

Qualifications

• A senior track record commissioning or executive producing scripted drama for a UK broadcaster or streamer.
• Strong eye for story and the confidence to back it.
• Deep knowledge of the UK indie production community.
• Commercial awareness including budgets, deficit financing and rights.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder skills at executive level.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the drama strategy for Channel 5 and champion it across the business.
• Find, develop and commission returning series, limited series and event drama that grow audiences.
• Build strong relationships with UK independent producers, writers, agents and talent.
• Manage the drama budget and slate, balancing risk, scale and return.
• Work with scheduling, marketing, content acquisition and Paramount’s international teams to give shows the best chance of success, including co-productions and global sales.
• Lead and mentor the drama commissioning team.

Skills

Senior track record

Story development

UK indie production knowledge

Budget awareness

Leadership & stakeholder skills

Industry network

Job description

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#WeAreSkydance on a mission to unleash the power of content… you in?
We’ve got the brands, we’ve got the stars, we’ve got thepowerto achieve our mission to entertain the planet – now all we’re missing is… YOU! Becoming a part of Skydance means joining a team of passionate people who not only recognize the power of content but also enjoy a touch of fun and uniqueness. Together, we co-create moments that matter – both for our audiences and our employees – and aim to leave a positive mark on culture.

5 is one of the UK’s biggest public service broadcasters and is growing its drama slate across linear and 5’s streaming service. We're now part of Skydance, which gives us new creative ambition, bigger global reach and the backing to take bolder swings. We’re looking for a VP to own drama commissioning at 5 and shape what comes next.

The role

You’ll contribute to the editorial vision for 5’s drama and work with the Head of Scripted on strategy. You’ll find, develop and commission series and pilots from independent producers, then see them through development, production and post, representing 5’s creative interests throughout.

What you’ll do

• Contribute to the drama strategy for Channel 5 and champion it across the business
• Find, develop and commission returning series, limited series and event drama that grow audiences
• Build strong relationships with UK independent producers, writers, agents and talent
• Manage the drama budget and slate, balancing risk, scale and return
• Work with scheduling, marketing, content acquisition and Paramount’s international teams to give shows the best chance of success, including co-productions and global sales
• Lead and mentor the drama commissioning team

What you bring

• A senior track record commissioning or executive producing scripted drama for a UK broadcaster or streamer
• A good eye for story, and the confidence to back it
• Deep knowledge of the UK indie production community
• Commercial awareness, including budgets, deficit financing and rights
• Strong leadership and stakeholder skills at executive level
• Real influence over a high-profile slate at a broadcaster that moves quickly
• Access to Paramount Skydance’s international network and resources

Paramount Skydance Corporation (NASDAQ: PSKY) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic studios, networks and streaming services, Paramount's portfolio of consumer brands includes CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+, and Pluto TV, among others. Paramount delivers the largest share of the U.S. television audience and boasts one of the industry's most important and extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, the company provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions.

• An exciting and fulfilling opportunity to be part of one of Paramount’s most dynamic teams.
• Opportunities for both on-site and virtual engagement events.
• Unique opportunities to make meaningful connections and build a vibrant community, both inside and outside the workplace.

Skydance is an equal opportunity employer (EOE)

We embrace the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit. In line with the laws of the country or region in which the role is based, this includes consideration without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, religion or belief, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or protected veteran status, union status or any other category protected by applicable law.

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