News Reporter (maternity cover)

Drapers helps those working in fashion retail make better business decisions through exclusive news, analysis, commentary, and in-depth research. Now in its 139th year, it is the UK’s market‑leading B2B publication for the fashion industry, with unparalleled authority in the sector.

As a news reporter you should be experienced in daily business reporting, including generating exclusive news stories through your network of contacts. You should have strong news judgement and the ability to work accurately at speed. You should also feel comfortable delving through company financials, interviewing CEOs, and writing in-depth analysis.

In addition to writing exclusive news stories you will contribute creative ideas to the wider Drapers brand, including writing features and comment pieces. You will also contribute to a growing portfolio of conferences, awards, and bespoke networking events, suggesting speakers, judges and covering conference sessions. You will act as a brand ambassador at external events and travel to fashion trade shows in the UK and internationally on a seasonal basis.

• Breaking exclusive news stories ahead of competitors, ensuring they are well researched, written, followed Drapers house style and are legally sound.
• Building extensive knowledge of the fashion retail industry and key contacts.
• Following up important breaking news stories quickly with analysis of their impact for the Drapers audience.
• Pitching and writing longer‑term, in‑depth investigations.
• Ensuring news is shared on all social media channels and working with the news editor and digital editor to drive traffic to the Drapers website.
• Contributing creative ideas to the wider Drapers brand, including writing features and comment pieces.
• Contributing content to the digital schedule on a weekly basis.
• Working with the conference and events team to put together agenda‑setting programmes, suggesting speakers for events.
• Attending fashion trade shows in the UK and internationally on a seasonal basis.
• Attending industry networking events outside of working hours when applicable.
• Contributing to the Drapers daily newsletter, which requires an early start and finish at least once a week.

• NCTJ qualification, or equivalent journalism training or experience.
• Minimum of one year’s news reporting experience preferred.
• Experience of breaking exclusive off‑diary news stories preferred.

• Strategic planning.
• Exceptional written English.
• Excellent communication and people‑management skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative and creative approach to work.
• Ability to work efficiently across different functions of the business.
• A curious nature with a strong attention to detail.

At emap, we believe that employee learning and development are the key drivers of our success. Over time, we provide an environment that fits continuous growth and meets the ever‑changing demands of the workplace. Our employees can identify personal and professional development areas aligned with our strategic priorities, such as management development, health, safety & wellbeing, sales, events management, marketing strategy, editorial, and information technology. We provide a structured framework to equip our employees with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to excel in their roles. To support career development we offer specialised programs and stand‑alone role‑specific and generic courses under the emap academy.

• 25 days of annual leave, with the option to buy or sell additional days; pro‑rata for part‑time employees.
• One additional day of leave per year – Celebration Day.
• Health plan.
• Life assurance.
• Private virtual GP access.
• Seasonal flu jabs available at the office.
• Continuous learning & development opportunities.
• In‑house Excellence Awards and other innovation projects.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Discounted gym memberships.
• Retail discount vouchers.
• Rail season ticket loans.
• Pension scheme.
• One paid volunteer day per year.
• Annual Summer & Winter celebrations.
• Work from home during August.
• Income protection and more.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, age, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability status.