At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our fast-paced news desk, editing and managing engaging stories across print and digital platforms.
- Company: The Express, a leading national news outlet based in London.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, healthcare support, and financial wellbeing resources.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and encourages all backgrounds to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in journalism while working with a dynamic team on breaking news.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in a national newsroom, NCTJ-qualified, and a passion for current affairs.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Assistant News Editor to join us at the Express. This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious senior reporter, chief reporter, or assistant news editor to step into a pivotal, fast‐paced role on a busy national news desk. Based in London, you will bring a sharp eye for a story, immense enthusiasm, and the confidence to make quick, high‐level editorial decisions. Working across both print and online platforms, you will help run on and off‐diary news, ensuring our output is fast, trustworthy, and deeply engaging.
About this role
What will the role involve?
- You will support the Head of News and the wider newsdesk in managing, reviewing, and maintaining the exceptional quality of news content across the Express.
- You will work actively on the newsdesk, running on‐ and off‐diary news while editing stories to strict Express standards for both print and digital platforms.
- You will help oversee the operational performance of the reporting team, finding, breaking, and sourcing major exclusives that keep us ahead of our rivals.
- You will play a key role in developing the department, updating relevant sections of the site, building brand identity, and optimizing content alongside other editorial teams.
Please note: While you will heavily support, coach, and manage the daily workflow of the reporting team, this role does not have direct line management reports.
London‐Based (Hub): This role is based out of our London office. We operate a flexible working model, but due to the fast‐paced nature of a national newsdesk, you will need to be within a commutable distance of the Canary Wharf hub.
Who are we looking for?
- Desk Experience: You have national newsroom experience (ideally at least 5 years). We are looking for an Assistant News Editor, but an accomplished Chief Reporter or Senior Reporter ready to step up is highly encouraged to apply.
- Multi‐Platform Background: A strong understanding of online publishing is essential, coupled with proven experience working on a busy print newsdesk.
- Decisive & Energetic: You are a self‐motivated individual who can think and act quickly under pressure, with a genuine passion for breaking exclusive news.
- Journalistic Excellence: You are an NCTJ‐qualified (or senior qualified) journalist with a sharp eye for a story, high professionalism, and a keen interest in current affairs.
- Flexibility & Location: You are London‐based and completely understand the Express brand and what drives reader engagement. This role involves shift work, including evenings and weekends, so a flexible approach to hours is required.
How we'll look after you
- 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), plus additional days after being with us for three, five and ten years, and a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- Financial Wellbeing – Access Stream, our app for managing your finances, pay, rewards and benefits all in one place.
- Access to lots of discounts – including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly.
- 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.
Assistant News Editor in London employer: REACH PLC
At the Express, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our supportive policies, including generous holiday allowances, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive wellbeing support. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values journalistic excellence and fosters an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant News Editor in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent news stories. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about what we do at the Express. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with our needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and showcasing your journalistic skills, especially your ability to make quick editorial decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at the Express.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant News Editor in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your national newsroom experience and any relevant roles you've held. We want to see how your background as a senior reporter or chief reporter has prepared you for this fast-paced Assistant News Editor role.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing candidates who understand what makes the Express unique.
Be Decisive and Energetic:In your application, convey your ability to think quickly and act decisively under pressure. Share examples of how you've broken exclusive news or made high-level editorial decisions in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the Express!
How to prepare for a job interview at REACH PLC
✨Know Your News
Before the interview, make sure to brush up on current affairs and recent stories covered by the Express. Being able to discuss their latest articles or breaking news will show your genuine interest in the role and the publication.
✨Showcase Your Editorial Skills
Prepare examples of your past work that highlight your editorial decision-making and multi-platform experience. Be ready to discuss how you've managed news content and maintained quality standards in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Decisiveness
In this role, quick thinking is key. Think of scenarios where you had to make rapid editorial decisions under pressure. Share these experiences during the interview to illustrate your ability to thrive in a busy newsroom.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
While you’ll be supporting the reporting team, it’s important to show that you can work well with others. Prepare to discuss how you’ve coached or collaborated with colleagues in the past to achieve common goals, especially in a news context.
