Director, Distribution (MENA)

About Moonbug Entertainment

Moonbug is a next generation entertainment company that has cemented itself in the children's media space. Would you like to be part of the next frontier of inspiring and engaging stories to kids around the world?

Founded in 2018, with primary offices in London and Los Angeles, Moonbug creates, produces and publishes thousands of minutes of video and audio content every month with the goal of teaching compassion, empathy and resilience. We are a fast-paced global company, and have already grown to become the largest kids’ entertainment company on digital platforms in the world. Some of our existing titles include global sensations CoComelon, Blippi, Little Baby Bum, Morphle, Supa Strikas, ARPO and many more which are available in 32 languages and can be viewed on more than 100 platforms globally.

Moonbug is part of Candle Media, an independent, creator-friendly home for cutting-edge, high-quality, category-defining brands and franchises. Candle is run by leading entertainment executives Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, and backed by investment capital from funds managed by Blackstone’s flagship private equity business.

The Role

Moonbug is looking to grow its distribution capability by bringing in a Director for a 12 month FTC who will have the ability to leverage the company’s IP across all platforms, whether digital or linear. The Director of Distribution, MENA’s core responsibility will be to maximise revenues, leveraging intellectual property across the region. This individual will report to the Head of VOD, EMEA (based in London) and be responsible for sales to linear & digital platforms, including distribution to free-to-air, cable, and satellite channels and platforms as well as subscription (SVOD) and ad-funded (AVOD/FAST) digital businesses. S/He will utilise their extensive local market contacts to activate new business and distribute Moonbug’s content portfolio, driving brand awareness and revenues from local and regional linear and digital players. S/He will seek out new business while identifying ways to drive a compelling consumer experience that surpasses competitors and provides optimal revenue opportunities across all screens. This is a 12-month remote FTC and the candidate must already be based in Dubai, close to the local broadcasters.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for achieving the monthly and annual MENA sales targets.
• Initiate, negotiate, and close distribution deals with new partners for rights to Moonbug IP’s with Cable, Satellite, Internet, and Mobile platforms as well as broadcasters throughout a variety of business models, including VOD (SVOD/AVOD/FAST). Maintain extensive existing partnerships with key broadcasters in the region.
• Help drive the expansion of the digital footprint beyond YouTube and that goes from stand-alone OTT services to a cross-platform footprint, including web, mobile & tablets, applications, game consoles and connected TV, as a key driver for a long-term customer strategy.
• Serve to establish and enhance relationships with international broadcasters, producers, telco’s, and digital partners, with intention of maximising potential sales of the company’s product.
• Work with the Head of VOD to Implement product-packaging strategies that include everything from individual programme sales, to branded blocks all with an eye to maximising revenue opportunities.
• Develop strong relationships with key executives and administrators internally as well as others related to the company’s interests and operations on an international basis.
• Monitor the marketplace for changes that affect sales activities, both directly and indirectly.
• Inform customers of upcoming Moonbug events, product programs and services.
• Follow up with clients on requests and co-ordinate solutions to contract/distribution issues where required.
• Create and maintain a strong working relationship with clients and other related parties. Following up with clients to maximise product placement, ratings, and promotional opportunities.
• Remain abreast of trends in programming across national boundaries.
• Attend pertinent industry functions and markets to ensure the company’s interests and objectives are properly represented, including some travel.

Desired qualifications and requirements

• Extensive network in the MENA region and already located in Dubai.
• Fluent in English a requirement, Arabic language is a plus
• Demonstrates the ability to drive revenue through creative deals.
• Working knowledge of the television and digital businesses across MENA
• A strategic and independent thinker, making Moonbug a leader in the market.
• Able to build creative alliances externally and internally.
• Talented at developing relationships and building trust – leading to results.
• Keeps the region’s strategy responsive to market changes.
• A conscientious communicator – promotes communication across the business, communicates clearly, engages others, articulates reasons for decisions and is open to others’ opinions.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar role.

Knowledge

• Of content, brand, IP.
• Of the market and economy.
• Of the media industry and consumers.
• Active industry network
• Understanding of the sales environment and successful practices.
• Knowledge of multiple languages is a plus.