Commercial Director, Branded Content Partnerships
About The Role
This role leads the branded content partnership strategy, business development, and relationship management across Aardman's digital, TV, commercial and film portfolio. It is responsible for securing brand funding and building long-term partnerships that support original content, advance the studio's creative ambitions, and strengthen the value of its intellectual property.
This role sits at the intersection of creative content, commercial strategy, and brand marketing, driving innovative partnerships with brands to unlock new revenue streams, amplify storytelling and Aardman’s brand reach, and deepen audience engagement globally.
You will play a critical role in shaping how partnerships fuel both the creativity and craft of Aardman, and our owned brands growth, ensuring the studio remains culturally relevant and commercially competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Aardman at a pivotal moment and play a key role in shaping its future.
About You
We are looking for candidates with strong experience working closely in-house or with brands, and creative and production teams, to align commercial objectives with editorial priorities. They will understand how brands think and what they need from creative partnerships, how to access creative production budgets, and how to shape compelling partnership opportunities that meet both creative and commercial goals for all parties.
Candidates will bring significant, proven experience across branded content partnerships, commercial strategy and business development within the media or entertainment sector. They will also have a deep understanding of global content markets, platforms and brand ecosystems, and the ability to translate that knowledge into commercially successful partnerships.
Creative and commercial mindset: Candidates will bring a genuine passion for storytelling and audience-first content, combined with an entrepreneurial approach to identifying opportunities and winning new business.
Leadership and influence: They will have proven experience leading teams and influencing senior stakeholders at executive level.
Industry network: Applicants should have a strong established network across brands, agencies, and media partners, with the ability to build strong, commercially valuable relationships.
Please find a full role profile attached.
Please confirm your salary expectations and availability in your cover letter.
The closing date for applications is: 5pm on Wednesday 8th July 2026
About Us
Aardman is an independent and multi-Academy Award® and BAFTA® award winning studio. It produces feature films, series, advertising, games, and interactive entertainment.
Its productions are global in appeal, novel, entertaining, brilliantly characterised, and full of charm reflecting the unique talent, energy, and personal commitment of the Aardman team. The studio’s work is often imitated, and yet the company continues to lead the field producing a rare brand of visually stunning content for cinema, broadcasters, digital platforms, and live experiences around the world.
In November 2018, Aardman became an Employee Owned organisation, ensuring that the studio remains independent and securing the creative legacy and culture of the company for the future.
Our Diversity & Inclusion Charter is our commitment to building a workforce that is truly reflective of society, underpinned by the belief that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential in delivering on our mission: to create entertainment for all and to be the most inspirational animation company in the world. We welcome applications from all individuals and are always happy to discuss flexible working needs. We have signed the Age-friendly Employer Pledge, a nationwide programme run by the Centre for Ageing Better to make workplaces age-friendly, and Aardman is also proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.