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Director of Comedy Commissioning – JOB DETAILS
JOB BAND Senior Leader (SL)
CONTRACT TYPE Permanent, Full Time
LOCATION Flexible – Available at any BBC Base
Preferred flexible working arrangements may be discussed as part of the application process. Further details will be explored during the offer stage.
ABOUT THE ROLE
At the BBC, comedy sits at the heart of what we do—whether it’s bringing communities together, reflecting modern Britain, or sparking national conversations that leave audiences laughing.
This is an exceptional opportunity to lead and define the future of BBC Comedy. Reporting to the Chief Content Officer, the Director of Comedy Commissioning will shape a bold, distinctive slate across our TV channels and iPlayer, while expanding the genre into digital platforms. As the leader of a diverse commissioning team, your role is to discover and nurture the best of fresh and proven British comedy talent. This will involve:
- Setting an editorial strategy that authentically reflects BBC audiences’ increasingly diverse needs.
- Fostering a risk-taking culture, championing innovation, and aligning decision-making with public service priorities.
- Securing high-impact projects that set new benchmarks in innovation, quality, and production value.
- Ensuring financial accountability while meeting licensing objectives and cultivating strong producer relationships nationwide.
You will guide the creative and financial governance of BBC Comedy, ensuring it delivers world-class content that entertains, inspires, and represents Britain’s evolving voice.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT
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- Define and deliver the BBC’s comedy strategy, balancing high talent investment with public service purpose.
- Commission cutting-edge scripted and unscripted/performative comedy, from established hits to pioneering new formats.
- Champion underrepresented voices, talent development, and creative diversity across the UK.
- Expand experimentation in digital storytelling, including evolving platforms like YouTube, to innovate audience engagement.
- Collaborate with writers, performers, and producers to elevate creative concepts into outstanding output.
- Maintain rigorous editorial standards across all BBC Comedy content, ensuring programme values align with the BBC’s mission.
- Lead and motivate high-performing commissioners, providing strategic direction for genre consistency.
- Leverage data insights to refine creative and business decisions, balancing commercial outcomes with audience impact.
- Act as the BBC’s voice in the creative communities, fostering thought leadership and influential industry connections.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
We’re seeking a passionate leader with a proven track record in comedy, combining creative brilliance with senior commissioning experience.
Ideal profiles will demonstrate:
- A strong track record of successfully launching or reviving high-profile comedy programmes.
- Senior experience in comedy commissioning, production, or creative development, preferably with broadcast experience.
- Outstanding editorial insight—an instinct for authenticity, originality, and storytelling excellence.
- Industry authority with an in-depth understanding of today’s UK comedy landscape.
- A deep commitment to inclusive excellence, adapting storytelling to represent diverse perspectives.
- Extraordinary presentation skills, notably in stakeholder engagement, creative selling, and partnership development.
- The ability to balance bold experimentation with the BBC’s operational demands.
- Familiarity with public service purchasing requirements, including content rights, licensing regimes and commercial terms.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
The BBC requires Enterprise Leaders: Focused, adaptable, and principled. Lead with outcomes, not processes; prioritise capability-building in your team to future-prove the organisation.
Transferrable strengths from other sectors are welcome.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Before you begin, you’ll need to confirm any unspent convictions or pending police charges, in line with our recruitment policies. As part of the process, individuals may receive an offer contingent on all screening checks—including safeguarding, eligibility to work, and social media media background reviews.
HOW TO APPLY
Note: Only applications made through the online application system will be considered.
Further Information
For processing inquiries, please email: bbchr@bbc.co.uk.
(general queries only)
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES REDEPLOYMENT NOTE
Those already BBC employees seeking internal redeployment receive priority consideration, in line with our organisational responsibilities.
This is not a description of all job-related tasks, but an essential framework for accountability. Further details confirmed during the recruitment process.
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