Copy Desk Manager & Subeditor — Lead Editorial Standards

Copy Desk Manager & Subeditor — Lead Editorial Standards

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Conde Nast

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the copy-editing team, ensuring high editorial standards and accuracy across all content.
  • Company: Join Condé Nast, a global media powerhouse with iconic brands like Vogue and GQ.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare, remote work options, and personal growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Dynamic, dog-friendly office with a focus on diversity and community.
  • Why this job: Make your mark in the media world while collaborating with creative minds.
  • Qualifications: Two years of copy-editing experience and a strong command of British English required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Condé Nast is a global media company producing the highest quality content with a footprint of more than 1 billion consumers in 32 territories through print, digital, video and social platforms. The company's portfolio includes many of the world’s most respected and influential media properties including Vogue, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Self, GQ, The New Yorker, Condé Nast Traveller/Traveller, Allure, AD, Bon Appétit and Wired, among others.

Condé Nast thrives on collaboration, and our teams come together in the office four days a week (Monday - Thursday). We value diversity of background, views and cultures. We celebrate people for their personal qualities, skills and contributions, recognising the power our brands have to influence and shape culture.

The Role

The Copy Manager will support the copy‑editing function of Condé Nast Traveller. Working closely with the Copy Director, the Copy Manager helps run the copy desk, upholds editorial standards and ensures accuracy, clarity and consistency across all published content. The role includes deputising for the Copy Director when required. Day to day, the Copy Manager works under the direction of a UK‑based Copy Director and is embedded within Condé Nast Traveller. Structurally, the role sits within Condé Nast’s global Content Integrity Group (CIG) and reports to the Global Content Integrity Director. As part of a global centre of excellence, the role supports wider company standards and workflows, and may evolve as editorial needs change.

What will you be doing?

  • Copy‑edit and proofread to a high standard
  • Ensure copy is accurate, clearly structured and aligned with the publication’s tone and style
  • Carry out light fact‑checking and liaise with the fact‑checking team as needed
  • Flag legal, ethical or other sensitive issues
  • Write headlines and display copy where appropriate
  • Edit and shape copy to fit magazine layouts
  • Manage copy through all stages of the production process, from early layouts to final proofs
  • Provide cover for the Copy Director during absences
  • Collaborate with colleagues across markets and brands on style and standards
  • Support other editorial work as needed

Benefits

  • 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) and extra days of annual leave if you move house or want to volunteer.
  • Access to a competitive pension scheme, Bupa Private Healthcare, season ticket loans and eye tests.
  • A range of tools to support wellbeing, including core hours, 10 remote days (from home or a country with a Condé Nast office location), access to our Employee Assistance Programme, corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.
  • Dog‑friendly office, plus discounts and magazine subscriptions.
  • Personal and professional growth through the Condé Nast Learning Hub.
  • Employee Resource Groups for shared objectives and community priorities.

Condé Nast is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.

About You

  • At least two years’ experience in copy‑editing, proofreading or sub‑editing on a print publication
  • Excellent command of British English grammar, spelling and usage
  • Strong editorial judgement and close attention to detail under deadline pressure
  • Confidence in making structural and line‑level edits and shaping display copy
  • Familiarity with fact‑checking practices and legal sensitivities is an advantage
  • Experience with Adobe InCopy/InDesign, Slack and Google Workspace helpful
  • Comfortable working independently while remaining collaborative and open to feedback

Copy Desk Manager & Subeditor — Lead Editorial Standards employer: Conde Nast

Condé Nast is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that thrives on collaboration and diversity. With a commitment to employee growth through the Condé Nast Learning Hub and generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday, private healthcare, and a dog-friendly office, employees are supported both personally and professionally. Located in London, this role provides a unique opportunity to work with iconic brands while contributing to high-quality content that influences global culture.

Conde Nast

Contact Details:

Conde Nast Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Copy Desk Manager & Subeditor — Lead Editorial Standards

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Condé Nast. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of your best copy-editing work, make sure to have it ready. Share it during interviews or even in casual conversations with potential colleagues.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by knowing the brands inside out. Familiarise yourself with their tone and style. This will help you demonstrate how you can uphold their editorial standards.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Condé Nast team.

We think you need these skills to ace Copy Desk Manager & Subeditor — Lead Editorial Standards

Copy Editing
Proofreading
Editorial Standards
Attention to Detail
Fact-Checking
Headline Writing
Adobe InCopy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Editing Skills:Make sure your application highlights your copy-editing and proofreading experience. We want to see how you've maintained editorial standards in your previous roles, so share specific examples that showcase your attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.

Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to reflect the tone and style of Condé Nast Traveller. Use language that resonates with our brand and demonstrates your understanding of our audience and content.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Keep your sentences straightforward and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your personality and passion for editorial work.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. This way, your application will be directly in our system, making it easier for us to review your credentials and get back to you quickly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Conde Nast

Know Your Copy-Editing Basics

Brush up on your copy-editing skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with proofreading and sub-editing, and have examples of how you've maintained editorial standards in past roles. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the Copy Desk Manager position.

Familiarise Yourself with Condé Nast's Style

Dive into the publications under Condé Nast, especially Condé Nast Traveller. Understand their tone, style, and audience. Being able to reference specific articles or features during your interview will demonstrate your genuine interest and knowledge about the brand.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially under deadline pressure. Think of scenarios where you had to make tough editorial decisions or manage conflicting feedback. Practising these responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Collaborative Spirit

Condé Nast values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to group projects or supported colleagues, as this will highlight your ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment.