Culture Editor, Esquire

Salary - Circa £39,000 - Salary is dependent on experience and will be assessed in line with the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and relevant expertise.

Location - House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, St James’s, London, SW1Y 4AJ (in‑office with flexible Fridays)

The Culture Editor for Esquire will be an experienced multiplatform journalist with a deep passion for culture and entertainment. Reporting to the Editor‑in‑Chief and a dotted line to the Digital Director, this role oversees Esquire’s culture output across all platforms, shaping the brand’s voice and authority in this space. A proactive and creative self‑starter, you will play a key role in the day‑to‑day running of digital platforms, writing and commissioning content that drives traffic growth and e‑commerce performance. Alongside this, you will edit the Life section of the bi‑monthly magazine, represent Esquire at brand events, and develop and host culture‑led video content. You will conceive and write at least two culture stories per day, working to a clear content strategy developed in partnership with the Digital Director, while overseeing all culture commissioning and contributor relationships. This role requires strong editorial instinct, a sharp understanding of the cultural landscape, and the ability to operate seamlessly across digital, print and video.

Main Duties

• Lead Esquire’s culture output across digital, including writing 2–3 daily stories, commissioning, editing, and optimising content for SEO and Google Discover to drive traffic growth.
• Own and execute the culture content strategy in partnership with the Digital Director, ensuring consistent performance across platforms.
• Edit the Life section of the bi‑monthly magazine, including lead talent profiles, front‑of‑book content and key franchises.
• Contribute to the wider editorial direction of the brand, including magazine ideas and digital cover strategy alongside senior leadership.
• Represent Esquire externally as the face of culture, hosting and contributing to events, panels and brand activations, and identifying new opportunities.
• Develop and appear in video content across social and YouTube, including talent interviews and on‑camera presentation.
• Work cross‑functionally with Social, Editorial and Newsletter teams to maximise content reach and performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across PR and talent networks within culture and entertainment.
• Ensure all content aligns with brand standards, including a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, while acting as an ambassador for Hearst UK.

What We Are Looking For

• A strong editor and commissioner with experience managing high‑quality contributors, combined with an exceptional writing style and sharp editorial judgement.
• Deep knowledge of culture and the arts, with a clear understanding of Esquire’s tone and audience.
• Significant experience (5+ years) in a national consumer digital environment, with a strong grasp of SEO, Google Discover and content performance.
• Proven ability to develop and execute content strategies across digital and social, delivering high‑quality, idea‑led journalism.
• Experience interviewing high‑profile talent across print, digital and video, with confidence appearing on camera.
• Strong understanding of social platforms and how content performs across channels.
• Highly organised, collaborative and solutions‑focused, with excellent communication skills.
• A genuine passion for culture and entertainment, alongside a working knowledge of Photoshop and/or InDesign (desirable).

Benefits

Hearst UK offers a range of benefits designed to support your well‑being, development, and financial security.

Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing

• Stay healthy with Specsavers eye care, a company‑funded Health Cash Plan, and access to mental health support.
• Enjoy discounted gym memberships and the Cycle to Work scheme.
• Embrace flexibility with a Location Flex and Holiday Exchange to take time when you need it.
• Take time to give back with a Charity Day and access wellbeing resources whenever you need them.
• Join one of our Hearst ERG Groups.

Financial Wellness

• Plan ahead with a generous Workplace Pension, Income Protection, Life Assurance and Season Ticket Loan for easier commuting.
• Make smarter money moves using Salary Finance tools, Financial Wellbeing sessions, and Home Tech benefits to spread costs.
• Treat yourself with major discounts across London plus everyday savings via the HAPI at Hearst app.

Commitment to Diversity

Hearst UK is deeply committed to using our influential brands to reflect the world we want to live in – one that respects, protects, represents and uplifts the voices and opinions of all people. We recognise the significant benefits of creativity, collaboration and innovation that comes with diverse teams, and work to build a sense of true belonging within our business and foster a culture in which everyone feels heard.