Design/Focus Editor, ELLE Decoration (12 Month FTC) in London

Hearst UK operates an in office policy with flexible Fridays. Our office is based at House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, St James's, London, SW1Y 4AJ, where teams collaborate in person and connect across brands and functions.

ELLE Decoration is looking for a Design/Focus Editor (12 Month FTC) with flair, confidence and a passion for interiors and design. This is a fast‑paced hands‑on role spanning print, social, digital and video – from writing sharp, incisive copy to presenting. You will create industry‑leading content that grabs attention and bring fresh ideas to the table daily, including compiling and overseeing the Now and Focus sections of the magazine. Comfortable on camera, well connected and bursting with creativity, you will play a key part in keeping ELLE Decoration's platforms stylish, engaging and ahead of the curve.

Key Responsibilities

• Compile the design‑led content of our Now section (news, trends, industry updates, profiles) and our Focus section (practical, inspiring and informative decorating, room and typology‑focused stories).
• Demonstrate an innate awareness of the uniquely ELLE Decoration angle and aesthetic, balancing information and inspiration in a way that our audience will find understandable, enlightening and enjoyable to read.
• Generate an overarching content plan for the Now and Focus sections and beyond, harnessing SEO insight to target the right conversations and maximise visibility.
• Build a network of trusted freelance writers, contributors and design and architecture contacts ranging from experts and new talent to established, recognisable names.
• Be an expert in ensuring quality headlines, factually accurate copy, thorough legal checks and edit and polish video and audio content that's built to perform on social.
• Work with the Editor‑in‑Chief and Deputy Editor to generate exciting, innovative and impactful cross‑platform ideas, ranging from new franchises to video and social media campaigns that grow and energise the ELLE Decoration audience.
• This will include delivering at least one (minimum) original story every day.
• Be willing to take on broader brand projects as and when required, whether that be generating ideas for audio content, producing supporting material for our events or representing the brand at relevant industry events in order to capture the moments and the conversations that count.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ experience in a design‑focused editorial role at a large media brand.
• Additional experience in digital media, with an understanding of SEO and analytics.
• Presenting and video/audio editing capabilities are also beneficial.
• Good awareness of contemporary interior and design industry brands, news and events, with the ability to convert these into ELLE Decoration ideas at the drop of a hat.
• Experience of commissioning, from writing briefs to editing and managing a budget.
• Experience extrapolating written features ideas out into wider projects, campaigns and multi‑platform, multimedia initiatives.
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail and an all‑hands‑on‑deck approach to getting things done.
• A genuine interest in the contemporary design and interiors market, with an in‑depth understanding of the broad audience of ELLE Decoration, which incorporates both consumer and trade.

Salary

Circa £40,000 – salary is dependent on experience and will be assessed in line with the candidate's skills, knowledge and relevant expertise.

Benefits

• Good Housekeeping Taste and Beauty Testing Panels – try the next big thing in beauty, food & drink.
• Snag luxe beauty steals at office sample sales.
• Specsavers eye care, company‑funded Health Cash Plan and access to mental health support.
• Discounted gym memberships and Cycle to Work scheme.
• Flex and Holiday Exchange to take time when you need it.
• Charity Day and wellbeing resources whenever you need them.
• Hearst ERG Groups.
• Workplace Pension, Income Protection, Life Assurance and Season Ticket Loan.
• Salary Finance tools, Financial Wellbeing sessions and Home Tech benefits.
• Major discounts across London and everyday savings via the HAPI at Hearst app.