Executive Editor - GloucestershireLive & SomersetLive at Reach plc

, , United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

16 Mar, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

16 Dec, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Leadership, People Management, Digital Publishing, Audience Strategy, Customer Value, Social Media, Video Creation, Editing, Local Journalism, Communication Skills, Campaigning Journalism, Inclusivity, Problem-Solving, Decision-Making, Content Strategy, Mentoring

Industry

technology;Information and Media

Description

Company Description We are seeking an exceptional Executive Editor to join our South West senior team, overseeing GloucestershireLive and SomersetLive. In this pivotal role, you will be the driving force behind our day-to-day operations, ensuring we deliver compelling content that truly informs, inspires, indulges, and empowers our readers in their local lives. You will play a key role in shaping and upholding the brand values of both GloucestershireLive and SomersetLive, while expertly managing processes, people, and content strategy. If you thrive on hitting ambitious audience targets and excel at collaborative leadership, this is your opportunity to make a massive impact on local journalism across the South West. This role is home based, however due to the nature of the role it is essential to be based in/around either Gloucestershire or Somerset. 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 trusted brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, BelfastLive, 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 the UK and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach 70% of the UK's online population and speak to over 100 million social followers around the world. And we’re just getting started… 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. What will the role involve? You will take a leadership role in the South West editorial team, shaping the operations, processes, workflows, brand values, content, and individuals within the SomersetLive and GloucestershireLive brand teams. You will be responsible for driving brand audience targets, which includes working with the Senior Editor for the Bristol, Somerset & Gloucestershire area and other senior colleagues to achieve consistent and sustainable growth in key metrics such as secure and loyal audiences. You will ensure content is accurate, in line with GloucestershireLive & SomersetLive’s brand values, engages readers, and reaches as many people as possible while meeting IPSO and legal standards. You will publish content online ensuring Reach digital publishing standards are met at all times; including creating and editing content where required, and working with news and sports journalists to help GloucestershireLive & SomersetLive achieve their ambitions. You will manage the homepage and audience engagement channels (social media, newsletters, etc.) as and when required. You will mentor and develop reporters, fostering a high-performance culture by setting clear expectations and having in-the-moment performance discussions. You will 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. You will be instrumental in rewarding and recognising great performance, celebrating people’s achievements and successes. You will also ensure the continued development of team members, supporting them to reach their full potential, while acting as a role model and taking a lead on change initiatives to support the group’s strategy and our employees. This role involves working some weekend and evening shifts on a rota basis, so a flexible approach is required. Who are we looking for? You are a senior qualified journalist and an exceptional leader, possessing strong people management, delegation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. You have a deep understanding of digital publishing, audience strategy, and customer value, complemented by proficiency in social media, video creation, and editing. You are passionate about digital storytelling in local journalism and possess strong local knowledge. Furthermore, you have a proven track record of leading forward planning, successful campaigns, and agenda-setting content, while demonstrating a strong commitment to furthering inclusivity in the newsroom, including experience in initiatives like the Belonging Project and campaigning journalism. Finally, you have excellent communication skills -written, face-to-face, and presentation - with the ability to cascade consistent messages for maximum impact. 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 (plus bank holidays), 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 Additional Information 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.

Responsibilities

You will lead the South West editorial team, shaping operations, processes, and content strategy for GloucestershireLive and SomersetLive. Your role includes driving audience targets and ensuring content aligns with brand values while mentoring team members.