VP, Distribution

Job Description

The Vice President, Distribution plays a pivotal role in formulating and executing the distribution strategy for STARZ in collaboration with the SVP, Distribution and the Account Management team. This high-impact role involves leading and supporting deal negotiations, encompassing both renewals and new deals, across all distributors and platforms (OTT, MVPD, vMVPD, OEM, etc.). Additionally, this role will actively identify and pursue new business opportunities with both current and prospective partners.

This position is ideal for a strategic, results-oriented leader with demonstrated expertise in negotiation, financial analysis, and market strategy, who thrives in the dynamic and ever-evolving media landscape. The work of the VP, Distribution will directly influence STARZ's growth and market positioning in the rapidly transforming entertainment industry.

Key Responsibilities

Distribution Strategy & Negotiations:

• Lead the negotiation of commercial terms for OTT and MVPD distribution agreements, app resale agreements, and other revenue-generating partnership agreements across all relevant business points.
• Develop and implement deal strategies, both for specific negotiations and for the overall business across partners.
• Communicate deal updates and lead discussions and recommendations across key stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and the C-suite.
• Collaborate with Finance, Marketing, Insights & Analytics, and Business & Legal Affairs to secure optimal deal terms that align with STARZ's strategic goals and objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with partners.

New Business Development:

• Formulate a comprehensive strategy to identify potential new partnerships and revenue streams.

• Spearhead and source new business opportunities to expand STARZ's market reach and availability.

• Negotiate agreements with such new partners.

Industry Representation & Leadership: In conjunction with Distribution leadership, represent STARZ in industry trade organizations and forums, ensuring the company's prominent position in industry discussions and trends.

Qualifications & Experience

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required.

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in distribution and/or business development within the media and entertainment industries.

• Proven track record of leading and closing large-scale, complex, multi-year distribution agreements.

• Extensive experience working with executives to develop and align strategic business plans and objectives.

Industry Expertise:

• Deep understanding of the evolving media and entertainment distribution landscape.

• Strong, established relationships with top-tier media distribution partners and industry stakeholders.

• Comprehensive knowledge of industry trends, including disruptive technologies and new business models, and the ability to identify both opportunities and challenges within this landscape.

Core Competencies & Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in leading the negotiation and execution of distribution deals for networks and/or direct-to-consumer services across traditional and OTT platforms.

• Exceptional negotiation skills with a proven ability to successfully navigate complex agreements.

• Proficiency in financial terminology, with the ability to guide inputs and interpret outputs of financial models.

• A strategic mindset and strong business acumen, enabling effective decision-making in dynamic environments.

• Outstanding communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to influence and build consensus across all organizational levels.

• Strong problem-solving skills, with a focus on identifying innovative solutions to complex challenge.

Preferred Qualifications

• JD and/or MBA from a top-tier school is preferred.

Compensation:

$245,000 - $285,000

About STARZ

STARZ (NASDAQ: STRZ) is the leading premium entertainment destination for women and underrepresented audiences, and home to some of the most popular franchises and series on television. STARZ offers a robust programming mix for discerning adult audiences, including boundary-breaking originals and an expansive lineup of blockbuster movies, and is embodied by its brand positioning "We're All Adults Here." Complementary to any platform or service, STARZ is available across a wide range of digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors and is a bundling partner of choice. STARZ is powered by an industry-leading advanced technology, data analytics and digital infrastructure and the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app.

Our Benefits

• Full Coverage – Medical, Vision, and Dental
• Annual discretionary bonus and merit increase
• Work/Life Balance – generous sick days, vacation days, holidays, and wellness days
• 401(k) company matching
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to graduate degree)

EEO Statement

Starz is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are evaluated on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, Starz will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Starz will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.  

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