BBC Career Opportunities: Director of Comedy Commissioning

JOB DETAILS

JOB BAND: SL (Senior Leader) 

CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent/ Full Time

DEPARTMENT: Commissioning

LOCATION: Flexible Location at any BBC Base

We're happy to discuss flexible working. If you'd like to, please indicate your preference in the application – though there's no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

At the BBC, comedy is at the heart of what we do—bringing people together, reflecting modern Britain, and shaping national conversation. And making us laugh.

We’re looking for an exceptional Director of Comedy Commissioning to lead the next chapter of BBC Comedy. This is a rare opportunity to define and deliver a bold, distinctive slate that entertains millions while championing new voices and representing the diversity of the UK.

The Director of Comedy Commissioning will report to the Chief Content Officer, taking responsibility for the delivery of the Comedy genre across the BBC’s portfolio of TV channels and iPlayer, as well as expanding Comedy across new digital platforms and formats  Leading a team of commissioners, you will find and help develop new and the very best of British comedy, setting an editorial strategy that effectively reflects the diversity of the BBC’s pan-UK audiences.

By directing the development process, you will determine BBC Comedy’s priorities and support a culture that encourages a risk-taking approach to ideas and talent development, backing new voices and innovation. You will be tasked with finding and securing projects which encourage creative innovation and set a benchmark for the quality and ambition the BBC aims to deliver, whilst nurturing a strong supply base across the UK.

Commissioning decisions will be based on a sound understanding of creative ambition, quality, originality, cost, rights value and funding needs. You will be accountable for the effective management of the Comedy genre finances and ensure excellence is maintained across a wide range of projects, whilst also delivering value for money for the licence-fee payer.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM?

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of comedy on one of the world’s most respected public service broadcasters.

At the BBC, you’ll:

• Create content that reaches and resonates with millions.


• Champion representation, authenticity, and new perspectives. 


• Work with leading creative talent across the UK. 


• Be part of an organisation committed to informing, educating, and entertaining. 

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT

• Setting and delivering the BBC’s comedy strategy, aligned to our public service mission. 


• Commissioning standout scripted and unscripted comedy—from returning hits to bold new formats.


• Championing fresh, diverse voices from across the UK and building the next generation of talent.


• Building digital storytelling across platforms, including YouTube - experimenting with new formats and ways to reach and engage audiences.


• Working closely with writers, performers, and independent producers to bring ideas to life.


• Ensuring all output reflects the breadth of UK audiences and meets the highest editorial standards. Leading and inspiring a high-performing commissioning team. 


• Using audience insight and performance data to inform creative decisions. 


• Acting as a key ambassador for BBC Comedy across the industry.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

You’ll be a creative leader with a deep passion for comedy and a strong track record of delivering high-impact content

We’re particularly interested in candidates who bring:

• A proven track record of successful, innovative programming. 


• Significant senior experience in comedy commissioning, development, or production. 


• Outstanding creative instinct and editorial judgement. 


• Strong understanding of UK audiences and the evolving comedy landscape.


• Experience working with diverse talent and driving inclusive storytelling. 


• The ability to lead, influence, and collaborate at the highest level. 


• A strong communicator, with the ability to engage and inspire both internally and externally, the role requires a leader who has successfully developed creative partnerships and influenced key business stakeholders. 


• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of editorial standards and compliance requirements, particularly as they relate to the BBC Values.

Being a leader at the BBC means putting the organisation’s interest, goals and values first, ahead of individual team or function needs. The characteristics of an enterprise leader are: Focuses on outcomes over activity, adapts quickly, and simplifies complexity. They balance short-term actions with long-term impact, take full accountability for actions and decision-making, and prioritise capability development to create teams fit for the future.

If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.

Before your start date, you may need to disclose any unspent convictions or police charges, in line with our Contracts of Employment policy. This allows us to discuss any support you may need and assess any risks. Failure to disclose may result in the withdrawal of your offer.