Head of Original Content - Mat Cover FTC

Reach plc; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Volunteer day

Bonus scheme

Pension contributions match

Healthcare plan

Car leasing

Wellbeing support

Employee discounts

Job summary

Reach plc is seeking a hands-on Head of Original Content for maternity cover, to lead our video teams across YouTube and social platforms. You will steer strategic IP development, maintain high artistic standards, and drive commercially viable branded video propositions.

You will manage a resilient, diverse team of producers, videographers and editors, ensuring timely delivery and budget discipline while championing platform-native, engaging content.

Qualifications

• Proven Creative Leadership with track record overseeing original video and social‑first formats.
• Deep mastery of YouTube algorithms, retention dynamics and short‑form video ecosystems (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts).
• Strong experience directing high‑value branded content balancing client goals with editorial integrity.

Responsibilities

• Champion a Video IP‑first culture across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook using performance data to optimise retention and growth.
• Lead Reach Studio’s premium video strategy across Sport, Lifestyle, and Current Events.
• Direct high‑value branded video projects in collaboration with sales teams and clients.
• Oversee the format commissioning process and ensure projects meet budget and scale targets.
• Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team of producers, videographers and editors.

Skills

Creative leadership

Platform expertise

Branded content

People management

Production & tech literacy

Job description

Head of Original Content - Mat Cover FTC

• Full-time
• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract - 12 Months
• Location: Home & Hub - London
• Division: Commercial
• Salary Currency: GBP Sterling
• Department: Studio

About us

Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.

We're home to more than 120 brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, BelfastLive, and the Manchester Evening News, and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.

It's our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us Britain and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach around 70% of the UK's online population, 10% of the US online population, and over 100 million social followers around the world, connecting with them on who they are, where they live and what they love.

Your story, with Reach

As a modern media organisation, we're much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do.

We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore.

We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow!

In this 12-month maternity cover, we’re looking for a hands‑on creative leader who can jump in, get to know our video teams quickly, and make an immediate impact. We’re looking for a Senior Video Leader with deep experience in original and branded content, for YouTube and Social platforms.

• Platform-First Innovation: Champion a "Video IP-first" culture designing content specifically for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, using performance data to continuously optimise retention and growth.
• Video Strategy & IP Development: Lead Reach Studio’s premium video strategy across Sport, Lifestyle, and Current Events. Drive platform-native, long-running franchises and scalable communities over reactive, one‑off content.
• Creative Guardrails & Quality Assurance: Serve as the lead creative guardian across all formats, storytelling, talent, and visual identity to ensure high artistic standards and strong audience appeal.
• Branded Content & Commercial Growth: Direct high‑value branded video projects, partnering with sales teams and clients to pitch and deliver scalable, commercially viable video propositions.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and empower a multidisciplinary team of producers, videographers, and editors, fostering an ambitious, inclusive, and high‑performing creative environment.
• Production & Commissioning: Oversee the format commissioning process and collaborate with Operations to deliver ambitious creative projects on budget and at scale.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Proven Creative Leadership: Extensive track record as a Creative Director, Executive Producer, or Senior Content Lead overseeing original video, studio production, and social‑first formats.
• Platform & Social Expertise: Deep mastery of YouTube algorithms, retention dynamics, and short‑form video ecosystems (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts).
• Commercial Acumen: Strong experience directing high‑value branded content that seamlessly balances client goals with editorial integrity.
• Seamless Integration: Ability to jump in quickly, build strong cross‑functional relationships, and maintain high team momentum in a fast‑paced maternity cover.
• People Management: Success in coaching, inspiring, and managing multidisciplinary production teams under tight deadlines.
• Production & Tech Literacy: Robust understanding of video operations, post‑production pipelines, and a forward‑thinking curiosity for AI‑assisted workflows.

How we'll look after you

We take good care of our people - and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you'll get a range of benefits, including:

• 25 days holiday as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.
• An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
• Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!)
• Bonus scheme - you'll get a stake in our success and a chance to add to your annual earnings.
• Help saving for your retirement - we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
• Supportive and progressive people policies - we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression. We believe you shouldn’t have to wait to join us to know what to expect from us, which is why we share this overview of the policies we have in place to support families and carers . If there's something you want to understand more about, just ask - it won’t make a difference to your application.
• A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.
• Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
• Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly, where you can buy everything from homewares to beauty products.
• Interest‑free loans - including for season tickets and technology.

If you’re excited about this role but don’t tick every single box, please don’t let that stop you from applying.

We know that everyone has their own story to tell, and we value potential, passion and the perspectives that different backgrounds bring to our work.

Diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us better serve our audiences, which is why we’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

We are committed to a recruitment process that is fair and welcoming to all, without discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.