Head of Research & Rights, Studios, IMG

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

The Head of Research & Rights will lead the Research & Rights team on a major IMG account. This role will project manage all archive research licensing and supplying of footage delivering for our clients third-party production agencies acting as the key link between the client production partners internal IMG teams and rights holders. They will have ultimate responsibility and accountability of the Research & Rights team output.

The ideal candidate will manage the full project lifecycle from brief to final delivery and reporting handling resources risks and communications throughout. Working with the Senior Operations Manager Archive Producers and Project Managers you will be the clients and partner agencies main point of contact for the Research & Rights team managing day-to-day relations. Close collaboration with the Head of Production and Production Executive will ensure effective resourcing and successful delivery of all projects.

General

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of all Research & Rights projects ensuring they are delivered on time within scope and to the highest standard.
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the account acting as the primary IMG touchpoint for all client agencies and partners.
• Manage Archive Producers and Rights Managers ensuring archive sourcing fulfils our partners briefs and that archive licensing is conducted professionally and in a timely manner and is negotiated within budget.
• Assess workload and assign projects to the team accordingly.
• Lead traffic light tiered risk management system ensuring Archive Producers are supplying properly-risk-assessed archive to agencies. You will work with the client as well as their creative teams and producers to consult on archive use in both the development and production of advertising and branded content advising on best practice and legal limitations and offer creative solutions for production problems.
• Work closely with the HOP and PE to ensure all projections targets and financial forecasts are up to date accurate and met.
• Work closely with the HOP Archive Producers Senior Operations Manager and Rights Managers to ensure all R&R projects are running smoothly. Proactively identify and address departmental inefficiencies using project management tools to assist with scheduling timeline reviews and deadlines. Think innovatively and experiment with new approaches and technologies in order to achieve output excellence.
• Work with the Senior Operations Manager and Archive Producers to build an agile workflow and execute effective processes. Implement the use of project management tools to assist scheduling to review project timelines and to ensure deadlines are consistently met.
• Review technical workflows with the Media Manager and Senior Operations Manager (media storage editing facilities cloud-based software etc.) to ensure they are appropriate for each project and for the departments output.
• A detail-orientated person you will become an expert on our clients heritage brand values and relationships learning and ultimately advising teams on how this can be leveraged for use in content creation. You will also develop your expertise in key sports including golf tennis and equestrianism.
• Report to the HOP and Account Director on a weekly basis updating on project statuses.
• Ensure all R&R project admin is accurate up-to-date and completed on time.
• Work with the HOP and Senior Operations Manager on staff allocation and resource sharing across the department.
• Regularly discuss the progress of all account issues and projects with the HOP Account Director and the PE providing them with detailed updates and informing them of any issues / changes.
• Produce timely and accurate project reports when required.
• Keep across industry trends and players in the industry who may be beneficial to future projects.
• You may also be required to carry out any other duties which are within the scope and purpose of the job.

Line Management

• Inspire a culture of creativity and innovation encourage collaboration ensure inclusion and take a can do attitude.
• Deliver and ensure best practice in motivating and appraising direct reports and where appropriate ensure that training needs are facilitated in order to respond to changes in workflows.
• Ensure that IMG attracts recruits and retains the best talent to deliver world class content.

Client Services

• Act as the key client contact for the Research & Rights team building and maintaining strong relationships and acting diplomatically at all times.
• Be the IMG touchpoint for all client agencies maintaining strong relationships with your counterpoints at each agency.
• Work with the HOP to cultivate increasingly constructive and efficient relationships with the client their agencies and internal and external talent.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the brand values ethos and strategic vision of the client and their partner agencies.

Unusual Challenges or Circumstances

• Travel may be required.
• Line management of one direct report based in France.
• From time to time you may be required to work from IMG Production and Studios at Stockley Park or any other nominated facilities as required.

Key Results Areas

• Meet client and agency expectations.
• Successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously including meeting delivery deadlines and working within agreed budget parameters.
• Effectively line manage direct reports including identifying and implementing appropriate training needs.
• Collaborate well with other leads within the department and broader business.
• Build successful relationships and maintain clear and accurate communication with colleagues clients agencies and talent.
• Ensure all projections targets and financial forecasts are up to date accurate and met.
• Be effective and reliable support to the senior management team.
• Use discretion and confidentiality at appropriate / agreed times.

Knowledge and Experience

• Previous experience in a senior client-facing role.
• Previous experience working with archive houses rights holders and governing bodies.
• Previous experience working with luxury brands.
• Previous experience communicating with key client stakeholders.
• Previous experience in project management at a senior level.
• Proven experience of leading and motivating a team.
• Experience of managing budgets.
• Previous experience in a sports media/production business (preferable not essential).

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written communication.
• Calm unflappable manner.
• Commercially minded.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; diplomatic.
• Strong management and organisational skills with the ability to lead motivate and delegate.
• Proven problem-solving skills.
• Excellent administrative organisational and communication skills.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Excellent time management reliable and punctual with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills know when to deploy tact diplomacy and discretion.
• Adaptable with a flexible approach to rapidly changing circumstances and demanding working patterns.

Working Conditions:

• This role is based a the IMG offices Chiswick Park London.
• This is a 1 year Fixed-Term contract.
• Working hours are 9-5 pm.
• Occasional weekend work and travel may be required as part of the remit of this role.