Picture Editor

The Economist; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Economist is seeking a Picture Editor in London to join our picture desk. You will source, curate and deliver images for our weekly edition, app, website and newsletters, ensuring visuals inform, engage and occasionally surprise readers.

You will work with editors and art directors, managing licensing and rights, while maintaining accuracy and efficiency under tight deadlines. The role is based in central London with some hybrid/press-day adjustments.

Qualifications

• Three years+ of photo editing experience in a news or magazine environment.
• Strong visual judgement and fast interpretation of copy.

Responsibilities

• Source, research and deliver images for news, features and series across print and digital.
• Review, select and process imagery to publication standard, at speed.
• Interpret copy rapidly and pair with informing, engaging imagery.
• Collaborate with editors and art directors on visual storytelling.
• Manage licensing, permissions and rights clearance.

Skills

Photo editing

Global politics interest

Attention to detail

Deadline management

Right to work in UK

Tools

Photoshop

Fotoware

Job description

The Economist is offering a chance to join our picture desk in London

The Economist is looking for a Picture Editor to join our picture desk in London. Every week we publish articles across the weekly edition, our app and website, newsletters, podcasts and social media—and every one of those needs pictures that do more than fill a space. Our mission is to give readers a richer understanding of the world through compelling visuals. You’ll be central to that.

We are looking for someone with excellent visual judgement and strong news instincts: someone who can read a piece of copy quickly, understand what it is really saying, and find imagery that informs, engages and sometimes surprises. You’ll work independently but in close collaboration with the picture desk, editors and art directors. Rigorous attention to detail, accuracy and efficiency are a given.

What you’ll do

• Source, research and deliver images for news, features and series across print and digital. Occasionally commission photographers, when appropriate, and help develop relationships with photographers and agencies around the world.
• Review, select and process imagery to publication standard, at speed.
• Interpret copy rapidly and pair it with imagery that informs, engages and surprises.
• Work with editors and art directors to develop how our journalism looks.
• Manage licensing, permissions and rights clearance.

What you’ll bring

• At least three years’ photo editing experience in a news environment.
• Fluency with Photoshop, Fotoware or comparable digital asset management systems.
• A genuine, well-informed interest in global politics, business, finance and culture.
• Rigorous attention to detail, and real awareness of cultural sensitivity across different regions.
• Working knowledge of image licensing, permissions and privacy law.
• The composure and flexibility to hit deadlines when the news moves.
• The right to work in the UK.

The details

Structure: You will report to the Director of Photography within a team of ten picture editors. The Picture desk and the Design desk make up the editorial Graphics Dept responsible for the delivery of our visual content.

Hours: Full-time, based in our central London office. Core hours 10am-6pm, Monday to Friday, with variation on press days, some hybrid working available and occasional weekend overtime.

Start date: No later than January 4th 2027.

The Economist Group values diversity. We are committed to equal opportunities and to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees, and we welcome applicants regardless of ethnic or national origin, gender, race, colour, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation or age. If you need any adjustments to the application process, let us know at the address above.