Head of Development (UK Scripted)

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About the Role & Team

We are seeking an experienced, strategic, creative, and highly collaborative Senior Manager, Development, UK Scripted to join the Disney+ UK scripted originals team. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of Disney+'s UK scripted slate, driving strategy, nurturing talent, and championing ambitious storytelling that resonates locally and globally. The ideal candidate will support commissioned projects through development, working with writers, showrunners, and producers, and elevating the overall quality and impact of our original series.

This role will be based in our London Hammersmith office, 4 days a week, with either a Monday or Friday working from home. 

Values 

You’ll join a team grounded in our Disney values — acting with Integrity, welcoming everyone through Inclusion, embracing boundless Creativity, working together through Collaboration and caring deeply for our Community. These values shape how we work and how we support one another every day. 

What You Will Do 

As the Senior Manager, Development, UK Scripted, you will play a critical role in leading and supporting the development strategy for Disney+ UK drama and comedy. You will identify and cultivate compelling project ideas, manage the development process, and forge strong industry relationships. This role matters in the company as it ensures the delivery of high-quality, locally relevant, and globally resonant content. Key skills required include creativity, strategic thinking, collaboration, and leadership.

• Lead and support the development strategy for Disney+ UK drama and comedy in collaboration with the Originals team, shaping a distinctive slate that aligns with overall brand and audience goals.
• Identify and cultivate compelling project ideas, formats, and original IP with potential for global reach and local resonance.
• Champion diverse voices and innovative narrative forms that reflect the UK's cultural landscape.
• Oversee the development process from concept to approved scripts, ensuring creative quality and strategic fit.
• Provide detailed creative feedback and guidance to writers, creators, and production partners.
• Work with internal teams (Programming, Legal, Business Affairs, Production Management) to move projects through key greenlight milestones.
• Forge and maintain strong relationships with writers, agents, production companies, and industry stakeholders.
• Lead initiatives to discover and support emerging talent in both drama and comedy.
• Represent Disney+ at industry events, conferences, and talent forums.
• Partner with senior leaders across Original Productions, International, and Marketing to maximize creative impact and commercial success.
• Support cross-departmental alignment to ensure timely delivery of development objectives and slate priorities.

Required Qualifications & Skills  

• Extensive experience in scripted television development and production, including drama and comedy series.
• A strong track record of developing and shepherding scripted projects from idea through production.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a team, providing coaching and feedback to ensure success.
• Strong creative and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong industry relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with international teams and managing cross-cultural projects.
• Proficiency in additional languages.

The Perks  

• 25 days annual leave
• Private medical insurance & dental care 
• Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free 
• Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing 
• Excellent parental and guardian leave 
• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, our new disability & neurodiversity focused group - ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST. 

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.  

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 

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