Features Writer - Mirror & Magazines

Features Writer – Mirror & Magazines

Reach plc

Job Overview: We are looking for an experienced Features Writer to join our dynamic Mirror & Magazines team. The Features (Audience) Writer plays a crucial role in driving traffic and engagement by producing high-impact, data-driven stories and exclusives across a wide range of topics.

• Employment: Full‑time, Permanent
• Location: Home & Hub – London (Must be located in or around London)
• Division: Editorial | Department: Nationals
• Salary Currency: GBP Sterling

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Head of Features (Audience), you will react quickly to real‑time analytics, trending topics and platform insights to deliver stories and exclusives that audiences are actively searching for and sharing. You will:

• Write fast, engaging, data‑led stories across news, entertainment, lifestyle and showbiz, ensuring content is IP‑safe, brand‑appropriate and IPSO‑compliant.
• React quickly to breaking news and trends, writing fast‑turnaround pieces that keep Mirror & Magazines coverage competitive on Discover, search and social.
• Build and nurture showbiz contacts and communities online and offline to secure tips and exclusives.
• Monitor real‑time analytics, trending charts and social media to spot opportunities, pitch and deliver data‑led ideas for traffic growth and engagement.
• Create evergreen content and listicles that strengthen search visibility and long‑tail traffic, and write across formats including quick turnarounds, deep‑dive exclusives, Q&As, features, galleries and explainers.
• Produce engaging affiliate content in line with brand guidelines to drive revenue opportunities.
• Craft highly optimised headlines and intros to maximise CTR and package every story with strong metadata, imagery, links and SEO best practice.
• Track performance in analytics and refine angles, headlines or presentation to contribute to KPIs such as traffic growth, affiliate conversions, dwell time, recirculation, video views and social monetisation.
• Suggest and create content for video, audio, social‑first formats and visuals, use AI tools responsibly and experiment with new storytelling approaches to lift traffic and engagement.
• Collaborate with senior editors, SEO, video and social teams to maximise reach.

Qualifications

You are an experienced NCTJ qualified (or equivalent) reporter with up‑to‑date UK media law knowledge and proven experience writing features spanning news, showbiz, lifestyle and entertainment. You have an excellent instinct for what audiences are reading and searching for, strong writing and headline skills, and can turn stories around quickly while confidently using real‑time analytics to guide decisions. You are highly data‑literate, have strong skills in CMS publishing, SEO and content optimisation, thrive in a fast‑paced, audience‑driven environment, and possess strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with SEO, social and editorial colleagues. You have a passion for digital journalism and audience‑first storytelling and a working knowledge of core editorial KPIs (e.g. pageviews and revenue).

Benefits

• 25 days\’ holiday (plus bank holidays); extra days after 3, 5 and 10 years; scheme to buy extra holiday
• Paid leave to volunteer or a “Big moment day” for personal milestones
• Bonus scheme providing a stake in company success
• Company pension match up to 6 % with salary sacrifice option
• Progressive people policies covering family leave, flexibility, inclusion and progression
• Healthcare cash plan for medical expenses and quick doctor appointments
• Car lease scheme for brand‑new electric or hybrid cars via salary sacrifice
• Well‑being support with 24/7 assistance programme
• Discounts – 15 % off using Reach\’s online marketplace Yimbly
• Interest‑free loans for season tickets and technology

Commitment to Diversity

Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

Closing Statement

We reserve the right to close this advert at any time depending on the number/quality of applications.