At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative branded campaigns from concept to delivery, balancing ambition with client goals.
- Company: The Independent is a pioneering digital news publisher committed to independent journalism and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment, opportunities for growth, and the chance to shape impactful content.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are core values; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team creating culturally relevant campaigns for top brands in a fast-paced, creative setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in branded content or advertising, strong conceptual thinking, and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us
The Independent is an online news publisher that was established in 1986 as a national newspaper independent of party political affiliations or proprietorial influence. In 2016, The Independent became a fully digital publisher, moving away from print in pursuit of sustainability, and to safeguard its values and journalism for the future.
The Independent has always thrived through innovation and change. It was the first British newspaper to add a Saturday magazine; the first to give photography the same prestige as a news copy; the first to challenge the Westminster lobby system of closed briefings; the first broadsheet to move to the more compact ‘tabloid’ format; the first to launch a concise quality compact paper; and the first – and only – major newspaper to pull off a successful transformation to fully digital publishing.
Through The Independent, Independent TV, eCommerce, indy100, subscriptions and other ‘reader revenues’, The Independent plans to continue the work of many decades, bringing much-needed independent journalism to over 100 million unique global visitors a month, make its voice ever louder and more insistent the world over.
We have an international editorial team with our main offices in London and New York.
In 2024 The Independent’s portfolio of brands increased through a new licencing partnership with BuzzFeed Inc. to operate the BuzzFeed brands in the UK - BuzzFeed UK, Tasty, Seasoned and HuffPost UK. The additional brands echo the existing business ethos and allow for increased audiences and a further strategic diversification of revenue streams.
The team
We are looking for a passionate Midweight Creative to join our UK Branded Content team. Based in London and reporting to our Creative Director, you will create compelling branded campaigns full of boundary pushing ideas and impactful digital & social content strategies for AAA clients, seeing these through from pitch to delivery.
You are knowledgeable about digital publishing and social strategy, and have experience creating content in the sponsored content or advertising space. You have a natural understanding and passion for the digital, pop culture and lifestyle landscape, and an intimate knowledge of all things internet. You\'ll be collaborative with an excellent ability to collaborate, and inspire others in the business.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- We champion diversity in our teams and in our reporting. As a growing and global brand, we must have a workforce that’s more representative of our readers, viewers, clients and partners, and a workplace that creates a sense of belonging for everyone
- We are committed to hiring and developing a diverse workforce regardless of background, and we support our people to thrive in their careers here.
The Independent is an equal opportunities employer, if you require any reasonable adjustments to complete your application, please do not hesitate to advise us accordingly.
About the Role
BuzzFeed Inc. is looking for a talented conceptual Midweight or Senior Creative to join our Branded Content team.
This role is about big ideas and end-to-end ownership. You will use cultural insight, creative strategy and sharp conceptual thinking to develop campaigns that cut through for some of the world’s biggest brands. From building out pitch decks to shaping the execution, you will be responsible for ensuring every campaign feels relevant, impactful and true to our audiences.
We are looking for someone who can think socially, understand how ideas live across different platforms, and push creative boundaries while working across multiple projects at once.
What you’ll be doing
• Lead branded campaigns from brief to delivery, balancing creative ambition with client objectives
• Build compelling pitch decks and write persuasive copy for proposals and treatments
• Develop strong social-first ideas rooted in youth culture, digital trends and audience behaviour
• Confidently present ideas to clients, building narratives that win trust and excitement
• Lead post-sale projects from video treatments, scripting and talent briefings through to overseeing edits to ensure the creative vision is delivered
• Partner with production teams, videographers, editors, designers and animators to bring concepts to life
• Shape content across formats, from short-form video and creator-led ideas to integrated campaigns
• Manage multiple projects at once, meeting deadlines without compromising creative quality
• Ensure work is polished, detail-driven and aligned with both client expectations and audience insight
• Stay plugged into culture, platform shifts and new creative possibilities, applying this knowledge to your work
What we’re looking for
• Experience as a creative in a branded content, social-first or advertising environment
• Strong conceptual thinker with the ability to generate and shape original campaign ideas
• Excellent copywriting skills across decks, treatments and campaign storytelling
• Confident communicator who can lead client conversations and articulate creative vision
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality campaigns that connect with audiences and perform commercially
• Experience working in quick-turnaround environments, managing multiple live projects
• Solid understanding of how content works across social platforms, with a particular focus on video
• Knowledge of production processes including budgets, timings and deliverables
• Passion for youth culture, internet trends and creator-led storytelling
• Ability to create strong and visually engaging pitch presentations in Google Slides
Our values – you will deliver across all our values
Inclusive: We champion diversity in our teams and in our reporting. Working as a team, we put transparency and effective communication at the heart of everything we do.
Innovative: From the very beginning, The Independent has been breaking the mould. We take risks and are always looking to try new ideas in pursuit of excellence.
Independent: Nobody tells us what to think; we make up our own minds and aren’t afraid to do things differently. Like our readers, we value honesty and integrity above outside influences.
We ask that you include a cover letter/portfolio as part of your CV/application.
Midweight/Senior Creative in Slough employer: BuzzFeed
The Independent is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, encouraging creativity and innovation in the heart of London. With a commitment to employee growth and development, team members are empowered to lead impactful branded campaigns for renowned clients while collaborating with a diverse and talented editorial team. The company's dedication to sustainability and independent journalism, combined with its exciting expansion into new media partnerships, makes it a rewarding place for passionate creatives to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Midweight/Senior Creative in Slough
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at BuzzFeed!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like BuzzFeed, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Midweight/Senior Creative in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for BuzzFeed:When applying for the Midweight/Senior Creative role at BuzzFeed, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what BuzzFeed produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at BuzzFeed
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within BuzzFeed. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
