TBWA\Media Arts Lab is the exclusive global advertising agency dedicated to Apple. Our mission is to create smart, simple, and iconic work that transforms business and shapes culture for one of the world's most iconic brands.
TBWA\Media Arts Lab is the bespoke global agency for Apple and only Apple. We think different to create impact for the world’s best brand.
The Senior Business Affairs Manager in Sydney leads the Business Affairs function for Apple ANZ, overseeing legal, regulatory, and rights management across Apple’s advertising in Australia and New Zealand. Working closely with the Executive Director for Business Affairs in London, you assess and manage risk in the work and broader commercial matters for the market. You are a key partner to Creative and Production, leading a small team to enable bold, compliant, and commercially sound work for Apple ANZ.
The Work- Lead the Business Affairs function in Sydney, managing and mentoring team members.
- Oversee BA review of local origination concepts and production plans to set work up for legal and commercial success.
- Attend key creative and leadership reviews, raising feasibility concerns early and proposing practical solutions.
- Apply the company’s global risk framework to assess, approve, or escalate advertising risks, partnering with external legal counsel as needed.
- Manage high-level third-party negotiations and relationships with key Apple partners, talent, and rights holders.
- Lead client Business Affairs status meetings, ensuring clear, accurate documentation and follow-up.
- Partner with Creative and Production to embed best practices in origination and localization from brief through delivery.
- Negotiate and review vendor service level agreements and other key commercial terms.
- Review and refine legal communications and contractual drafting produced by the team.
- Champion the Business Affairs function within the agency, educating teams on remit, workflows, and risk approach.
- Partner with the Executive Director to implement, monitor, and ensure compliance with corporate, client, and industry policies and laws, including data privacy.
- Handle ad-hoc requests and special projects as directed by the Executive Director and Managing Director.
- You have proven senior leadership experience in Business Affairs within advertising, media, or film.
- You bring advanced, hands-on experience in rights contracting and production management.
- You’re confident in high-stakes negotiations, including with celebrities, A-list directors, and major partners.
- You have a strong track record of direct client management, both within and beyond ANZ.
- You’re an excellent verbal and written communicator, able to adjust your style to stakeholders at all levels.
- You’re a highly collaborative team player with a calm, positive, “can do” attitude under pressure.
- You’re driven to help create smart, simple, iconic work that makes culture for the brand.
- You’re passionate about advertising, with a sharp eye on trends, culture, and regulatory developments that may impact our work.
Qualifications & Skills
- 8+ years’ experience in Business Affairs or similar roles within advertising, media, or film, including time in a senior/lead capacity.
- Deep experience in rights, talent, and content contracting across multiple media channels.
- Proven experience managing complex productions and high-level commercial negotiations.
- Strong understanding of advertising regulations, industry standards, and data privacy considerations in ANZ (and ideally beyond).
- Experience partnering closely with Creative, Production, Legal, and senior Client stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to assess and communicate risk clearly, with sound judgment on when to escalate.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Don’t Hesitate to Apply
We encourage you to apply even if the role doesn’t align perfectly with your experience or expectations. If you’re excited about the position or about working at Media Arts Lab and think you can make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Media Arts Lab is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse backgrounds and are committed to finding the best fit for the role, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
