At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative editorial team and oversee the Chemist+Druggist brand's content strategy.
- Company: Join Norstella, a dynamic company with a rich 160-year history in publishing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, volunteering days, and a generous pension match.
- Other info: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and develop innovative content formats.
- Why this job: Shape the future of pharmacy journalism and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Proven editorial leadership and experience in digital publishing and audience analytics.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Norstella is seeking a creative and enthusiastic Editor to lead its multi‑award‑winning editorial team in central London. Reporting to the VP, News & Insights, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the revered 160‑year‑old Chemist+Druggist (C+D) publishing brand – from its award‑winning breaking news and analysis, to its podcasts, peer‑to‑peer C+D Community platform and the industry‑leading C+D Awards.
C+D has built a strong news operation with a loyal and engaged audience. The next phase is about adding data‑informed analysis and insight to that news output: content that goes further, carries more authority, and gives advertisers and readers alike stronger reasons to stay. The goal is to raise the quality and depth of what C+D publishes, not to replace the news agenda that has built its audience. The incoming Editor will own that evolution, working alongside commercial and product teams to grow both the audience and the business.
Key Responsibilities- Editorial Strategy and Direction
- Define and own the editorial vision, ensuring content is authoritative, data‑informed, and clearly differentiated from competitors.
- Produce and maintain a documented content strategy covering audience, value proposition, and the formats and coverage areas that drive the strongest engagement, with quarterly progress reports shared with the VP, News and Insights.
- Build on a strong news operation by layering in data‑led analysis and insight content using C+D Data and C+D Intelligence.
- Maintain editorial standards, accuracy, and independence across all output.
- Track engagement closely and use audience data to inform editorial decisions, not just report on them.
- Data, Measurement and Analytics
- Build and own editorial measurement frameworks: establish engagement baselines, select meaningful metrics, and use data to inform decisions rather than confirm them after the fact.
- Embed audience analytics into day‑to‑day editorial planning: time on page, return visit rate, article completion, social engagement.
- Lead integration of C+D Data and C+D Intelligence into editorial workflows and content output.
- Develop data journalism as an editorial capability, creating formats that add clear value to the audience and that competitors cannot easily replicate.
- Leadership and Team Development
- Lead and develop a team of 5–7 editorial professionals across news, clinical, digital and community functions.
- Set clear goals for each team member, hold regular 1:1s, and ensure ongoing development conversations.
- Build team capability in AI tools and data journalism as part of the standard editorial toolkit.
- Be a credible editorial figurehead both inside the business and externally.
- Commercial and Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Commercial and Client teams to develop content that supports advertiser relationships without compromising editorial credibility.
- Take personal accountability for originating and delivering at least one revenue‑supporting editorial initiative per half‑year: sponsored content, commercial partnerships, or event tie‑ins, in active collaboration with the commercial team.
- Contribute to product development, particularly the C+D Intelligence roadmap, identifying where editorial can add or extract value.
- Work with digital engagement and marketing teams to build audience and extend reach, including on new platforms.
- Represent editorial in senior leadership discussions and with external stakeholders including pharmacy bodies, industry associations, and clients.
- C+D Awards
- Serve as editorial lead for the C+D Awards, the sector’s premier annual recognition event for community pharmacy professionals and teams, and an important brand and commercial platform for C+D.
- Maintain the editorial credibility and independence that makes the Awards trusted by the sector.
- Work with the commercial and events team to grow the Awards’ profile and reach year‑on‑year.
- Use the Awards to build and strengthen relationships with pharmacy bodies, industry groups and key clients.
- Audience, Community and CPD/Revalidation
- Sustain and develop the publication’s relationship with the UK community pharmacy audience.
- Oversee C+D Community as a distinct editorial and engagement channel.
- Treat CPD and revalidation content as a genuine priority: pharmacists’ revalidation requirements are regulatory, and C+D’s revalidation offer serves both the audience and the business.
- Collaborate with the marketing team on bi‑seasonal revalidation campaigns to drive traffic and community engagement.
- Essential
- Proven senior editorial leadership in B2B, trade, or specialist media, with P&L or revenue awareness.
