Shape the future of storytelling at WildBear.
* WildBear is Australia's largest independent documentary studio, creating, producing and distributing innovative factual stories for global audiences.
* WildBear is looking for a strategic and commercially-minded Business Affairs & Legal Counsel to lead our Business Affairs and Legal function. Reporting to the CFO and partnering closely with the CEO, you will be a key architect of our commercial success, providing legal and commercial support across development, production, sales, distribution and finance.
* This is a senior operational role for a legal professional who thrives at the intersection of creative ambition and commercial discipline.
* The Role
* You will lead the Business Affairs and Legal function, ensuring our contracting, rights management, and governance frameworks protect the company while enabling sustainable growth. You'll be a trusted advisor, navigating complex deal structures and ensuring outcomes align with WildBear's risk appetite and strategic goals.
* Key Responsibilities
* Strategic Advisory & Leadership: Act as a key advisor to the CEO and Executive Team on material commercial and legal matters, offering guidance on risk exposure, deal structuring, contractual obligations and corporate governance.
* Commercial Negotiation: Lead negotiations with critical stakeholders, including broadcasters, commissioners, distributors, screen agencies and financiers, ensuring outcomes align with company strategy.
* Drafting & Legal Support: Draft, review and negotiate a broad suite of agreements, including production investment, co-production, distribution, and chain-of-title documentation. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Manage disputes and liaise with external legal counsel as necessary.
* Rights Management: Oversee WildBear's rights framework, ensuring intellectual property and copyright are protected and optimized for global exploitation.
* Functional Leadership: Manage and mentor the Business Affairs Assistant, building a resilient and efficient legal operations function.
* Financial Interface: Coordinate with Finance and Production Finance to ensure legal documentation aligns with cashflow requirements and funding conditions.
* What You Bring
* Legal Expertise: A legal qualification and admission to practice in Australia, with strong technical skills in contract law (minimum of 2 years PAE). Previous in-house experience will be highly regarded.
* Commercial Acumen: Strong professional judgment with the ability to balance risk against commercial opportunities and deal velocity.
* Industry Knowledge: Experience in the media/screen industry or intellectual property is highly desirable, particularly regarding rights, funding mechanisms, and distribution.
* Communication: Highly developed communication and influencing skills, with the ability to convey complex legal advice to non-legal stakeholders.
* Negotiation Skills: A proven track record of closing complex commercial arrangements.
* Leadership: Experience managing people and building disciplined processes in a fast-paced, creative environment.
* Why WildBear?
* Join a leading production house where your legal expertise directly empowers world-class content creation. We offer a collaborative environment where you can apply innovative solutions to complex commercial challenges.
* Ready to lead our Business Affairs team? Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your experience and suitability to this role, as well as confirming your right to work in Australia.