MD Scripted

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

BBC Studios Scripted is home to some of the UK’s most exciting and ambitious drama producers. From in house drama and comedy units to owned labels such as Lookout Point, Baby Cow, Firebird, and Clerkenwell Films, we are proud to deliver iconic, globally renowned content.

Custodian of a rich, diverse drama slate ranging from British national treasures EastEnders and Casualty, to global trailblazers such as Baby Reindeer, you will be responsible for creative and business strategy. Overseeing all in-house and label production, including 380 full-time employees, up to 2000 freelancers and Scripted HQ management, you will drive continued growth and strengthen our position as a global market leader. 

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

Reporting directly to Zai Bennett, CEO BBC Studios Production, you will have oversight of every aspect of the UK scripted business. 

With BAFTA, RTS and Emmy-winning titles, growth within our owned labels, minority stake indie investment, and creative IP exploitation, BBC Studios Scripted is creatively and commercially vital to the BBC Studios brand and strategically positioned for continued commercial expansion. 

In a time of in-house and industry-wide transformation, this role offers a rare and exciting opportunity to shape, grow and steer a globally recognised slate through a period of significant change and commercial potential.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:

•    Develop and lead a commercially focused, pan-Studios scripted strategy across all labels and partnerships, translating it into a measurable financial business plan and overseeing operational delivery

•    Ensure high-quality delivery of current productions and support creative leads in securing and developing new commissions, maintaining editorial standards and compliance

•    Establish and execute the commercial strategy for Scripted, maintaining BBC Studios’ position as a leading supplier, and forging partnerships to optimise rights and funding

•    Build and strengthen relationships with key global buyers (BBC, Netflix, HBO, Amazon, Disney, etc.), aligning content strategy with evolving market dynamics

•    Lead a matrixed, multi-disciplinary team, fostering a high-performing, inclusive culture and empowering creative and business teams to deliver strategic outcomes

•    Drive an efficient, flexible operation with robust internal controls, ensuring all functions and support services are aligned and high-performing

•    Create and promote a high performing, inclusive environment that attracts and retains top creative and business talent, supports career development, and delivers the cultural change needed for long-term success

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

•    Proven track record of running a large-scale international television production business, with strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking across creative and financial domains

•    Proven ability of leading multi-disciplinary, matrixed teams through complex change, balancing creative and commercial priorities

•    Experience of managing significant budgets and understanding key financial drivers that underpin content production and profitability

•    Deep knowledge of global media trends, audience behaviours, and the evolving scripted landscape, with the ability to anticipate and respond to change

•    Demonstrable understanding and experience working with contractual and commercial frameworks for scripted content, both in the UK and internationally

•    Experience of developing and maintaining relationships across local and international broadcasters, streamers, talent, and internal stakeholders

•    Expertise in aligning creative ambition with business strategy, IP development, and international market dynamics to deliver standout scripted content