Director of Content Licensing & Business Development

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director of Content Licensing & Business Development

🔹 Company: The Telegraph

🔹 Location: London, England, United Kingdom (Remote)

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (On-site & Remote)

🔹 Category: Media Production

🔹 Date Posted: April 15, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (On-site & Remote)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing content licensing and business development strategy
• Identifying and pursuing innovative business initiatives for revenue growth
• Optimizing existing partnerships and expanding reach through platform strategy
• Managing licensing deals, pricing, and contract management
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with licensees

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong commercial acumen, and excellent stakeholder management skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in content licensing and business development within the media industry.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and execute content licensing and business development strategy, including setting measurable targets to achieve budget and growth goals

✅ Identify and pursue innovative business initiatives to achieve revenue growth targets

✅ Create and execute platform strategy leveraging 3rd party technologies and solutions, focused on expanding reach and revenue opportunities

✅ Proactively collaborate with Commercial Leaders and growth roles to support and develop new business opportunities for growth

✅ Optimize existing partnerships for maximum revenue and commercial value, identifying growth opportunities

✅ Oversee license deals, pricing, and contract management to maximise revenue, and ensure licensing agreements protect copyrights and are compliant with audience and editorial policies

✅ Build and maintain strong relationships with licensees, providing excellent customer service to foster long-term partnerships and maximise revenue potential

✅ Strategic program management to deliver a collection of projects and initiatives to achieve business objectives and revenue growth

✅ Stakeholder management across the organisation to support the planning, and implementing actions to deliver the overall Content Licensing growth plan

✅ Communicate results and department performance to the wider team, highlighting the impact on overall revenue

✅ Manage all aspects of team management: appraisals, recruitment, HR, learning, and development, with a focus on building a high-performing team that drives revenue growth

ASSUMPTION: This role involves managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 10+ years of experience in a commercial licensing role at a major media owner, with a solid understanding of the news and media industry

Required Skills:

• Proven leadership experience in content licensing and business development
• Strong commercial background in content, film and TV optioning, and logo licensing, negotiation, pricing strategies
• Solid grasp of copyright law, intellectual property licensing agreements, and contract management
• Ability to manage multiple licensing deals simultaneously, track progress, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrates high integrity and emotional intelligence, able to lead, influence, and persuade
• Well-informed and curious mindset, demonstrates interest and curiosity in seeking out new opportunities
• Strong customer focus and commitment to providing excellent service
• Experience in international sales, licensing, or business development
• Ability to analyse sales data, identify trends, and track performance metrics to optimise licensing strategies
• Strong program management skills, able to lead projects from inception to delivery
• Excellent track record working with external partners, ability to develop new partnerships

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with AI-driven content distribution methods
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in digital platforms, content distribution methods, and the evolving media landscape will have a competitive advantage.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £80,000 - £120,000 per annum (Estimated based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)

Benefits:

• Medical Cover
• Parental Leave
• Life Assurance
• Season Ticket Loans
• Flexible Benefits

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Flexible working arrangements may be available.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Media Production. The Telegraph is a leading news and media organization, known for its quality journalism and trusted content.

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees. As a mid-sized company, The Telegraph offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment with ample opportunities for growth and development.

Founded: 1855. The Telegraph has a rich history and a strong reputation for delivering award-winning journalism.

Company Description:

• The Telegraph’s mission is to provide content that inspires people to have the perspective they want to progress in life.
• It delivers quality, trusted, award-winning journalism, 24 hours a day, across its digital and print properties as well as through leading digital partners.
• The Telegraph has built a diversified commercial model, with equal strength in advertising, subscriptions, and circulation, commerce, and events.

Company Specialties:

• News and Media
• Journalism
• Content Licensing
• Business Development

Company Website: http://www.telegraph.co.uk

ASSUMPTION: The Telegraph's diverse commercial model and commitment to quality journalism make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a challenging and rewarding role in the media industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior Management. This role involves strategic decision-making, team management, and cross-functional collaboration.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Senior Director of Commercial Operations and collaborates closely with the commercial leadership team and key stakeholders across the business.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On-site & Remote). The role requires a balance of on-site collaboration and remote work, with flexibility based on team and project needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to expand the role's scope and impact based on performance and business needs
• Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and collaborate with senior leadership
• Access to training and development opportunities through The Academy

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a tangible impact on the company's commercial success.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (On-site & Remote). The role requires a balance of on-site collaboration and remote work, with flexibility based on team and project needs.

Office Location(s): 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0DT, GB

Geographic Context:

• London, England, United Kingdom
• Diverse and multicultural city with a vibrant media industry
• Excellent transportation links and numerous amenities

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Flexible working arrangements may be available.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers candidates the best of both worlds, with opportunities for on-site collaboration and remote flexibility.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video call interview with the HR team
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Commercial acumen and strategic thinking
• Stakeholder management and communication skills
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Leadership and team management abilities

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience and achievements in content licensing and business development
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit for the role and the company
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills

ATS Keywords: Content Licensing, Business Development, Revenue Growth, Contract Management, Stakeholder Management, Customer Service, Project Management, Negotiation, Copyright Law, Digital Platforms, Partnership Development, Sales Data Analysis, Team Management, Emotional Intelligence, Curiosity, International Sales

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and leadership skills, as well as their cultural fit with the company.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with relevant tools and technologies, but training will be provided as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Quality
• Trust
• Innovation
• Collaboration

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Strong focus on teamwork and collaboration
• Opportunities for professional growth and development

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment?
• Are you an effective communicator and collaborator?
• Are you driven by a desire to deliver high-quality results and exceed expectations?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with The Telegraph's values and work style will be the best fit for this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
• Balancing on-site collaboration and remote work effectively
• Adapting to a fast-paced and evolving media landscape
• Meeting ambitious revenue growth targets

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to navigate these challenges effectively and contribute to the company's commercial success.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on content licensing and business development within a leading news and media organization
• Similar roles may be found in other media companies, but The Telegraph's reputation for quality journalism and commercial diversity sets it apart
• Career progression opportunities may include roles in senior leadership or other commercial functions within the company

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider the unique aspects of this role and the company when comparing it to other opportunities in the market.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic plan to expand the company's content licensing reach and revenue
• Negotiating and managing complex licensing agreements with key partners
• Identifying and pursuing innovative business initiatives to drive revenue growth

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and commercial nature of the role and the impact it can have on the company's success.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does this role collaborate with other commercial functions within the company?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the role and the company?
• How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how has the company supported previous incumbents in overcoming them?

ASSUMPTION: These questions will help candidates better understand the role, the company, and the opportunities for growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for the interview process by researching the company and practicing common interview questions
• Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications
• If selected for the final round, be prepared to present a strategic plan for driving revenue growth through content licensing and business development

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.