Disney
Warsaw, Poland
Job Posting Title:
Senior Manager, Business & Legal Affairs
Req ID:
10156201
Job Description:
About the Role & Team
The Disney+
Original Productions
Team works across the development and commissioning of original content for the Disney+ streaming service
.
We have an opportunity available to join our team and are looking for a
counsel
with
significant
experience
within a broadcaster, studio or production company working on television and film production
.
The role spans both scripted and non-scripted content, working with award winning producers and quality talent and will primarily focus on ensuring that the development and production of content
aligns
with Disney’s legal and policy requirements.
Collaboration is key, and you will be working closely with
Finance, Production
Management
and the Creative team as well as
Business & legal Affairs
counterparts across EMEA
,
to ensure commercially sound, legally
compliant
and operationally effective productions.
In addition, you will
establish
relationships and liaise with lawyers across the Business including certain specialist areas of Disney, such as music, intellectual property, employment,
property
and labour relations.
This role
will be based in our Warsaw office, 4 days a week, with either a Monday or Friday working from home.
Values
You’ll
join a team grounded in our
Disney values
— acting with Integrity, welcoming everyone through Inclusion, embracing boundless Creativity, working together through
Collaboration
and caring deeply for our
Community
. These values shape how we work and how we support one another every day.
What You Will Do
Negotiation & Deal-Making
Lead negotiations of development, production, co-production, acquisition, talent and underlying rights agreements (including book option/purchase, format license and other rights acquisition agreements)
Represent Disney in negotiations with producers, studios, talent representatives, distributors and licensors
Structure complex commercial arrangements balancing creative, legal, financial and operational considerations; develop negotiation strategies and deal frameworks aligned with business objectives
Review, draft and negotiate contractual documentation and commercial terms
Legal & Risk Management
Provide legal advice on development and production matters, including chain of title, intellectual property, production policies and relevant Guild/Union agreements
Conduct contractual risk assessment and recommend mitigation strategies
Ensure compliance with Disney policies, legal standards and approved precedents
Apply strong commercial and legal judgment throughout
Stakeholder Partnership
Serve as primary business/legal affairs partner to Creative and Production Management teams;
Partner closely with Legal Affairs throughout drafting, negotiation and execution
Contract with and manage relationships with third-party production companies
Liaise with Programme Compliance teams as required
Collaborate with Business/Legal Affairs, Finance, Production Management, Creative and DTC teams
Work alongside UK, US and EMEA counterparts to align processes and practices
Refer and discuss matters with specialist teams (music, IP, employment, disputes, tax, production incentives, property and labour relations) as needed
Process, Governance & Compliance
Advise on and review contracting templates and procedures with production companies
Oversee chain-of-title, talent agreements and other production-related contractual matters, including supervising third-party contractual activity (writers, talent, production agreements)
Manage deal tracking, approvals, reporting and information management, maintaining the integrity of deal management systems and records
Drive process improvements and adoption of best practices across the region; ensure policies and procedures are reviewed regularly and remain fit for purpose
Proactively monitor legal, regulatory and industry developments in Poland and, where relevant, EMEA; share updates with the business and advise on their impact
Perform other related business and administrative duties as assigned
Required Qualifications & Skills
Admitted as a solicitor in Poland. (5+ years PQE)
Proficient in Polish and English (written and spoken)
Prior industry experience within a media law firm, production company, broadcaster and/ or studio, ideally working on various genres of programming.
Experience across all contract negotiations in relation to television and/ or film development and production.
Capable of advising on and negotiating different commissioning structures and programme financing models.
Strong prior experience of advising on clearance, intellectual property and media law matters.
Knowledge and/ or experience of Polish tax incentives, preferred.
Self-starter with positive can- do attitude who can work well within a close-knit team.
Collaborating with and managing multiple internal and external stakeholders, no matter the situation and working as One Disney.
Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
Methodical and meticulous attention to detail.
Strong communication skills.
This role will require limited business travel.
The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to
participate
in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Job Posting Segment:
EMEA Operations
Job Posting Primary Business:
EMEA Original Production
Primary Job Posting Category:
Programming
Employment Type:
Full time
Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Warsaw, Poland
Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Date Posted:
2026-09-04