Acquisition & Programme Manager

This is a Full Time Job

Acquisition & Programme Manager (12 month FTC)

Who You Are!

There are lots of people here doing all sorts of jobs and we believe that having all kinds of people from all kinds of backgrounds, makes this a great place to work! We work hard but in a fun environment and seek to nurture the best possible, inclusive environment. If you're passionate about working with diverse teams, leading by example and simply being you at work, this is the place for you!

Overview

Milkshake! is the #1 commercial children’s preschool block that broadcasts every morning on Channel 5. The brand sits on My5 and Amazon via More Milkshake! with a bi-monthly magazine, social media presence, consumer products and even its own touring stage show. Milkshake’s core kid demo is 2-5 years, with ad demos of 16-34yr and ABC1s.

We are looking for an Acquisitions and Programme Manager, responsible for looking after programme submissions from proposal to channel delivery, working with the VP, Programming VCNI Kids, UK and Ireland, on the brand's editorial and commercial objectives. The chosen candidate with help us on our mission to source top-quality British preschool content that hits key demographics and further builds our brand.

You will ideally have a pre-school editorial and creative view and will assist in deciding which programmes to licence. You will ensure the creative quality of programming across all of Milkshake! from production companies to major studios and independent distributors. The role involves working with Legal, Production Management, Communications, Editorial Operations and Nick UK to lead all aspects of the programme submission, development, delivery, launch and communication.
The ideal candidate:
• Hardworking, creative and articulate about pre-school content
• A collaborative team worker
• Demonstrates a good understanding of current content requirements with a strong editorial point of view
• Is able to source and develop content to drive ratings
• Experienced in script editing and review animatic/rough cuts
• Displays excellent interpersonal skills
• Always thinking creatively about new ways of bringing content to audiences

Key accountabilities:
• Source for development commissions and acquisitions that are primarily UK originated content, working within the Channel 5 transmission budget
• Working with key partners to negotiate commissioned content and acquisition deals with independent distributors, for linear and non-linear platforms
• To provide creative feedback that crafts the property to ensure it meets our requirements
• Manage processes from advising the writing team, creative approval of designs, characters, settings, springboards, premise, outlines, script passes, animatic and final animation, live action rough cuts, voice cast, opening and closing credits
• Coordinate delivery of commissions and acquisitions to Broadcast Operations and RedBee, liaising with all parties organising clocks, end credits, access services, tech specs and entering programme details into What’s On (WON) and Tedial
• Coordinate delivery materials including images, synopsis, cue sheets, credits including managing all publicity material and press releases for programmes and making them available to all parties
• Ensure all OFCOM regulations are met
• Build relationships and act as a point of contact for programme distributors and production companies
• Manage programme submissions and take pitch meetings with local producers/ distributors and feedback projects of interest to Line Manager
• Maintain and update internal documents including screening, reporting and cataloguing of materials
• Working closely with the Milkshake! Channel Manager to ensure available programming is accurately plotted in channel plans and monthly schedules and meets our transmission budget
• Reviewing press information on a weekly basis to ensure all synopsis, images and credits are accurate in the schedules for Press and RedBee
• Approving marketing materials and Freeview/Digital campaigns for our content brands
• Being the key contact with Producers and Distributors for content requests, including award entries
• Communicate and execute Milkshake! programme plans to internal and external partners
• Working with Research to provide rating updates to producers
• Work with commercial, consumer products and events teams to expand brand opportunities and ensure high-quality activations including the live stage tour and yearly DVD
• Attend Programme Markets and Conferences where appropriate

Required experience:
• 3-5 years’ kid’s industry experience, preferably in the UK preschool market
• Experience delivering high-quality programmes, either within commissioning, development or acquisition role
• Displays insight into broadcasting research and analysis
• Displays knowledge of rights issues, the broadcasting regulatory context and the legal aspects of contracts, copyright and clearances in respect to television programme commissioning and production
• Experience in managing external suppliers and producers
• Good I.T. Skills including PowerPoint and Excel and experience using a Broadcast Media Management system (e.g. WON, Tedial)