At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creative direction for Life & Arts and House & Home sections.
- Company: Join the Financial Times, a globally respected news organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, medical cover, and opportunities to give back.
- Why this job: Shape impactful stories and collaborate with diverse experts in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proficient in Adobe Suite, with a good journalistic sense and design experience.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
The role FT Weekend is seeking an art director to steer Life & Arts and House & Home into the future. You will enjoy thinking about how to best present a range of stories, from theatre reviews to essays on world events both online and in print. From commissioning illustrations to creating secondary elements that entice readers to scroll deeper, you will need to think about all parts of the Life & Arts and House & Home offering. Working on H&H and L&A is a collaborative process from start to finish, and you will need to enjoy working closely with editors, picture editors and production experts.
A successful candidate will have these skills:
- Thorough experience of the Adobe design suite: InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator to create elements for online presentation.
- Basic understanding of how to edit and animate in Premiere Pro/After Effects.
- Good knowledge of Methode and its quirks, and a strong track record of print design.
- A good journalistic sense. Visuals are a big part of storytelling.
- Some knowledge of the presentation of information in infographics and maps.
You will also be expected to help evolve the design of L&A and H&H to make them easier to produce while retaining their distinctive look.
Please submit your application by the end of the day, Thursday March 26 2026.
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.
Art Director, FT Weekend in London employer: Financial Times
Contact Detail:
Financial Times Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Art Director, FT Weekend in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at the FT. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! When you get the chance to meet with hiring managers or during interviews, bring your best work along. Make sure it highlights your creativity and how you tackle different projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the FT's recent projects. Knowing their style and what they value will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the FT family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Art Director, FT Weekend in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Flair: As an Art Director, your creativity is key! Make sure your application reflects your unique style and vision. Use visuals or a portfolio link to showcase your best work – we want to see what you can bring to the table!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application. Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills align with the FT Weekend role. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate to Life & Arts and House & Home.
Be Genuine and Personal: We value authenticity! Share your personal journey and what drives your passion for art direction. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity at the Financial Times and how you can contribute to our mission.
Apply Through Our Website: Make it easy for us to find your application by applying directly through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Times
✨Know Your Design Tools Inside Out
Make sure you're well-versed in the Adobe design suite, especially InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Brush up on your skills in Premiere Pro and After Effects too, as video toppers are on the horizon. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency with these tools will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
The role involves working closely with editors and picture editors, so be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative projects. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with others to create compelling visual stories, and highlight your ability to communicate effectively with different teams.
✨Demonstrate Your Journalistic Insight
Since visuals play a crucial role in storytelling, it's important to convey your understanding of journalistic principles. Be ready to discuss how you approach visual storytelling and how you ensure that your designs align with the narrative of the articles. This will show that you appreciate the bigger picture beyond just aesthetics.
✨Be Ready to Evolve
The FT is looking for someone who can help evolve the design of Life & Arts and House & Home. Think about how you can contribute to making these sections easier to produce while maintaining their unique look. Prepare some ideas or examples of how you've innovated in past roles to improve design processes.