Commissioning Editor, National Geographic Traveller (UK) [Maternity leave cover]

APL Media Limited is seeking a Commissioning Editor (maternity cover) to join its friendly Kentish Town-based office, working within the National Geographic Traveller (UK) team. The role requires an editor with exceptional editing and commissioning skills, to work alongside an experienced team and create original, high-quality print and online content. You should be a self-starter with an excellent industry contacts book and a passion for travel media.

Managing, commissioning, editing, proofing and writing will all be part of the role, as you assist with taking the magazine and online content through the production cycle. With experience of working with writers, design teams and PRs, you’ll be able to deliver your projects to deadline and be the conduit between different departments, including subs, editorial and production. The ideal candidate will be comfortable editing copy both pre-layout and on-page in InDesign. Experience of commissioning and optimising content for digital audiences, including SEO best practices and social media distribution, would be desirable.

Key responsibilities:

• Deliver consistent editorial excellence in print and online.
• Generate, commission and develop original travel features, destination stories and service-led content that reflects the National Geographic Traveller (UK) brand.
• Work as part of the team editing and proofing content.
• Identify, champion and respond to the needs of the brand audience.
• Discover and nurture high-quality content producers across all disciplines and platforms.
• Liaise with editorial, design, production, digital and sales departments.
• Understand the competitive landscape and continuously monitor all relevant media.
• Investigate and develop existing and new content ideas.
• Be an advocate for National Geographic Traveller (UK) internally and externally.
• Be a brand ambassador — representing the brand at events in the UK and overseas.
• Ensure production deadlines are met in accordance with agreed schedules and that expenditure is within agreed budgets.
• Edit guides and supplements with assistance.
• Work on paid campaigns where required.

Requirements:

• A genuine interest in what APL Media does: cares about its brands and the people who work here and wants to contribute to the company success.
• Reports to: Deputy Editor.
• Commissioning, editing and writing.
• Supporting digital and online activity — using the CMS and uploading content.
• An in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for travel and relevant media, and empathy with the style and standards of the National Geographic Traveller (UK) brand.
• Good at building and maintaining relationships with travel and tourism brands, PRs and advertisers.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to consistently meet deadlines.
• Adept at using initiative to step in where necessary — and also using judgement to manage and deploy available resources to best effect.
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to develop this within others.
• An ability to prioritise work across several projects and varied levels of activities at one time.
• Good at identifying new opportunities and approaches, and at championing new ideas.
• Able to work independently and take ownership of projects.
• An interest and curiosity in anticipating travel and cultural trends and gathering different perspectives.
• Able to help create a vibrant, engaging culture for the team.
• Knowledge of SEO techniques and a passion for social media would be desirable.

What we offer:

• A dynamic and creative work environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and skills growth.
• The chance to work with a prestigious and globally recognised brand portfolio.
• Hybrid working (three days in the office and two days working from home).
• Medicash healthcare plan, including discounted gym membership, dental check-ups and mental health support.
• One volunteer charity day per year.
• One-week office closure over Christmas.
• Regular training sessions and development opportunities.

Hours & working pattern:

• Hours: Full-time, 9am–5.30pm.
• Working pattern: Hybrid working within the Editorial Department (three office / two home).
• Job type: Fixed term contract. Maternity cover (12 month contract).