Job profile

Salary: £65,943 - £77,907 per annum 

Fixed Term Contract: 9 months  

We are looking for an experienced Head of Acquisitions to lead the BFI’s film acquisition strategy during a period of maternity leave, securing high-profile titles that drive audience growth and revenue while supporting our cultural mission under ‘Screen Culture 2033’. This fixed term role offers the opportunity to add to the future of BFI distribution by continuing to build strong industry relationships, negotiating rights and expanding our catalogue across cinema, DVD and BFI Player.  

Key responsibilities include: 

• Lead on the expansion of the BFI’s acquisitions strategy, including increasing the scale of BFI acquisitions to ensure the procurement of high-profile titles that will contribute to the BFI’s audience growth strategy for 2025/26 and beyond. 

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with filmmakers, UK and international rights holders, TV companies and sales agents to negotiate rights for BFI Distribution and DVD, ensuring our acquisitions align with the BFI’s cultural programme and commercial objectives, contributing to an extensive, high-quality catalogue. 

• Develop and manage international partnerships for the acquisition of rights and co-distribution of materials, collaborating with foreign publishers to optimise cost efficiencies and extend the reach of BFI Distribution. 

• Strengthen engagement with external stakeholders to enhance income generation and support the BFI’s broader distribution and audience growth strategies. 

We are looking for candidates who have: 

• Demonstrable experience in distribution and acquisitions and a proven track record of securing film titles that drive audience and revenue growth. 

• Extensive knowledge of world cinema, both historical and contemporary, with proven expertise in British and World arthouse/classic Hollywood cinema.   

• Strong research skills, familiarity with industry resource and an in-depth understanding of relevant legal practice, including copyright law.   

A full list of responsibilities and minimum requirements can be found in the job description. 

About the BFI  

We are a cultural charity, a National Lottery distributor, and the UK’s lead organisation for film and the moving image. We believe society needs stories. Film, television and the moving image bring them to life, helping us connect and understand each other better. We share the stories of yesterday, search for the stories of today, and shape the stories of tomorrow. 

Benefits 

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) + bank holidays + the option to buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave  

• Additional paid time off between Christmas and New Year 

• BFI pension scheme with 5% employer contribution 

• BFI Childcare Scheme, where we contribute to childcare costs for children up to the age of 14 

• Enhanced pay for Maternity & Paternity leave 

• Complimentary tickets to BFI Southbank & IMAX screenings and events 

• Free BFI Player subscription + discount on BFI DVDs, books, merchandise, and film tickets 

Plus many more, which can be found in our Working at the BFI information pack on our website.  

We support diversity and inclusion, and as an organisation recognise that we need to address under representation within our teams. As such we strongly welcome and encourage applicants from our under-represented groups; who identify as D/deaf and disabled and/or are Black and Global Majority. We guarantee a place at the first stage selection process to our under-represented groups who meet our minimum requirements.   

Further details about the role, the BFI and our benefits can be obtained by clicking the links to the left.

Depending on the volume of applications, you may be asked to complete a small task or attend a pre-interview screening call to further to assist the hiring team in shortlisting for this role. In this instance, interview dates may be subject to change.  

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Monday 15 December 2025

First interviews will be held on Tuesday 6 January 2025 

Second interviews may be required.