Senior Business Affairs Manager

As a Senior Business Affairs Manager at David&Goliath, you will oversee the production, legal, and financial aspects for a range of projects, ensuring smooth operations from creative approval to final job closing. Key responsibilities include negotiating contracts, managing budgets, working closely with Producers to handle production estimates, and resolving unforeseen issues during shoots. You’ll also be involved in securing rights for music and talent, providing guidance on cost-effective hiring solutions, and maintaining adherence to SAG guidelines. Your role is pivotal for the successful execution of campaigns across various media.

To thrive as a Senior Business Affairs Manager at David&Goliath, candidates should possess 5-8 years of experience in Advertising or Entertainment Business Affairs. A BA/BS Degree is preferred, and a law degree is a plus. It’s essential to have a solid understanding of SAG, AFTRA, and AFM contracts, along with a deep familiarity with the production process and licensing issues. Excellent communication and negotiation skills, alongside a problem-solving attitude and the ability to multitask across projects, are crucial for success in this role.

At David&Goliath, the Senior Business Affairs Manager plays a vital role in keeping production projects within budget by working closely with Producers to provide accurate estimates and ensuring all invoices reflect these estimates. You will review the status of production jobs continually and provide guidance on hiring talent in a cost-effective manner, helping to minimize residual budgets while maximizing the project’s value, ensuring financial accountability throughout each campaign.

In the Senior Business Affairs Manager role at David&Goliath, you’ll engage with a diverse array of projects across Broadcast, Print, and Digital mediums. This includes everything from national commercial productions to digital content and interactive pieces. You will be involved in the entire process, securing talent, negotiating rights, and overseeing the integration of different components to create impactful campaigns that resonation with audiences, ensuring that each project is carried out flawlessly.

The work culture at David&Goliath is vibrant, collaborative, and rooted in the belief that bravery breeds innovation. As a Senior Business Affairs Manager, you will join a team that values empathy and problem-solving, encouraging open dialogue and collective brainstorming. Here, creativity thrives, and you’ll be part of a supportive environment that fosters growth and exploration, allowing you to tackle challenges with confidence and contribute to projects that push boundaries. It's a place for those who are not afraid to dream big!

When answering this question, highlight your direct experience managing SAG and AFTRA contracts. Discuss any challenges you faced while working with these unions and how you successfully navigated legal complexities to secure agreements. Showcase your understanding of their rules and regulations, as well as your negotiation skills in getting favorable terms for the projects.

To effectively manage competing deadlines, describe your organizational strategies, such as using project management tools to prioritize tasks. Provide examples of how you successfully handled multiple projects simultaneously, emphasizing your ability to communicate with team members and keep everyone on track, as well as your commitment to delivering high-quality results under tight timelines.

In responding, emphasize your negotiation strategies, such as understanding the talent's value, doing thorough research on market rates, and being prepared with alternative solutions during negotiations. Share a specific instance where you reached a successful agreement that benefited both the talent and your client, illustrating your problem-solving capabilities.

Here, detail an incident where you faced a critical challenge, explaining the context of the situation. Focus on the steps you took to address the problem, how you coordinated with different team members, and the ultimate outcome. This showcases your ability to think on your feet and manage high-pressure situations in a production environment.

When discussing challenges, focus on the complexities of balancing creative aspirations with budget constraints. Explain how this role requires a nuanced understanding of both the business and creative sides, and how you've learned to find solutions that satisfy all parties. Highlight your approach to overcoming these challenges, reinforcing your experience and adaptability.

Discuss how you regularly engage with industry publications, work with mentors in the field, and attend relevant workshops and conferences. Mention any specific resources or networks that keep you informed of changes in laws, especially those related to SAG and AFTRA, as this illustrates your commitment to staying knowledgeable and relevant in your role.

In your response, mention any specific software you have experience with, such as Extreme Reach or Highland payment systems. Explain how these tools assist in managing data efficiently, tracking budgets in real-time, and ensuring contract compliance. This will demonstrate your proficiency in utilizing technology to enhance production processes.

Outline your conflict resolution strategies, emphasizing your ability to communicate openly and facilitate discussions between teams. Describe specific instances where you’ve mediated conflicts, highlighting the importance of compromise and finding solutions that honor both creative vision and practical constraints.

Answer this question by explaining your method of establishing clear communication channels with clients from the outset. Discuss how you manage expectations by providing regular updates, setting realistic timelines, and being transparent about any potential challenges. This shows your commitment to client satisfaction and proactive problem-solving.

Reflect on the importance of bravery in decision-making, especially when navigating complex legal and production challenges. Discuss how embracing courage allows for creative risks that can lead to groundbreaking projects and how your willingness to take bold steps has contributed positively to your past roles, aligning with David&Goliath's philosophy.