Chief Reporter – North and Mid Essex in Southampton

Newsquest North and Mid Essex is seeking an ambitious and experienced journalist to take on a Chief Reporter role at the heart of our newsroom, with a clear focus on Mid Essex. This is a hybrid role, combining high-quality reporting with news editing and newsroom leadership responsibilities. It would suit an accomplished reporter ready to step up, or someone with clear ambitions to progress into a newsdesk role. Essex is one of the most diverse and rewarding local news patches in the country, spanning busy urban centres, coastal communities and rural villages. This role plays a vital part in ensuring our journalism remains authoritative, responsive, and community‑focused across both digital and print platforms.

As Chief Reporter, you will provide day‑to‑day editorial leadership while continuing to deliver standout journalism. You will take ownership of the mid Essex newspapers and websites, helping shape content, tone and performance, while supporting wider newsroom output across north and mid Essex. You will work closely with the newsdesk and editor to strengthen newsdesk resilience, including effective editorial cover during periods of absence. A core part of the role is championing the effective use of AI tools, embedding them into workflows to improve productivity, insight and editorial decision‑making, while maintaining high standards of accuracy and responsibility.

• Take ownership of the mid Essex patch, driving confident, consistent editorial leadership
• Act as the day‑to‑day lead for the websites, creating clear ownership and accountability for performance and quality
• Combine reporting and newsdesk duties, including writing, editing and publishing content across digital and print
• Deliver and edit high‑impact journalism, from breaking news and court reporting to investigations, features and campaigns
• Strengthen print expertise within the newsroom, supporting the development of distinctive, high‑quality print products
• Support and mentor reporters in the team
• Provide newsdesk cover, as required
• Use AI tools to support reporting, editing, production and audience insight, in line with newsroom standards
• Use analytics and audience data to inform editorial decisions, story placement and presentation
• Play an active role in newsroom planning meetings and contribute to wider editorial strategy

• A strong track record and excellence in local news reporting
• Clear ambition to progress into a News Editor or senior newsroom leadership role
• A strong understanding of digital publishing, audience behaviour and performance metrics
• Ability to edit reporters’ copy, and coach and mentor
• Enthusiasm for using AI tools to improve efficiency, insight and output quality
• Basic understanding of, and enthusiasm for, developing print expertise
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure
• Sound knowledge of media law, IPSO Code and responsible reporting standards
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to provide calm leadership in a fast‑paced newsroom

You will be an experienced, motivated journalist who values community‑first journalism and thrives on responsibility. You are comfortable balancing hands‑on reporting with editorial oversight and supporting colleagues, while still looking ahead to the next stage of your career. NCTJ qualification (including shorthand) is desirable. A driving licence and access to a car are preferred due to the geography of the patch. The role operates on a rota basis, including some early, late and weekend shifts, and combines in‑office and on‑patch working.

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
• Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
• Structured career progression & ongoing training
• Pension plan
• Employee Helpline counselling and advice
• Perks & discounts including: Gym membership, Cycle to Work scheme, Eye care, Retail discounts, Team building days & annual volunteer charity day

We are a media company with a difference. We are committed to bringing a voice to your region by investing in a passionate team of journalists who proudly serve their communities by sharing authoritative news that readers trust. Our sales teams provide local businesses with highly responsive digital advertising and marketing solutions. We are one of the largest regional news publishers in the UK and have a portfolio of more than 250+ local news brands and magazines online and in print. With an online audience of 41 million users a month and 7 million readers a week in print, our content is read by a substantial proportion of the UK population.