Features Editor

Dentsu Creative is a global creative agency network designed to unlock exponential growth for clients. We use Transformative Creativity as a differentiating, driving force to bring our capabilities together to positively impact people, businesses and society. Established in June 2022, Dentsu Creative is integrated with dentsu’s Media and CXM businesses in over 145 countries and regions, to offer Integrated Growth Solutions.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Features Editor on Waitrose Food is a driving force for ideas, creativity and brilliant writing on this busy and fast-paced publication. He/ she has a number of key responsibilities within the editorial team. The focus is on managing a broad range of pieces for print, from in-depth features to writing engaging product information, as well as creating briefs, commissioning features (and liaising with contributors accordingly) and editing. He/she is expected to be a key contributor of original feature ideas at planning meetings. Tight organisation is also essential. A close working relationship with the client is essential, as is regularly liaising with buyers, marketing teams and key players at Waitrose.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coming up with brilliant feature ideas - Every month we hold planning meetings with the client and the rest of the team. At these meetings, the Features Editor is expected to come armed with timely feature ideas – both novel one-offs and ideas relevant to the magazine’s regular slots and marketing briefs. You should have a clear idea of the Waitrose Food readership, as well as the tone and style of the magazine.
• Commissioning and writing - You will be expected to write briefs, commission out and write and edit features, from personal op-eds and primers on food industry issues, to multi-part travel round-ups, interviews, and pithy food articles. Good contacts with relevant writers is essential, as is an interest in/knowledge of the food world, from trends to chefs.
• Writing ‘The Edit’ - The Features Editor writes and manages this monthly shopping section, which covers in-season product and food news stories to Q&As and cookbook reviews. Coming up with regular new ideas and formats as well as the ability to write snappy, creative copy is essential.
• Liaising with the Client - The role involves regular visits to Waitrose headquarters in Bracknell to meet the client. At these meetings you will be expected to garner information about new Waitrose products, events and marketing campaigns, to ensure we cover them appropriately in the magazine. You will also be expected to let the client know how Waitrose Food plans to cover key campaigns. You will be expected to establish close working relationships with individual buyers.
• Assisting on other projects - The Waitrose Food editorial team also works on an ever-expanding and evolving collection of other projects, including waitrose.com, which you may be required to help with. Knowledge of digital copywriting/SEO would be an asset.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Proven track record as a features editor and/or writer on a comparable title.
• Proven editorial and journalistic skills, including commissioning, and a meticulous eye for detail.
• Enthusiasm for the subject matter, with a desire to exceed expectations and to continuously develop fresh ideas.
• A demonstrable awareness of food trends, travel and a passion for storytelling.
• Good contacts with writers and relevant PRs in the industry.
• A can-do attitude, with a willingness to work as part of a team.
• A thorough understanding of the magazine’s readership.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to juggle multiple projects.
• Ability to manage workflow and consistently meet tight deadlines.
• A willingness to work with people and teams across all areas of the business.
• Working knowledge of editorial and communication tools such as Outlook, CMS, Office, Teams, Excel, etc.
• Knowledge of the wider digital media food-and-drink landscape is desirable.
• Experience in liaising with a client is desirable.

WORKING WITH US

Joining Dentsu Creative, you will be part of a creative network, delivering ideas at the intersection of brand, culture, and commerce. In an age when brands are built and grown in altogether new ways we espouse humility alongside practical flexible problem solving. On your journey you will partner with inspiring people across the world and become part of a truly inclusive culture where everyone is given the opportunity to thrive and create the best work of their careers; always learning and always listening to shape ideas, create culture and change behaviour. By bringing together the capabilities, experience and relationships of our collective experts, the opportunities for personal growth and development are endless.

Location: London