Head of Development, Specialist Factual & Docs [C5143]

THE COMPANY Our client is a London based indie which pushes the creative boundaries of factual content. In the last few years, they have successfully developed and delivered numerous original shows to global broadcasters including Channel 4, BBC, Channel 5, Nat Geo, Amazon Prime, and Discovery. THE ROLE The Head of Development will play a critical role in driving business growth by overseeing the development slate and securing multi-platform commissions. Key responsibilities: Develop innovative, fresh programme ideas within key focus areas (Travel and Adventure, Specialist Factual, Popular Science & Documentary Series) tailored to the needs of digital platforms and broadcasters in the UK, US, and internationally. Nurture new and strengthening existing relationships with commissioners and distributors. Oversee the creation of treatments, sizzle and pitch materials for programme proposals. Pitch ideas to digital platform and broadcast commissioners. Establish close relationship with AD agencies and brands to develop Ad Funded Programmes ideas for them. Develop scalable, returnable series ideas for sustained future income. Identify alternative funding methods for programmes, outside of the traditional commissioning model including Co-Pro, Presale and Ad Funding. Generate innovative ideas that align with digital budgets and platform demands. Nurture new and strengthening existing relationship with talent agencies & secure the right talent Grow & manage the development team. THE PERSON You will have a proven track record in developing, pitching, and securing commissions for documentaries and specialist factual content, with a talent for identifying compelling stories and a passion for seeing ideas through to production. With exceptional writing skills you will be confident in producing scripts, episode synopses, and pitch decks as well as producing stand out sizzles. A deep understanding of documentary and factual programming, coupled with a strong grasp of the global commissioning landscape is essential, as it the ability to pitch to commissioners in the UK, US, and globally across multiple platforms. You will be a self-starter with an entrepreneurial attitude and a growth-oriented mindset and be comfortable working in a start-up environment. Previous experience of working internationally, and with advertising agencies and brands to develop Ad Funded Programmes ideas would be of particular interest. NEXT STEP If your skills & experience fit the above requirements and you would like to talk to us about this role, please apply online attaching your CV in WORD format. WHAT TO EXPECT Searchlight only advertises active roles our details will be sent directly to the Consultant who is handling this role We aim to respond to candidates within 14 days. If this role isn’t quite right, but you would like us to have your CV on file, please send it to [email protected]. Searchlight strives to promote equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. To learn more about Searchlight, see: www.searchlight.global