Senior Manager, Legal and Business Affairs

Workplace: White City, London + Hybrid   The team.. This role is part of the Legal & Business Affairs team within ITV Studios Global Partnerships who support the commercial teams responsible for distributing and monetising ITV’s intellectual property rights worldwide. Working at the centre of creative, commercial and legal decision-making, the team advises on a wide range of deals across content distribution, rights exploitation and brand partnerships.    Within Global Partnerships, the growing Studio 55 Brand Licensing team focuses on innovative brand-funded and brand licensing opportunities across digital content, merchandising, events, gaming and global brand integrations.    In this high-exposure role, you will support the Studio 55 team drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements while managing 1.5 direct reports. Working across brand-funded deals, merchandising, live events, brand integrations, and third-party distribution, you will balance rigorous legal risk management with a solutions-focused, commercial approach.    Some of your key day-to-day responsibilities will include: * Drafting, negotiating, and advising on agreements relating to brand sponsorship and brand funded content.  * Leading on agreements for global IP brand licensing, including merchandising, live events, immersive venues, brand integrations, gaming and gambling.  * Drafting and negotiating production and talent agreements relating to brand funded content production .  * Providing line management and development for direct reports, cultivating a collaborative and high-achieving team environment.  * Building strong working relationships with external licensees and internal commercial teams to deeply understand key commercial and legal priorities.  * Managing amendments, license agreement ancillaries, and complex rights clearances (including music and materials) in close alignment with Internal Rights teams.  * Collaborating with line management on ongoing deal negotiations, variations to ITVSGP standard terms, and the resolution of any contentious matters.  * Providing support on processes and workflows.    Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria) * Qualified solicitor (extensive PQE experience) or equivalent professional experience.  * Solid background in commercial contracts, intellectual property, and media law.  * Strong technical commercial IP experience with a deep understanding of the value of IP rights in brand licensing and audiovisual exploitation.  * Proven experience negotiating contracts relating to brand funding, brand licensing, or content production (particularly for digital exploitation).  * Demonstrated ability to conclude complex deals successfully within tight commercial deadlines.  * Experience of line management and mentoring.    Other things we’re looking for (key criteria) * In-house legal experience and/or experience working with brand agencies, influencers, or non-scripted production business affairs (especially for social media) is highly advantageous.  * Ability to manage, mentor, and develop direct reports while working collaboratively across a matrix organisation.  * A proportionate, solutions-focused approach with a natural motivation to learn and adapt to emerging areas of media law.  * Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to establish rapport with commercial and legal colleagues quickly.  * Exceptional multi-tasking skills with the ability to prioritise a varied portfolio of deals under pressure.    Potential Challenges * Due to the fast-paced nature of commercial deal-making, you may at times be required to work beyond standard contractual hours to close key deals.    Please note, on occasion we may receive a very large volume of applications which means applications for a role may close earlier than the referenced closing date. We’d encourage you to apply as soon as possible if interested. Your work matters to millions. Shaping culture is in the DNA of ITV. So, it’s not surprising that you’ll find us in every home in the UK, our productions are famous all over the world and we’re at the forefront of the digital streaming revolution.  When you join us, you enter a fun working environment. With opportunities to learn, to grow and make a real difference. Small enough that your impact’s felt in the business, but big enough that your impact reaches millions of people.   Come develop your skills, change TV and the course of your career. Don’t just watch it. Be part of it. Join ITV. ITV is for everyone. ITV strongly encourages applications for this role from disabled people. As a Disability Confident Leader, if you meet the minimum criteria for a role and you have declared that you are disabled, we’ll guarantee to take you to the next stage* (minimum criteria above).  We're happy to discuss any support/personalisation you may need during our application and selection process as part of our reasonable adjustments. Drop us a line if you require anything at talkingcareers@itv.com. Find out more about applying with a disability [https://careers.itv.com/blog/joining-itv-with-a-disability]. * There may be a few exceptions where we are not able to take all eligible candidates to the next stage due to the volume of applications. Because those who make an impact deserve to be rewarded for it.   ITV offers some great rewards and benefits including: * Flexible working with a range of options to suit everyone * Generous holiday allowance, plus you can buy more * Annual bonus opportunity * Competitive pension contribution * Save as you earn - with an opportunity to buy ITV shares * Wellbeing and volunteering days plus a wide range of opportunities to help you live a balanced and healthy life More about our benefits [https://careers.itv.com/life-at-itv/the-benefits]