Head of News

News UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media company in Greater London is seeking a Head of News to spearhead news coverage across platforms. The ideal candidate will be an accomplished news editor, proficient in managing a newsroom and skilled at maintaining high editorial standards. Responsibilities include overseeing political coverage, leading investigations, and effectively managing a diverse team of reporters. This role offers competitive benefits, including generous leave policies and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Maternity leave up to 18 weeks full salary

Private medical insurance

Discounted gym memberships

30 days holiday plus volunteering days

Access to training and LinkedIn Learning

Generous pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a news editor for a national newspaper or website.
• In-depth understanding of contemporary politics and news.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the newsroom, overseeing editorial content.
• Oversee political coverage and lead investigations.
• Foster collaborative relationships with editorial staff.

Skills

News editing experience

Knowledge of news, politics, and current affairs

Pressure handling

Team management

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Understanding of editorial compliance

Collaborative working

Audience engagement

Job description

Job Description

The Times and The Sunday Times represent a combined 400 years of covering news and providing comment and analysis on the UK and the world. We are authoritative, credible, responsible, trusted and a part of the nation's cultural heritage.

Your Role: The Sunday Times is looking for a Head of News to lead our news coverage. The Head of News works closely with the editor and the deputy editor to deliver a distinctive, agenda‑setting news package across all platforms. This job is responsible for ensuring world‑class standards of digital and print journalism, and managing the editorial team of editors and reporters.

You will be an experienced news editor with the ability to work under pressure, to tight deadlines and with rigorous accuracy. You must have an insatiable appetite for news and the skill to spot stories where others might miss them.

Apply with a covering letter and your CV by January 11.

Day to day you will:

• Work with editors, writers and reporters to conceive, commission and edit exclusive agenda‑setting news stories and investigations for a print and digital audience
• Oversee the paper's political coverage
• Lead complicated investigations and stories, working closely with the legal team and meeting exacting editorial standards
• Forward‑plan, working with journalists on long‑range projects and big campaigns
• Lead and manage the newsroom, dealing with award‑winning journalists, developing new talent and supporting progression
• Successfully manage productive relationships with the editor, deputy editor and other section editors
• Demonstrate an understanding of what works best for digital, offering content that is truly distinctive
• Use SEO and analytics tools to help guide commissioning
• Work with the social media and video teams to generate content and promote The Sunday Times news stories
• Commission exclusive video, polls, interactive graphics and picture galleries to engage our digital audience and plan how these stories are shared and promoted online
• Manage the News budget

What we're looking for from you:

• Experience working as a news editor for a national newspaper or website
• A deep knowledge of news, politics and current affairs, both domestic and global
• An ability to work under pressure, to tight deadlines and with rigorous accuracy
• Be reliable and prepared to put in extra time and effort where necessary
• Experience managing a team of reporters and editors
• An ability to communicate succinctly and effectively
• Have persuasive presentation skills and well‑developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to problem‑solve
• A strong understanding of editorial compliance and regulatory issues
• Experience of working collaboratively with multidisciplinary team
• An understanding of how audience data supports commissioning and how to promote a story on social media and through search engines
• Know how to attract and retain new audiences

Benefits

• Maternity leave up to 18 weeks full basic salary & paternity leave up to 2 weeks
• Wide range of training available, plus full LinkedIn Learning access
• Private medical insurance including coverage for pre‑existing conditions
• Discounted gym memberships, free ClassPass at Home, weekly virtual yoga classes
• ‘Bikes for Work’and ‘Electric Car’ scheme
• Up to 60% discount on Harper Collins books
• Access to exclusive events and competitions with exciting brands such as talkSPORT, Virgin Radio UK & The Times. Weekly virtual panel chats with top journalists and celebrities
• Access to wellbeing benefits such as EAP, physio/massage and counselling
• A generous pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 5%
• 30 days holiday, plus bank holidays and up to 4 volunteering days per year

We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to perform to their best when applying for a role. If you would like to receive any information in a different way or for us to do anything differently to support you apply for any of our roles please contact us on [email protected].