Head of Acquisitions

Head of Acquisitions

Content, Media & Entertainment

Permanent

Office location: White City, London

Hiring range: £90,000 - £120,000

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.

The role

Developing and executing an acquisition strategy for ITV’s channels & ITVX, aligning with wider business goals to deliver on the Media & Entertainment division’s targets. Leading the team who negotiate key commercial terms on all acquired programming, including feature films & content partnerships.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the content acquisitions team, providing guidance, coaching and mentorship.
• Set and execute the overall content acquisition strategy across all genres and platforms, aligning with ITV's short and long-term business objectives.
• Take the lead in negotiating major content deals with studios, independent distributors and other content providers.
• Oversee the selection of content for potential deals across ITVX & channels and advise the editorial teams accordingly.
• Manage acquired content stock across all channels and ITVX, working closely with Scheduling Strategy & Editorial Managers to ensure that content is scheduled for maximum commercial and editorial benefit.
• Ensure that channels & ITVX have the right mix of relicensed & new content to deliver on their editorial objectives.
• Build, develop and maintain productive relationships with all distributors, identifying new suppliers and fostering existing relationships to support the content acquisitions strategy.
• Identify co-production and pre-buy opportunities for ITV1 & ITVX
• Contribute to the editorial strategy by providing insight on the acquisitions market and advising on available content.
• Represent ITV at acquisition markets, screenings and other relevant industry events, acting as an ambassador for the business.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of competitor plans and the wider TV market and a clear understanding of ITV’s requirements and priorities.
• Together with the wider acquisitions team, oversee the creation of Programme Offer (Genre) forms for internal approvals on acquired deals, ensuring queries from stakeholders are dealt with in a timely manner.
• Ensure relevant records relating to acquired series are maintained in a thorough and timely manner and in appropriate formats.
• View solicited and unsolicited materials and communicate an assessment of their suitability for acquisition, co-production or pre-buy to the Director of Content & Director of ITVX, Channels & Acquisitions

Other Responsibilities:

• Ensure that all stakeholders within ITV - including the Channel & ITVX editorial teams, business affairs, marketing, press, finance, compliance and ops - are informed of deal terms as closed and relevant changes during their lifetime, adhering to ITV’s financial procedures.
• Work with other departments as necessary to ensure stakeholders have access to relevant materials and information in order to promote acquired content effectively.
• Act as a leader within the ITVX, Channels & Acquisition teams & represent the team as required

Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)

• Experience of working at a senior level within an acquisitions team at a UK broadcaster / streamer
• Proven understanding of the streaming landscape, both domestically & worldwide, alongside UK linear commercial PSB TV experience

Other things we’re looking for (key criteria)

• Demonstrates an enthusiasm for, & knowledge of, a range of TV content, in particular acquired series & film that resonates with under 55s
• Good communicator
• Commercially aware with an understanding of audience behaviour and demographics
• Able to work cross-functionally
• Prepared to be an ambassador for the channels & ITVX

ITV is for everyone.

ITV strongly encourages applications for this role from Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent 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 [email protected].

Find out more about applying 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
• 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

Closing date 15th August 2025