At a Glance
- Tasks: Research and write original news stories on investment activities and trends.
- Company: Join the Financial Times, a leading global news organisation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, medical cover, hybrid working, and opportunities to give back.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in journalism while connecting with industry leaders and uncovering exclusive stories.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, curiosity, and a passion for financial markets are essential.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
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.
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.
The Role
MandateWire is a leading subscription publication within FT Specialist, providing exclusive intelligence on the investment activities of asset owners worldwide. Our London-based reporting team covers investors across Europe, with each reporter developing specialist knowledge of a particular geographic market. Through strong relationships with key decision-makers, the team delivers exclusive insight into asset owners’ investment strategies, manager appointments and mandate activity. This role will focus primarily on UK asset owners, including pension schemes, insurance companies, charities, family offices and wealth management organisations. You will build a strong network of senior industry contacts and use interviews, independent research and public sources to uncover original stories and market intelligence. Alongside written journalism, you will have opportunities to contribute to MandateWire’s multimedia coverage and represent the publication at industry events.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior representatives of UK asset owners through regular telephone interviews, virtual meetings and industry events.
- Research and write accurate, original news stories covering investment mandate searches and tenders, asset manager appointments and terminations, strategic asset allocation changes, investment manager selections, consultant appointments and broader investment governance developments.
- Conduct independent research using annual reports, regulatory filings and other public sources to identify newsworthy developments.
- Maintain and update MandateWire’s proprietary database with timely and accurate market intelligence.
- Generate a consistent pipeline of exclusive mandate opportunity stories for publication in daily subscriber alerts.
- Expand and develop a high-quality network of asset owner contacts across the UK market.
- Contribute feature articles, market analysis and trend pieces.
- Create engaging multimedia content, including video interviews, podcasts and other digital formats, to enhance MandateWire’s editorial coverage and audience engagement.
- Represent MandateWire at industry conferences and events, including moderating panel discussions, hosting webinars and interviewing senior industry figures on stage.
- Collaborate closely with colleagues across the European editorial team to ensure comprehensive market coverage.
Required Skills and Experience
- Excellent communication and interviewing skills, with the confidence and professionalism to engage senior institutional investment professionals by telephone, virtually and in person.
- Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to develop rapport and trusted sources.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to balance contending priorities and consistently meet daily, monthly and quarterly deadlines.
- Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and identify relevant and newsworthy market developments.
- Strong written English, with the ability to produce clear, accurate and engaging copy across written and multimedia formats.
- A high level of attention to detail and commitment to editorial and data accuracy.
- A curious and proactive approach, with the motivation to uncover exclusive stories and develop new sources.
- The ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure in a fast-moving news environment.
- Collaboration skills alongside the ability to work independently and take initiative.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and other standard office applications.
Desirable
- Knowledge of institutional investment, pensions, asset management or financial markets.
- Previous journalism or business reporting experience.
- Experience producing video, podcast or other multimedia editorial content.
- Experience moderating conference panels, hosting webinars or interviewing senior executives at live events.
- Fluency in one or more European languages.
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. We’ve embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.
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.
Further Information
At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may use AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is crucial that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all. Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times. All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting or suspect any scam activity, please contact talent@ft.com.
Interested in the FT but don’t see the right role yet? Join our Talent Community to receive exclusive updates, featured jobs, and insights into working at the FT.
Reporter, MandateWire Europe employer: Financial Times
The Financial Times is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions diversity and fosters personal growth. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, the FT provides generous benefits, including flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, all while empowering you to make a meaningful impact in the world of journalism from its dynamic London office.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reporter, MandateWire Europe
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at Financial Times!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like Financial Times, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Reporter, MandateWire Europe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for Financial Times:When applying for the Reporter, MandateWire Europe role at Financial Times, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what Financial Times produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Times
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within Financial Times. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
