Editor, The Stage

The Stage Media Company Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected cultural publication is seeking an Editor to lead its editorial direction and standards. This pivotal leadership role involves shaping the future of the publication while ensuring independence and relevance in the theatre industry. The successful candidate will have significant editorial experience and will manage a talented team, oversee major projects, and maintain editorial quality across platforms. This full-time position offers a hybrid work environment and requires strong judgement in content development and team management.

Qualifications

• Significant editorial leadership experience within journalism, publishing or cultural media.
• Experience in editorial management and developing teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead editorial team with final responsibility for judgement and standards.
• Shape and deliver major editorial projects and events.
• Manage collaborative relationships with other teams while safeguarding editorial independence.

Skills

Editorial leadership experience

Strong editorial judgement

Understanding of UK theatre and performing arts

Content commissioning and editing

Excellent communication skills

Job description

Why The Stage?

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the UK’s most respected cultural titles at a pivotal moment in its evolution.

Why this role is important

The Stage Media Company is seeking an Editor to lead the editorial direction, standards and output of The Stage. This is a senior editorial leadership role with responsibility for ensuring the title continues to serve the theatre industry with authority, independence and relevance, and is stewarded responsibly for the long term.

The Editor will play a key role in shaping The Stage’s future, leading a talented editorial team and working closely with senior colleagues across the business, while retaining clear responsibility for the editorial voice, priorities and standards of the title.

Our editorial culture

Editorial leadership at The Stage is grounded in clear values. This role will suit someone who believes deeply in editorial independence, cares about craft and expertise, and is comfortable making principled decisions.

We are a commercial organisation with a strong sense of purpose. We believe that long-term editorial independence depends on building a sustainable business that responds to the needs of the industries we serve. This means creating journalism, products and events that audiences genuinely value, and working constructively with commercial and events teams to support the long-term success of the title.

We are looking for an editor who thinks long‑term about the health of the publication, the industry and the team, understands the importance of profit for purpose, and is committed to safeguarding an uncompromised editorial voice while helping the organisation thrive.

What you will do

Editorial leadership

• Lead the editorial department, with final responsibility for editorial judgement, balance, accuracy and standards across all The Stage platforms
• Set and maintain the editorial vision and priorities of The Stage, ensuring coverage is authoritative, relevant and forward‑looking
• Uphold and continually improve standards of factual accuracy, legal compliance and house style
• Commission, edit and create high‑quality journalism, analysis and long‑form content across digital, print and other platforms

Editorial development and delivery

• Shape and deliver major editorial projects, awards, events, supplements and special initiatives
• Encourage innovation in storytelling formats and presentation across digital, print and other platforms
• Use audience insight and performance data to inform editorial priorities and development
• Contribute to the success of The Stage’s subscription and premium content propositions by ensuring editorial output delivers distinctive, authoritative value to audiences

People leadership

• Lead, manage and develop the editorial team, providing clear direction, guidance and mentoring
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high‑performing editorial culture
• Support professional development and succession planning within the team

Collaboration and representation

• Work constructively and transparently with marketing, commercial and events teams, while safeguarding editorial independence
• Work collaboratively across The Stage and The Bookseller, sharing insight and expertise where this strengthens both titles, while preserving their distinct voices and audiences
• Maintain and extend a wide range of senior industry contacts
• Represent The Stage Media Company at external events and industry forums

What we are looking for

• Significant editorial leadership experience within journalism, publishing or cultural media
• Strong editorial judgement and an excellent understanding of the UK theatre and performing arts sector
• Experience commissioning, editing and shaping content across digital and print platforms
• Proven ability to lead, manage and develop editorial teams in a clear, supportive and values‑led way
• Excellent knowledge of media law, regulation and editorial standards
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of how editorial quality supports sustainable publishing

Other information

This is a full‑time role. Normal working hours are 9am–5pm, with occasional evening or weekend work to cover events and industry commitments. The role operates on a hybrid basis, with at least three days a week based at The Stage Media Company’s office on Bermondsey Street, SE1.

Dealine for applications: January 28, 2025.

Please note that we start screening CVs and interviewing candidates from the start of a campaign. A successful candidate may progress to offer before the advertised closing date, so we encourage early applications.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that diversity brings.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know — we are here to support you and ensure you have the best possible experience.