Commissioning Editor, FT Weekend Magazine in London

Commissioning Editor, FT Weekend Magazine in London

London Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The Financial Times Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Commission and edit captivating long-form features for FT Weekend Magazine.
  • Company: Join the prestigious Financial Times, known for its impactful journalism.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, medical cover, gym memberships, and inclusive parental leave.
  • Other info: Collaborative team environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Shape memorable stories that resonate with readers and make a lasting impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience in editing long-form journalism and a knack for creative storytelling.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

FT Weekend magazine is seeking a commissioning editor to work on some of the FT’s highest‑profile and most exciting long‑form journalism. This is an important position in a busy department, requiring an editor with strong storytelling abilities and a sharp eye for memorable, provocative and revelatory stories across a breadth of subjects.

We are looking for an experienced journalist with a record of and passion for assigning the kinds of long‑form pieces readers talk about, share and remember for years in the future.

Responsibilities
  • Commission and edit long‑form features for the weekly magazine
  • Plan, commission and edit special issues
  • Pitch story ideas and writers from both within and outside the FT
  • Contribute to the magazine team & additional duties as assigned by the editor
Qualifications
  • Experience as an editor, including editing magazine features, narrative long‑form, reportage, investigations, criticism and/or literary nonfiction
  • Experience coaching writers through all stages of the reporting and writing process, including securing access and working through multiple rounds of drafts
  • An ideas machine, who generates sophisticated, imaginative and delightful coverage
  • Someone with a long list of contacts and the ability to be constantly scouting for new talent, inside and outside the FT
  • Search and social media optimisation expertise, including writing compelling print, web and social headlines
  • Copy‑editing and diligent fact‑checking skills; extreme attention to detail
  • Ability to meet deadlines and work under time pressure

The ideal candidate will be creative, well‑organised and love working on a highly collaborative, low‑drama team. While print magazine experience is desirable, we welcome candidates from other backgrounds who have demonstrated ability in long‑form journalism.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

Benefits
  • Generous annual leave
  • Medical cover
  • Inclusive parental leave packages
  • Subsidised gym memberships
  • Opportunities to give back to the community

FT Newsroom staff are expected to work onsite a minimum of three days per week, subject to role requirements and regular review. While flexible working requests will be considered, not all patterns are suitable for Editorial roles.

The Financial Times Ltd

Contact Details:

The Financial Times Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor, FT Weekend Magazine in London

Dive Into the Publishing Community

Get involved with local or online publishing communities. Join forums, attend literary festivals, or participate in panel discussions. This can be a goldmine for meeting industry professionals and hearing about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.

Stay Updated with Industry Trends

Follow leading publishing media channels on social media, like Twitter and Instagram. See what tactics and content formats are currently trending. This knowledge can help you tailor your discussions when you're networking or at interviews with companies like The Financial Times Ltd.

Make Your Passion Visible

If you have a blog or a social media presence focused on books or publishing, use it! Share your thoughts on recent publications, trends in the industry, or interviews with authors. This can showcase your passion and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate.

Hunt for Opportunities on Company Websites

While job boards are useful, don’t forget to go directly to company websites, like The Financial Times Ltd. They often post openings there first. Plus, you might find job descriptions that give insight into what skills they really value, which can help you ace that interview.

We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Editor, FT Weekend Magazine in London

Storytelling Abilities
Editing Skills
Long-Form Journalism
Coaching Writers
Idea Generation
Networking and Talent Scouting
Search and Social Media Optimisation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Writing Style:In the publishing-media world, your writing style is your signature. Make sure your CV highlights relevant writing experiences, whether that's published articles, blog posts, or even social media content. Give us a glimpse of your voice and flair for storytelling right from the start!

Include Relevant Projects:Don’t just list your roles; include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills in editing, research, or content creation. If you've contributed to a magazine or worked on a publication, make that front and centre! It shows you've got hands-on experience in the industry, which we absolutely love.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Let’s be honest: a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity. Take the time to craft a letter that speaks to why you’re passionate about this role at The Financial Times Ltd. Mention what excites you about the publishing-media industry and how your skills align with the job description. We want to see that enthusiasm!

Format Matters!:In the publishing-media sector, presentation is key. Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-organised and visually appealing. Use headings, bullet points, and a clean layout. This isn't just about aesthetics — it shows your attention to detail and professionalism, which we really appreciate at The Financial Times Ltd.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Financial Times Ltd

Know Your Stuff: Be Ready on Industry Trends

Get yourself clued up on the latest trends in the publishing-media world. Think about how digital transformation is impacting the industry, and be ready to chat about relevant examples. This shows you're not just passionate but also informed!

Showcase Your Creativity with a Portfolio

Bring along a portfolio that showcases your writing, editing, or design work. Since it’s a full-time role, they’ll want to see how your style fits their brand at The Financial Times Ltd. Tailor your presentation to their projects for maximum impact.

Brush Up on Editing Techniques

Expect some technical questions about editing styles, proofing techniques, and style guides. They might ask you to solve a practical problem or provide feedback on a piece—know the tools and software commonly used in the industry, and be prepared to discuss them!

Express Your Passion for Storytelling

In the publishing-media field, storytelling is key. Be ready to discuss what stories inspire you and why you want to join the team at The Financial Times Ltd. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!