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

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. The role is suitable for an experienced news editor or a senior journalist with newsdesk experience. We have recently launched a subscription business providing Premium content and this is a key part of our strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 to the people of Greater Manchester and beyond which always puts the audience at the heart of decision-making.
• 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.

The Ideal Candidate / Qualifications

• Strong people management skills including the ability to lead, motivate and develop content teams are essential to get this job.
• 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.

What We Offer / Benefits

• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), plus extra days after milestones, and option to buy extra holiday.
• An extra day’s paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Additional paid leave for personal milestones (e.g., marriage, moving, new family member).
• Company pension contributions matching up to 6%.
• Supportive policies to support flexible, inclusive progression.
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Car lease scheme with salary sacrifice options.
• Wellbeing support and 24/7 assistance.
• Discounts via Reach’s online marketplace.
• Interest-free loans 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 value potential, passion and diverse perspectives and are committed to an inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to a recruitment process that is fair and welcoming to all.