Business Affairs Manager

We are seeking an experienced UK Business Affairs Manager to support and scale a high-profile programme across EMEA, building on an established US model. This is a strategic and hands‑on role requiring deep expertise in advertising regulation, celebrity and talent negotiations, and rights management within a fast‑paced, in‑house environment.

The successful candidate will operate to an exceptionally high standard, partnering closely with legal, marketing and production stakeholders to structure, negotiate and execute complex commercial agreements directly.

• Lead Business Affairs support across advertising and marketing initiatives across the UK and wider EMEA region.
• Negotiate and manage celebrity and talent agreements, including direct engagement with agents, talent representatives and rights holders.
• Structure and negotiate third‑party licensing agreements and manage associated rights (usage, territories, term, media, renewals, etc.).
• Draft and refine scopes of work in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Negotiate directly with studios, production companies and other content partners where required.
• Ensure compliance with relevant UK and EMEA advertising regulations and industry standards.
• Partner closely with Product Marketing (PMM) teams to advise on celebrity requirements, deliverables and contractual implications.
• Transition contracting processes in‑house, with agreements executed directly rather than via agency intermediaries.
• Work cross‑functionally with internal legal teams to develop, review and finalise robust commercial contracts.
• Provide strategic guidance on risk, rights clearance and commercial structuring to enable campaigns to launch effectively and compliantly.

• Significant experience in Business Affairs within advertising, media, entertainment or a related sector.
• Strong track record of negotiating celebrity and talent deals, including familiarity with agents, managers and rights holders.
• Demonstrable experience managing third‑party licensing rights and complex usage arrangements.
• Experience working directly with studios and production partners is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of UK advertising regulations, with broader EMEA knowledge advantageous.
• Experience operating in‑house and partnering closely with legal and cross‑functional teams.
• Commercially astute with strong drafting skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑moving, high‑visibility environment with senior stakeholders.
• Direct industry referrals or established industry relationships would be advantageous.

• Operates with a high degree of professionalism and discretion.
• Confident negotiator with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Solutions‑oriented, pragmatic and commercially focused.
• Able to manage multiple complex work streams simultaneously.
• Sets and maintains a very high quality bar in all deliverables.

This role is open for a limited time. Next steps will be shared with shortlisted candidates by Feb 25th. Due to the high volume of applicants, we may be unable to reply to each applicant individually. If you have not received a response, please assume that you have not been selected for progression to the next stage of the hiring process.

Our Client is a multinational technology company, specialising in Internet‑related services and products; including online advertising technologies, search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware. The atmosphere is relaxed with a diverse and innovative culture. Opportunities for growth and progression and networking with like‑minded people across the business and beyond.

Aquent is dedicated to improving inclusivity & is proudly an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from under‑represented groups & are committed to providing support to applicants with disabilities. We aim to provide reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, to those with a medical condition, disability or neurodivergence.