At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Cosmopolitan's entertainment and lifestyle content strategy across various platforms.
- Company: Join Hearst UK, a leading premium publisher shaping culture with iconic media brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support, exclusive discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to represent the brand at major events.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the media landscape while working with a passionate and creative team.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital editorial and strong understanding of SEO and audience analytics.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Description
We are the UK's leading premium publisher, home to iconic and influential media brands including Esquire, Men's & Women's Health, ELLE, Good Housekeeping, Harper's Bazaar, Digital Spy, Cosmopolitan, Red and more.
At Hearst UK, we don't just create content – we shape culture.
Our workplace is driven by passion, shaped by authenticity and powered by creativity.
We back bold ideas, act with an entrepreneurial mindset and continually evolve to meet the moment - while respecting the legacy that's brought us here.
We believe in each other's potential and push boundaries together to create meaningful impact, both across the media landscape and in people's lives.
We're proud of our heritage - but even more excited about making history.
Hearst UK operates an in office policy with flexible Friday's. 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.
- Salary -
- Circa £54,000 (Pro Rata)
Salary is dependent on experience and will be assessed in line with the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and relevant expertise.
The Role…
As the
Acting Entertainment & Lifestyle Director , you will lead Cosmopolitan UK’s entertainment and lifestyle content strategy across print, digital, social and video.
You’ll drive audience growth through innovative storytelling, oversee a fast-paced editorial operation, and ensure our content remains distinctive, engaging and culturally relevant.
Working closely with editorial, talent, social, video and freelance teams, you’ll play a key role in shaping Cosmopolitan’s voice while representing the brand at major entertainment and lifestyle events.
Main Duties…
- Lead Cosmopolitan UK’s entertainment and lifestyle editorial strategy across digital, print, social and video platforms.
- Manage the day-to-day news agenda, ensuring timely, engaging and high-performing content that meets audience and traffic targets.
- Oversee SEO content, features and entertainment news coverage, including managing freelance contributors and supporting out-of-hours news operations.
- Commission, edit and write entertainment and lifestyle content, ensuring every story reflects Cosmopolitan’s unique editorial voice.
- Plan and produce print features, including celebrity interviews, talent bookings and pop culture content.
- Collaborate with the Talent Director on cover shoots, exclusive interviews and wider talent opportunities.
- Represent Cosmopolitan at industry events, conduct interviews, contribute to video content, and identify new social formats and content franchises.
- What We Are Looking For…
- Proven experience in digital editorial, journalism or content leadership within entertainment, lifestyle or women’s media.
- Strong understanding of SEO, audience analytics and social media best practices.
- Experience commissioning, editing and writing high-quality news and feature content across multiple platforms.
- Excellent knowledge of the entertainment, celebrity and television landscape, with the ability to react quickly to breaking news and emerging trends.
- Strong editorial judgement with the ability to identify original angles that resonate with Cosmopolitan’s audience.
- Experience interviewing high-profile talent and representing a media brand externally is highly desirable.
- A collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and inspires teams to deliver exceptional content.
Benefits…
(Your benefits at Hearst UK are more than just extras—they are tools to help you thrive in every part of life.)
Hearst Exclusives - Only for You!
- Get adventurous with Good Housekeeping Taste and Beauty Testing Panels - yes, you could be trying the next big thing in beauty, food & drink.
- Snag luxe beauty steals at our legendary office sample sales - score big on top brands without breaking the bank!
- Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing: Feel Your Best
- Stay healthy with Specsavers eye care, a company-funded Health Cash Plan, and access to mental health support.
- Get active and stress-free with 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 - Boost Your Budget
- 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
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.
As a business, we recognise the significant benefits of creativity, collaboration and innovation that comes with diverse teams.
Not only is diversifying the voices in our organization the right thing to do, but it also helps us to make powerful and exciting content that can be enjoyed by many more people.
This is why we’re working to build a sense of true belonging within our business and foster a culture in which everyone feels heard.
Entertainment and Lifestyle Director, Cosmopolitan (4 Days Per Week) (6 Month FTC) in London employer: Hearst
At Hearst UK, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative workplace that champions creativity and collaboration. As a Junior Videographer, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside industry leaders in a vibrant office located in the heart of London, where flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on employee wellbeing create an inspiring environment for personal and professional growth. With access to exclusive benefits, including health and wellness resources, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Hearst UK is dedicated to nurturing talent and empowering you to make a meaningful impact in the media landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Entertainment and Lifestyle Director, Cosmopolitan (4 Days Per Week) (6 Month FTC) in London
✨Showcase Your Best Work
Get a professional portfolio together that highlights your best articles, podcasts, or videos. Use platforms like Medium or your own website to showcase your work. Remember, potential clients want to see your writing style and versatility!
✨Dive into Freelance Platforms
Check out freelance job boards like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr to find gigs suited for journalists and media professionals. Tailor your profile to highlight your niche expertise, whether it’s investigative reporting or digital content creation!
✨Network with Peers and Editors
Get involved in online journalism communities and forums. Join Facebook groups or Twitter chats where journalists hang out—this is where you can learn about confidential job leads and get personal referrals from fellow freelancers!
✨Pitch, Pitch, Pitch!
Don't wait for job offers to come to you. Actively pitch your ideas to publications. Research the editors of magazines or websites that inspire you—it’s all about getting your foot in the door. Who knows, your next big gig might come from a killer idea you send their way!
We think you need these skills to ace Entertainment and Lifestyle Director, Cosmopolitan (4 Days Per Week) (6 Month FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Best Work:As a freelance journalist, your portfolio is everything! Curate a selection of your best articles, blog posts, or multimedia projects that showcase your writing flair and versatility. Make sure to include a variety of topics and styles, and consider linking them directly in your application for easy access!
Tailor Your Pitch:When applying for a freelance role like this one with Hearst, don’t just send a generic application. Tailor your pitch to resonate with Hearst’s values and areas of focus. Mention specific articles or projects from them that inspire you and explain how your skills align with their mission — this shows you’ve done your homework!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Got experience in journalism or media? Make sure you highlight it! Whether it's internships, previous freelance gigs, or even writing for your uni paper, detail what you did and how it’s relevant to the role at Hearst. Specific achievements, like awards or recognitions, can also give you that extra edge!
Flexibility & Availability:Since you're freelancing, mentioning your availability is key! Being flexible can make you more attractive to Hearst. In your application, clearly outline your current workload and when you can take on new projects, so they can see you're ready to jump in when needed!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hearst
✨Showcase Your Unique Voice
As freelancers in journalism and media, it's crucial to highlight your unique storytelling style. Share examples of your work that demonstrate your voice and perspective – whether that’s through articles, videos, or podcasts. This helps Hearst see what you can bring to the table!
✨Pitch Stories Like a Pro
Freelancing often means you're selling your ideas just as much as your skills. Prepare a few story pitches that align with Hearst’s focus and ethos, showing them you understand their audience and what they value. This will make you stand out as a proactive candidate who’s already thinking about content for them.
✨Be Ready for Technical Know-How
Expect technical questions related to the media tools and software you're familiar with — whether it’s editing software like Adobe Premiere or content management systems. Brush up on these tools, as being able to confidently discuss your tech skills could clinch your position!
✨Focus on Flexibility and Networking
As a freelancer, flexibility can be your ace in the hole. During your interview, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and juggle multiple projects. Plus, if you have a network of contacts or collaborators, mention that too – it shows you're connected and can produce engaging content reliably.
