Deputy News Editor, Racing Post

Spotlight Sports Group is a global media and technology company with a clear purpose, to set the standard for trusted, customer-driven experiences across global racing and sports betting. Guided by our mission to create experiences that fans love, we combine more than 40 years of heritage with bold innovation to deliver award-winning content, data and digital products.

Job Purpose/summary

Acting as deputy to the news editor, this key role within the Content (racing) team will suit someone with a passion for creating a digital-first, audience-led news service for the Racing Post's unrivalled digital, print and social media platforms. The ideal candidate will be bursting with ideas for news and innovative digital formats, will have a sharp eye for bringing exclusives to the boil, and a track record of commissioning agenda-setting news. The deputy news editor will work with the news editor and other commissioning editors; their primary focus will be to assist in running the news-gathering operation and help manage a team of reporters with a view to creating exclusive, industry-leading stories, a daily news service for multiple platforms, and special news projects. The position is based on a nine-day fortnight and is a hybrid role, with the successful candidate working from our Head Office two to three times a week.

Key Responsibilities

• Regularly act as duty news editor, running the reporting team and delivering high-quality stories and content packages
• Assist in developing and fostering a creative environment in which reporters are inspired to produce distinctive, varied and impactful stories
• Help evolve and deliver the digital-first news strategy, including the use of live blogs, explainers, timelines, Q&As, data-led journalism, video and other formats appropriate to the story
• Work closely with audience, social, video and graphics teams to maximise the reach, impact and presentation of news coverage
• Use audience data and editorial judgement to assess performance, identify opportunities and improve future commissioning
• Ensure major breaking stories are covered quickly and followed through with analysis, reaction, explainers and premium depth, in line with the Racing Post's free/premium strategy
• Line manage members of the reporting team and play an active role in raising standards of excellence, embedding new formats and providing feedback
• Represent the news desk at editorial conferences and contribute to wider content team planning and strategy
• Support the planning of news coverage and special projects

Requirements

• Experience of commissioning and editing news in a fast-paced digital newsroom
• Excellent news judgement and the confidence to make rapid editorial decisions under pressure
• A strong understanding of digital publishing, audience behaviour and the formats that drive reach, engagement and subscriptions
• Ability to provide clear, constructive feedback and raise standards across a reporting team
• Confidence using audience data and analytics to inform commissioning and coverage decisions
• Excellent time management skills and ability to work to and meet deadlines
• Excellent communication skills at all levels with colleagues, contributors, contacts and stakeholders
• Strong knowledge of media law, editorial compliance and journalistic ethics
• Strong interest in horseracing and at least a working knowledge of the sport and the betting industry
• Experience of managing, coaching or developing journalists is desirable

Benefits

We offer a range of well-being initiatives, including private medical insurance, excellent parental leave, a working globally policy, mental health support, assistance programs, and social gatherings. We also provide a pension scheme and various other benefit schemes. Plus, we all get our birthdays off work and enjoy 25 days of holiday per year. We've also got you covered with life assurance and exclusive perks like the Star card and our Step Further Awards (our employee recognition program) to recognise your dedication. For those working via the hybrid model (in the office and at home) we've made commuting easier with our Season Ticket Loan and Cycle to Work Scheme. You can also take advantage of complimentary access to our Racing Post Members Club, complete with an Ultimate Membership. We believe in making a positive impact beyond the workplace, and you'll have the chance to volunteer two days per year with our charity partner.