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.

What will the role involve?

• Commissioning, editing, and publishing high-quality multimedia content (including superb news and entertainment content across written, video, audio, and blog mediums) that serves the Greater Manchester community and aligns with the Manchester Evening News brand.
• Putting the audience at the heart of your decision-making to make sure our content engages our readers.
• Driving audience engagement and subscriber growth by using data, analytics, and insights to inform content planning and platform optimisation, with an understanding of content referrers such as Google Organic/Discover.
• Leading and inspiring a team of journalists, providing mentorship, feedback, and guidance on storytelling and contact-building to help them reach their full potential.
• Being part of the team that manages the MEN’s brand presence across social media, newsletters, WhatsApp, and push notifications, ensuring a consistent and engaging voice, spotting story opportunities through social media.
• Maintaining rigorous editorial, ethical, and legal standards, ensuring all content is in line with IPSO and Reach publishing guidelines.
• Being part of the team that manages the MEN’s homepage and app, ensuring all content meets digital targets and strategic goals.
• Supporting the operation to grow our subscriber community.
• Fostering a high-performance, inclusive culture by setting clear expectations, recognising success, and applying people policies fairly.
• Acting as a role model and leader for change initiatives, supporting the group’s long-term strategy and employee development.

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.
• Strong people management skills with the ability to lead, motivate, and develop content teams is essential for this position.
• NCTJ/Reach PLC or equivalent senior journalist qualification (or relevant time-served experience).
• Proven experience in content management and strong storytelling skills.
• Good digital publishing skills (or a willingness to learn), including the use of analytics to inform commissioning.
• Deep understanding of editorial strategy, brand values, up to date media law, and IPSO code.
• A strong grasp of social media for both content discovery and distribution.
• First-class organisational and communication skills, with the ability to present confidently in conference.
• Adaptable, creative, and self-motivated with a positive "can-do" attitude and a flair for innovation.
• Ability to work quickly and effectively under deadline pressure while maintaining excellent attention to detail.
• Collaborative team player, capable of taking instruction and managing a personal workload efficiently.
• Flexible approach to shifts, with the drive to meet evolving digital demands.

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.
• An extra'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.
• 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.

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.