We are partnering with a leading Chinese entertainment company, known for high-quality film and TV IP and strategic collaborations with platforms such as Netflix, to appoint their first Commercial Director outside China.
This is a pivotal, build-and-scale role to lead international revenue growth across IP distribution, licensing, and media and brand partnerships as the company accelerates its global expansion.
The opportunity
- Own the global commercial strategy across streaming, broadcasters, digital platforms, consumer brands, and new categories.
- Shape how Chinese storytelling, formats, and characters travel to audiences and brands worldwide.
- Join a fast-growing, well-capitalised business with an existing China footprint and marquee international partners, now ready to invest in international leadership.
Key responsibilities
- Design and execute the international commercial strategy for IP distribution, content licensing, and media/brand partnerships, aligned with the group's growth objectives.
- Lead deal-making with global streamers, broadcasters, and digital platforms (including existing partners such as Netflix), covering licensing windows, territories, and revenue models.
- Build and grow non-linear and ancillary revenue streams (format sales, co-productions, franchise partnerships, consumer products, experiential, and promotional partnerships).
- Develop a structured pipeline and framework for IP monetisation across multiple markets, including rights strategy, pricing, and prioritisation of titles and franchises.
- Negotiate and structure complex commercial agreements, ensuring clarity of rights, territory, term, exclusivity, and financials, in partnership with legal and finance.
- Establish and nurture senior relationships with platforms, studios, agencies, and global and regional brands, becoming a trusted longterm partner.
- Use market and performance data to evaluate commercial initiatives, optimise deal terms, and inform greenlighting and investment decisions.
- Build and lead a small, high-performing international commercial team over time, setting clear KPIs and coaching for success.
- Collaborate closely with creative, production, marketing, and China-based leadership to align content strategy and release plans with commercial opportunities.
- Champion best practice in IP, licensing, and compliance, working with internal and external counsel to protect rights and reduce risk.
Ideal profile
- Senior commercial leader (c. 1015+ years) in entertainment, streaming, TV, film, anime/animation, gaming, or related IP-driven sectors.
- Proven track record of structuring and closing multi-market distribution, licensing, or media/brand partnership deals with major platforms and/or brands.
- Deep understanding of IP rights, content windows, and licensing models across SVOD/AVOD, TV, digital, and emerging platforms.
- Experience scaling a business or brand across international markets; able to bridge HQ and local market needs in a complex, cross-cultural environment.
- Commercially sharp negotiator, comfortable with P&L ownership, forecasting, and performance management.
- Collaborative, low-ego leader who can influence senior stakeholders and work seamlessly with creative and operational teams.
- Mandarin and English highly preferred.
What's on offer
- The mandate and autonomy to design the global commercial playbook from the ground up.
- A senior seat at the table with direct access to founders and China leadership.
- Competitive package with performance upside, within a fast-growing international entertainment group.
To discuss this role in confidence or to express interest, please send your CV or reach out directly with a short overview of your relevant experience in IP distribution, licensing, and media/brand partnerships.
People Story is acting as a Talent Consultancy to this role. Due to the high volume of applicants, it is extremely difficult for us to get back to everyone who applies. If we have not contacted you within 14 days, please assume that your application has not been successful.