- Track record of developing editorial output: raising quality, broadening formats, introducing data or analysis capability alongside a core news operation.
- Comfortable building editorial measurement frameworks from scratch: setting baselines, choosing the right metrics, and acting on what the data shows.
- Strong grounding in digital publishing, SEO, audience analytics, and digital and newsletter strategy.
- Commercially aware: understands advertising‑funded media models, is comfortable working with sales and client teams, and takes ownership of revenue‑supporting activity.
- Works well across functions: builds productive relationships with commercial, product, and technology colleagues without compromising editorial judgement.
- Experienced people manager with a track record of developing editorial teams across different specialisms.
- High editorial standards: accuracy, sourcing, legal awareness, and ethical judgement.
- Desirable
- Experience in healthcare, pharmacy, life sciences, or another regulated professional media sector.
- Familiarity with data journalism tools or business intelligence platforms.
- Experience in a multi‑brand or portfolio media organisation.
- Track record of developing editorial products such as newsletters, intelligence reports, or data‑led content formats.
- Experience leading an industry awards programme editorially.
- 25 days annual leave, 4 days for volunteering and a personal day.
- 5% pension match.
- Group Life Assurance (100% employer funded).
- Group Income Protection (100% employer funded).
- Other voluntary benefits such as Dental, Cash Plan, Mortgage Advice, Discount Platform, Health Screening & Critical Illness.
Norstella is an equal opportunity employer. All job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability or handicap, medical condition, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), marital or domestic partner status, military or veteran status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, reproductive health decision making, or any other protected characteristic as established by federal, state, or local law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Editor in London
✨Dive Into the Publishing Community
Get involved with local or online publishing communities. Join forums, attend literary festivals, or participate in panel discussions. This can be a goldmine for meeting industry professionals and hearing about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow leading publishing media channels on social media, like Twitter and Instagram. See what tactics and content formats are currently trending. This knowledge can help you tailor your discussions when you're networking or at interviews with companies like Norstella.
✨Make Your Passion Visible
If you have a blog or a social media presence focused on books or publishing, use it! Share your thoughts on recent publications, trends in the industry, or interviews with authors. This can showcase your passion and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Hunt for Opportunities on Company Websites
While job boards are useful, don’t forget to go directly to company websites, like Norstella. They often post openings there first. Plus, you might find job descriptions that give insight into what skills they really value, which can help you ace that interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Editor in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Style:In the publishing-media world, your writing style is your signature. Make sure your CV highlights relevant writing experiences, whether that's published articles, blog posts, or even social media content. Give us a glimpse of your voice and flair for storytelling right from the start!
Include Relevant Projects:Don’t just list your roles; include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills in editing, research, or content creation. If you've contributed to a magazine or worked on a publication, make that front and centre! It shows you've got hands-on experience in the industry, which we absolutely love.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Let’s be honest: a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity. Take the time to craft a letter that speaks to why you’re passionate about this role at Norstella. Mention what excites you about the publishing-media industry and how your skills align with the job description. We want to see that enthusiasm!
Format Matters!:In the publishing-media sector, presentation is key. Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-organised and visually appealing. Use headings, bullet points, and a clean layout. This isn't just about aesthetics — it shows your attention to detail and professionalism, which we really appreciate at Norstella.
How to prepare for a job interview at Norstella
✨Know Your Stuff: Be Ready on Industry Trends
Get yourself clued up on the latest trends in the publishing-media world. Think about how digital transformation is impacting the industry, and be ready to chat about relevant examples. This shows you're not just passionate but also informed!
✨Showcase Your Creativity with a Portfolio
Bring along a portfolio that showcases your writing, editing, or design work. Since it’s a full-time role, they’ll want to see how your style fits their brand at Norstella. Tailor your presentation to their projects for maximum impact.
✨Brush Up on Editing Techniques
Expect some technical questions about editing styles, proofing techniques, and style guides. They might ask you to solve a practical problem or provide feedback on a piece—know the tools and software commonly used in the industry, and be prepared to discuss them!
✨Express Your Passion for Storytelling
In the publishing-media field, storytelling is key. Be ready to discuss what stories inspire you and why you want to join the team at Norstella. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!