Deputy Editor, Big Read

This job is with Financial Times, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

About us

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere. Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

The Role

The role of deputy big read editor is one of the most exciting editing jobs at the FT, with the chance to shape and work on a wide range of agenda-setting journalism. The big read is one of the FT’s showpieces, addressing the issues that most matter to our readers. It needs to do so with authority, verve and innovation, making a strong claim to the standalone slot on the app and home page six times a week. A central part of the team’s work is collaboration with other desks - particularly visual storytelling and visual investigations, with whom we cooperate deeply on a regular stream of outstanding articles. Big reads are critical to the FT’s mission. They help us understand and communicate what’s happening in the world - whether it is Chinese exports or the rise of Revolut, falling birth rates or Apple’s back story, Ukraine’s fightback or AI on the loose. Helping conceive, refine and project these memorable articles is deeply rewarding - and can be a blast.

The main responsibilities of the deputy big read editor include:

• Generating ideas for a broad range of feature stories that reflect the core priorities of the FT. Each piece should have an angle, a notable new fact, a point and a purpose. Commissioning also involves thinking about format: storytelling is about more than large slabs of text.
• Conducting a rigorous and on deadline edit of longform pieces, working closely with writers across the organisations and ensuring that copy is sparkling and legally watertight every time. Each day’s big read should shine and make its mark for the FT.
• Leading the desk when the Big Read editor is away and regularly representing the team in news conference and other meetings.
• Developing and managing special projects that will be showcases for FT journalism.
• Working with the visual storytelling team and other desks.

Your skills

• The news instinct and capacity to identify the topics and ideas that make outstanding big reads.
• Proven ability and a flair for editing longform pieces about varied topics - including tech, business and finance, science and economics.
• The confidence to discuss and debate ideas with the FT’s most senior editors and writers.
• The skill to help whittle story pitches and nut pars down to their essentials, telling the reader something novel and memorable.
• The diplomacy needed to work with reporters, correspondents and editors on other desks who face multiple demands on their time.
• The skill to help manage the big read team and to develop younger talent among reporters, editors and other colleagues.
• An aptitude for visual storytelling and using graphics in a creative way.
• The capacity to work to tight deadlines and under pressure, while taking pleasure from helping make some of the FT’s best work even better.

Please submit your application by the end of the day, Monday 5th October 2026.

The use of AI

Original reporting, great writing and intelligent commentary lie at the heart of FT journalism. Our readers trust us to produce quality journalism that is accurate, fair and insightful. This is why FT editorial staff do not by default use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to write articles or create other reader-facing content. For specific and pre-approved cases, AI can be harnessed for certain tasks, such as assisting data research for investigations. We expect applicants to the FT newsroom to refrain from using AI in their test submissions, and any written materials should be a genuine reflection of their own knowledge, skills and experiences. We encourage candidates only to employ AI as a tool to help with research and interview readiness for a role. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process is monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

What’s in it for you? Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here. FT Newsroom staff are expected to work onsite a minimum of three days per week, subject to role requirements and regular review. While flexible working requests will be considered, not all patterns are suitable for Editorial roles.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.