Commissioning Editor - Product Reviews & Audience Growth

Commissioning Editor - Product Reviews & Audience Growth

Temporary 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
GUARDIAN NEWS AND MEDIA

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Commission and edit engaging product reviews and articles to grow our audience.
  • Company: Join the Guardian, a diverse and inclusive global organisation committed to fearless journalism.
  • Benefits: Enjoy six weeks annual leave, generous pension contributions, and wellness support.
  • Other info: We champion diversity and offer excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in media while developing your editorial skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in editing and commissioning at a national news or publishing brand.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.

The Filter is the Guardian's independent product reviews and recommendations section which offers our readers trustworthy buying advice and sustainable shopping ideas. As a commissioning editor for the Filter, you will play a central role in helping to grow this thriving section and find new audiences. The role involves commissioning and editing new articles and updates to evergreen articles; generating ideas; contributing to articles and newsletters. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract or staff secondment.

About the role
  • Originate ambitious, engaging editorial ideas and support team members to develop their own ideas to high standards.
  • Commission different article and content types - features, product reviews, group tests, gift guides, sustainability-focused articles and newsletters - from both freelance and in-house writers.
  • Edit articles to a high standard; support the editor and deputy editor in managing deadlines and process.
  • Help the editor and deputy editor commission and edit updates to our growing bank of evergreen articles.
  • Work closely with the editor, deputy editor and picture editors to coordinate photography and video plans.
  • Develop product testing methodologies for new group tests.
  • Work closely with design colleagues, video and social media teams to ensure our journalism is showcased at its best; originate ambitious ideas for showcasing it in new, exciting ways.
  • Use audience data to support potential ideas and track performance and engagement, working closely with the audience editor.
About you
  • Demonstrable experience of working in an editing role at a national news or publishing brand.
  • Proven track record of commissioning freelancers and staff writers, and experience of consumer reviews and recommendations.
  • Experience collaborating with a production team (sub-editors, photo-editors) in making sure journalism is engaging and published at a high standard.
  • Experience with social media platforms, SEO and a sense of how and where reviews journalism performs best on each platform.
  • Understanding and knowledge of analytics, search and other measurements of audience.
  • Proven ability to produce high-quality product reviews and shopping journalism that maintain high standards of editorial independence.
  • Understanding of the Guardian's role in the media landscape and how the Filter's readers' needs differ to other consumers.
  • Ideally, you'll have a demonstrable ability to bring a diverse perspective to this role.

We actively encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media.

How to apply

To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter which outlines why you'd love to take on this role, and why you're a great match for what we're looking for. The closing date for applications is Thursday 4th June 2026. All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to help your application, this includes providing documents in accessible formats or personalising the process to better support your needs. Please contact Sean Brinkley on to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Benefits at the Guardian
  • You'll have six weeks of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase an additional 5 days.
  • Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age).
  • We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving.
  • Season ticket loans are also available.
  • You are entitled to life cover, income protection, and eye tests.
  • You can also opt in to dental insurance.
  • We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place.
  • We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.
Culture and wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace. We became the first major media organisation to achieve B Corp status. We offer tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including access to our employee benefits platform which provides tailored support for health and wellbeing. In addition, we also offer free yoga and pilates classes. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme. Our canteen has views overlooking the Regents Canal and caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Learning and development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Commissioning Editor - Product Reviews & Audience Growth employer: GUARDIAN NEWS AND MEDIA

At the Guardian, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions diversity and personal growth. As a Commissioning Editor in our dynamic team, you'll enjoy generous benefits such as six weeks of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to wellness initiatives, all while contributing to impactful journalism that resonates with a global audience. Our commitment to employee development and wellbeing, alongside our B Corp status, makes the Guardian a truly rewarding place to advance your career.

GUARDIAN NEWS AND MEDIA

Contact Details:

GUARDIAN NEWS AND MEDIA Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor - Product Reviews & Audience Growth

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at the Guardian. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.

Tip Number 2

Show off your personality in interviews! Be yourself and let your passion for product reviews and audience growth shine through. We want to see how you can bring fresh ideas to the table.

Tip Number 3

Prepare some killer questions for your interviewers. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the company. Plus, it gives you a chance to find out if the Guardian is the right fit for you!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and keep you on their radar. We love seeing candidates who are proactive!

We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Editor - Product Reviews & Audience Growth

Editorial Skills
Commissioning Experience
Content Development
Editing Skills
Collaboration with Production Teams
Social Media Proficiency
SEO Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express why you're excited about the role and how your experience aligns with what we're looking for. Be genuine and let your personality come through!

Tailor Your CV:Don't just send the same CV for every application. Tailor it to highlight your relevant experience in editing, commissioning, and product reviews. Show us how your skills can contribute to our team at the Guardian.

Showcase Your Ideas:We love ambitious ideas! In your application, feel free to share any editorial concepts you have in mind for the Filter. This will demonstrate your creativity and understanding of our audience's needs.

Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for a smooth process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at GUARDIAN NEWS AND MEDIA

Know Your Audience

Before the interview, take some time to understand the Guardian's audience and their needs. Familiarise yourself with The Filter section and think about how your ideas can resonate with readers. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also genuinely interested in contributing to the team.

Showcase Your Editing Skills

Be prepared to discuss your previous editing experiences in detail. Bring examples of articles you've commissioned or edited, especially those related to product reviews. Highlight how you maintained high editorial standards and collaborated with writers and production teams to create engaging content.

Bring Data to the Table

Since the role involves using audience data to support ideas, come equipped with insights from your past work. Discuss how you've used analytics to track performance and engagement, and be ready to suggest how you could apply similar strategies at the Guardian.

Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion

The Guardian values diverse perspectives, so be sure to share how your background and experiences can contribute to an inclusive culture. Think about specific examples where you’ve championed diversity in your previous roles, whether through commissioning or collaborating with a range of voices.