Directors - Bargain Hunt

Description

Bargain Hunt are looking for two experienced Directors to join the team and help deliver one of the UK's most successful daytime programmes.

Bargain Hunt is BBC One's much-loved daytime antiques series and has been one of the nation's favourite television programmes for more than 25 years. Regularly attracting audiences of up to two million viewers, the Cardiff-based production team produces 96 episodes each year, including special editions. Filming takes place at antiques fairs and auctions across the UK with presenters, experts and contributors.

Contract Dates:
Director 1 - 16th February 2027 to 27th April 2027
Director 2 – 1 March 2027 to 14 May 2027

Potential Future Opportunities: We anticipate there may be further opportunities for new directors later in 2027. While these are not yet confirmed, we would welcome applications from individuals who may be interested and available for future contracts later in the year.

Contract Type: Freelance
Base: Roath Lock, Cardiff

As a director, you will be responsible for directing episodes from pre-production through to final delivery. Working closely with the Series Producer, Series Editor and wider production team, you will oversee every stage of the programme-making process, from developing storylines, planning short VTs and directing on location, to shaping episodes in the edit.

We are seeking creative and highly organised programme makers with strong storytelling instincts, excellent editorial judgement and a proven ability to create engaging and entertaining content for a daytime audience.

You will be experienced in working with presenters, contributors and large crews on location, and confident managing multiple episodes at different stages of production.

Please note, this is a Cardiff-based role. The production team is based in Cardiff and Directors are expected to spend part of their working week in the office, alongside filming on location across the UK. The edits also take place in person at our post-production facility in Cardiff Bay.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creative and editorial vision for assigned episodes, ensuring a distinctive visual style and engaging storytelling throughout.
• Responsible for directing filming on location, working closely with presenters, experts, contributors, production team and crew to capture compelling content.
• Develop, structure and write entertaining, accurate and audience-focused scripts.
• Take programmes through post-production, working alongside editors to craft engaging narratives and deliver high-quality finished episodes.
• Collaborate with the Series Producer and Series Editor to ensure programmes achieve their editorial, creative and audience objectives.
• Use filming techniques, archive and other storytelling tools effectively to maximise viewer engagement.
• Lead and motivate production teams on location, fostering a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Work closely with Production Management to ensure programmes are delivered efficiently, safely, on schedule and within budget.
• Ensure all content complies with BBC Editorial Guidelines, legal requirements and health and safety procedures.
• Ensure the programme reflects the diversity of modern Britain and that contributors are portrayed fairly and appropriately.
• Deliver completed episodes to the required editorial and technical standards.

Knowledge, Skills, Training & Experience

• Significant experience directing factual entertainment, daytime or factual television programmes.
• A strong track record as a creative programme maker with excellent storytelling and visual storytelling skills.
• Extensive experience working with presenters, contributors and crews in busy location environments.
• Proven ability to write creative, entertaining and engaging scripts for a broad audience.
• Strong experience working in post-production, shaping narratives in the edit and producing effective commentary and scripts.
• Sound editorial judgement and thorough knowledge of BBC Editorial and legal guidelines.
• Experience managing and motivating teams, with excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to plan effectively and deliver high-quality content within budgetary and production constraints.
• Strong understanding of audience needs and the daytime television market.
• Commitment to inclusion and diversity, both on screen and within production teams.
• Ability to balance creativity, editorial rigour and production efficiency in a deadline driven environment.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in one of the BBC's most enduring and successful daytime series, helping to create entertaining content enjoyed by millions of viewers across the UK.

BBC Studios is committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce, and we strongly encourage applicants from under-represented backgrounds to apply.

Company Name

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Location

Cardiff

Posted on

2nd Nov 2026

Apply by

15th Nov 2026