Content Editor - Manchester Evening News

Do you want to work in one of the country's most vibrant newsrooms covering our brilliant cities and towns? The Manchester Evening News is the largest regional website in the country with a huge and engaged audience. We pride ourselves on setting the agenda and making a difference.

As a content editor you will be part of the desk which manages, edits and publishes news and other content. This could include written word and video-based storytelling.

This is a senior role on the newsdesk responsible - as part of a team - for managing reporters and photographers as well as publishing and distributing content for the Manchester Evening News website, app and social media channels. We have recently launched a subscription business providing Premium content and this is a key part of our strategy. The role is suitable for an experienced news editor or a senior journalist with newsdesk experience.

Our aim is to produce the very highest standard of content that informs, interests and engages our audience.

This role is hybrid, linked to our hub in Oldham, we are therefore looking for candidates based in and around Greater Manchester. There will be an expectation of a flexible approach to shifts.

What will the role involve?

• Commission, manage, edit, produce, publish and share the highest standard of images, video, audio, blogs and other digital storytelling tools
• Provide a superb news and entertainment service, which always puts the audience at the heart of decision-making, to the people of Greater Manchester and beyond
• Motivate and mentor our team of talented journalists to produce content the audience wants
• Understand how to create, edit, headline and publish content to appeal to our readers
• Support the operation to grow our subscriber community and help ensure all our digital targets are reached
• Understand the Manchester Evening News brand
• Maintain editorial, ethical legal and IPSO standards across digital platforms
• Have an understanding of the different requirements of different content referrers such as Google Organic/Discover
• Be part of the team which manages the brand social channels ensuring they have an engaging and consistent voice. Be able to spot content opportunities through social media, newsletters, WhatsApp communities and push notifications
• Be part of the team which manages the home page and app
• Use audience data, insights and analytics to help inform content decisions and planning
• Take accountability for the fair and consistent application of all our people policies, procedures and processes
• Develop a culture of trust, where people are safe to speak up, clear on their role in the team’s success and empowered to be their best at work

Who are we looking for?

Content editors are senior members of the newsroom responsible for managing the news operation to a high standard. We are looking for an experienced journalist who is able to demonstrate strong content management skills and digital publishing knowledge as well as some experience of or potential for managing, leading and inspiring teams. You will need:

• Strong people management skills including the ability to lead, motivate and develop content teams (essential)
• An NCTJ/ Reach plc or equivalent senior journalist qualification (or relevant time-served experience)
• Experience of content management and an understanding of editorial strategy and brand values
• Strong storytelling and digital publishing skills - or a willingness to learn
• An understanding of social media both in terms of finding content and sharing it
• An understanding of how to use analytics to inform content commissioning and production - or a willingness to learn
• First-class organisational skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written
• Adaptable, flexible, creative and full of flair with a positive, can-do attitude
• Ability to work quickly and effectively as part of a team and under deadline pressure
• Good judgement and excellent attention to detail
• Energy, drive, determination and self-motivation
• Ability to take instruction as well as manage own workload efficiently
• Up-to-date knowledge of media law and IPSO code

How we'll look after you

We take good care of our people - and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you'll get a range of benefits, including:

• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.
• An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
• Big moment day - an extra day's paid leave for a moment that matters to you - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!)
• Help saving for your retirement - we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
• Supportive and progressive people policies - we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression. We believe you shouldn’t have to wait to join us to know what to expect from us, which is why we share this overview of the policies we have in place to support families and carers. If there's something you want to understand more about, just ask - it won't make a difference to your application.
• A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.
• Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
• Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly, where you can buy everything from homewares to beauty products.
• Interest-free loans - including for season tickets and technology

Additional Information

If you're excited about this role but don't tick every single box, please don't let that stop you from applying.

We know that everyone has their own story to tell, and we value potential, passion and the perspectives that different backgrounds bring to our work.

Diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us better serve our audiences, which is why we’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

We are committed to a recruitment process that is fair and welcoming to all, without discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.