At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead editorial projects, manage a talented team, and shape GQ's content across all platforms.
- Company: Join the iconic British GQ, part of the renowned Condé Nast family.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare, remote work options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic, collaborative environment with a focus on diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of cultural conversations and influence style and fashion globally.
- Qualifications: Exceptional writing, editing skills, and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Since 1957, GQ has inspired its readers with unparalleled coverage of style, fashion, culture, news, politics, and more. From award-winning journalism and feature writing to unforgettable photography, videos and live events, GQ creates cultural conversations around the world.
Condé Nast is a global media company, home to iconic brands including Vogue, GQ, Glamour, CN Traveller, Vanity Fair, Wired, The World of Interiors, House & Garden and Tatler, among many others. We are headquartered in New York and London and operate in 32 markets worldwide, with a footprint of more than 1 billion consumers across print, digital, video and social platforms. 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.
The Role
We’re looking for a Features Director to join GQ. The Features Director role is a key editorial leadership position at British GQ, with both local and global responsibilities. The role combines senior editorial judgement with people management and operational oversight, and plays a central part in shaping GQ’s output across print, digital, social and video.
The Features Director will balance commissioning, editing and proofreading stories across all verticals with managing and guiding editorial staff, overseeing production and workflows, fulfilling commercial obligations, and generating ideas for editorial projects and events. The role works closely with local and global departments, advises on flat-planning, and is trusted to approve pages and make editorial decisions in the absence of the Deputy Global Editorial Director.
The successful candidate will be an all-round senior editor with a strong legal and editorial eye, fluency in British GQ’s tone, and the confidence to make sound decisions under pressure. They will support the day-to-day management of the editorial team, help execute GQ’s content strategy, and guide the overall editorial output of the brand with a calm, assured approach.
This role requires someone who is both a brilliant writer and editor and highly process-driven, with a strong understanding of workflows, deadlines and production requirements. The Features Director will be expected to work collaboratively to maximise the team’s potential, with responsibilities that may range from proofreading print layouts and approving pages, to pitching talent ideas for events or interviewing a high-profile figure for a cover feature. The position reports directly to the Deputy Global Editorial Director and is based in London.
What will you be doing?
- Lead the commissioning, editing and proofreading of print and digital stories across British GQ, from deep-dive investigative reporting to celebrity cover profiles.
- Work closely with the full British GQ editorial team across print, digital, video and social to shape pitches, commission and edit features, opinion and data-driven stories across GQ’s core verticals.
- Provide editorial leadership, mentoring, support and line management to members of the editorial team.
- Edit and proofread print layouts, overseeing workflows and production processes across print.
- Editorially lead and programme the GQ Heroes and GQ MOTY events line‑ups and content, working closely with events, talent and commercial teams to deliver commercially led editorial activations.
- Collaborate with CNCC on sponsored editorial and branded content for British GQ.
- Build and maintain a diverse network of contributors across the UK and Europe.
- Deputise for the Deputy Global Editorial Director in their absence, acting as a senior editorial decision-maker.
- Edit stories from writers around the world, ensuring accuracy, clarity and alignment with GQ’s voice and point of view, and adapting global content for local editions.
- Line‑edit and proofread British GQ supplements, including Watches and Grooming.
- Contribute ideas and leadership for new editorial franchises and events.
- Attend senior editorial meetings and help ensure British GQ’s editorial voice is represented consistently across all products.
- Identify and address potential legal or libel risks in line with company policy and best practice.
- Represent British GQ at external speaking engagements and across the brand’s own events programme.
About you
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with outstanding attention to detail.
- Proven management and people leadership experience.
- A confident, supportive leader who can mentor and develop junior members of the editorial team.
- The ability to make sound decisions and develop effective solutions quickly under pressure.
- A strong ideas‑led approach, with the ability to identify and develop original stories, angles and formats.
- Strong storytelling skills and a genuine passion for British GQ’s areas of expertise.
- Creativity paired with a sharp editorial and aesthetic eye.
- Significant experience working across digital platforms and formats.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- A strong work ethic, with a calm, positive and solutions‑focused approach.
- Experience working with digital content management systems; proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Airtable, Google Analytics, Google Workspace and InCopy is a plus.
What benefits do we offer?
- 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) and extra days of annual leave if you move house or want to volunteer.
- You’ll have access to a competitive pension scheme, Bupa Private Healthcare, Season ticket loans and eye tests.
- We offer a range of tools to support your 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.
- We’re a dog friendly office, plus you’ll enjoy discounts and magazine subscriptions, keeping you up to date with all things Condé Nast.
- We encourage personal and professional growth through the Condé Nast Learning Hub where you’ll find an extensive portfolio of learning courses and training, available in local languages.
- Our Employee Resource Groups provide a platform for employees to identify shared objectives, exchange ideas, and work on community priorities for our global workforce.
What happens next?
If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply below, and we will review your application as soon as possible. You can update your resume or upload a cover letter at any time by accessing your candidate profile. 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.
Features Director, British GQ in London employer: Conde Nast
At Condé Nast, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that thrives on collaboration and creativity. Based in the heart of London, our team enjoys a range of benefits including generous holiday allowances, private healthcare, and opportunities for personal and professional growth through our extensive learning resources. We celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive environment where every employee can contribute to shaping cultural conversations through iconic brands like British GQ.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Features Director, British GQ in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you land that interview, make sure to showcase your best work. Bring along a portfolio that highlights your writing, editing, and any cool projects you've led. This is your chance to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit for British GQ!
✨Be Ready to Chat Ideas
Prepare to discuss your vision for GQ’s content. Think about fresh angles and innovative ideas you could bring to the table. They’ll want to see that you’re not just a follower but a leader who can drive editorial conversations.
✨Apply Through Our Website
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 family. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Features Director, British GQ in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for GQ:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for British GQ shine through! Share what excites you about the brand and how your experiences align with its mission. We want to see your genuine interest in style, culture, and storytelling.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Features Director role. Highlight relevant experience in editorial leadership, people management, and your knack for producing compelling content. We love seeing how your skills match up with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:In both your CV and cover letter, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and keep your points concise. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your achievements and skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands. Plus, it’s super easy to upload your documents and keep track of your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Conde Nast
✨Know Your GQ Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into British GQ's recent articles, features, and overall tone. Familiarise yourself with their style and the types of stories they publish. This will not only help you speak confidently about their content but also show your genuine interest in the brand.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Features Director, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed editorial teams in the past. Highlight your mentoring experiences and how you've fostered creativity and collaboration among your colleagues.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Ideas
Think of innovative story ideas or editorial projects that could fit within GQ’s framework. Be prepared to pitch these during the interview. This demonstrates your proactive approach and understanding of what makes compelling content for their audience.
✨Prepare for Pressure Scenarios
Given the fast-paced nature of editorial work, be ready to discuss how you handle tight deadlines and make quick decisions. Share specific instances where you've successfully navigated high-pressure situations while maintaining quality and clarity in your work.
