Content Editor - Manchester Evening News

Company Description

Do you want to work in one of the country's most vibrant newsrooms covering the best city in the world? The Manchester Evening News is the largest regional website in the country with a huge audience. We pride ourselves on setting the agenda and making a difference. Two of our campaigns were mentioned in this year’s King’s speech. 

As a content editor you will be part of the desk which manages, edits and publishes news and other content. 

This is a senior role on the newsdesk responsible - as part of a team - for managing reporters and photographers and running the Manchester Evening News website. The post is suitable for an experienced news editor or a senior journalist with newsdesk experience.

Our aim is to produce the very highest standard of content that informs, interests and engages our audience.

Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

Please note we will be reviewing applications for this role as applications are submitted. Due to this the role may close without notice, so please don't delay in your application.

So, who are we?

Hello, we are Reach! You might not have heard of us but we have probably met without you even realising it. We are home to the UK and Ireland’s most iconic digital platforms, magazines and newspapers. From the Mirror, Daily Express and OK!, to our regional titles such as the Liverpool Echo, BirminghamLive and the Manchester Evening News (plus lots more), our brands and the stories we cover are as varied as our people.

We help all kinds of people share experiences through our stories because we believe this is what makes us human. Oh, and we should probably also mention that with a monthly readership of 47 million people, Reach is the largest commercial publisher in the UK. At Reach, not only will you feel better understood, you will also feel you understand other people better too.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Commission, manage, edit, produce, publish and share the highest standard of content as part of a team
• Provide a superb news and entertainment service to the people of Greater Manchester and beyond
• Put the audience at the heart of decision-making to make sure our content engages our readers
• Motivate and inspire the writers to produce content the audience wants to read
• Mentor and develop our team of talented journalists
• Understand how to create, edit, headline and publish content to appeal to our readers
• Help ensure digital targets are reached 
• Understand the Manchester Evening News brand
• Maintain editorial, ethical and legal standards across digital platforms
• Ensure Reach publishing standards are met at all times
• Steer journalists in how to build contacts, and tell stories in the most effective way
• Be comfortable giving feedback to writers
• Produce and publish content using images, video, audio, blogs and other digital storytelling tools 
• Have an understanding of the different requirements of content referrers such as Google Organic/Discover
• Be part of the team which manages the brand social channels ensuring they have an engaging and consistent voice. Be able to spot content opportunities through social media.
• Be part of the team looking after content dissemination away from social including newsletters, whatsapp communities and push notifications
• Be part of the team which manages the home page and app 
• Use audience data, insights and analytics to help inform content decisions and planning 
• Ensure all content meets editorial, ethical, legal and IPSO standards and brand values
• Take accountability for the fair and consistent application of all our people policies, procedures and processes
• Foster a high-performance culture by setting clear expectations and having in-the-moment performance discussions
• Develop a culture of trust, where people are safe to speak up, clear on their role in the team’s success and empowered to be their best at work.
• Reward and recognise great performance, celebrating people’s achievements and successes.
• Act as a role model and take a lead on change initiatives to support the group’s strategy and our employees.
  

Qualifications

The Ideal Candidate

Content editors are senior members of the newsroom responsible for managing the news operation to a high standard. This is a role for an experienced journalist able to demonstrate strong content management skills and digital publishing knowledge as well as some experience of or potential for managing, leading and inspiring teams.

• Strong people management skills - essential to get this job
• An NCTJ/ Reach plc or equivalent senior journalist qualification (or relevant time-served experience)
• Experience of content management
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop content teams
• Understanding of editorial strategy and brand values
• Strong storytelling skills
• Good digital publishing skills - or a willingness to learn 
• An understanding of social media both in terms of finding content and sharing it
• An understanding of how to use analytics to inform content commissioning and production - or a willingness to learn
• First-class organisational skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to present in conference
• Adaptable, flexible, creative and full of flair
• A positive, can-do attitude
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Ability to work quickly and effectively under deadline pressure
• Good judgement
• Energy, drive, determination and self-motivation
• Flexible approach to shifts
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to take instruction as well as manage own workload efficiently
• Up-to-date knowledge of media law and IPSO code

Additional Information

What can we offer you?

We are offering a competitive salary and benefits including;

• Help saving for your retirement - join our pension scheme and well match contributions up to 6%
• 33 days holiday total per year (this role will involve working bank holidays as required). After three, five and ten years’ service with Reach, you’ll accrue one additional day of annual leave. We also have a Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Giving back day - an additional days leave each year to support a cause close to your heart
• Enhanced family leave - including maternity, paternity and adoption - and youll be eligible after just six months employment
• Private Healthcare Cash Plan - free health cash plan so you can claim back cash for a range of medical expenses
• As one of the UKs top 50 Inclusive Employers everyones invited to join our events, programmes and networks to celebrate diversity and build an environment where all our people can thrive
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 employee assistance programme (EAP) for you and your nearest and dearest
• Awesome career opportunities - youll have support from your line manager and a range of learning & development programmes
• We are also a member of the 30% Club, a global campaign aimed at increasing gender diversity at board and senior management levels

Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.