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- Tasks: Lead the editing and production of engaging sports journalism across print and digital platforms.
- Company: The Observer, a progressive publication committed to impactful journalism.
- Benefits: Private healthcare, pension, cycle scheme, free snacks, and more.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sports journalism and work with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in sports editing and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
The Observer’s promise is in the name. The Observer bears witness; the best of journalism being curious minds at work. It loves the arts and ideas, both for their own sake and because they can change lives. It’s proudly progressive, but has no party allegiance. It’s open to different arguments and its editorial independence is non-negotiable. We are building a new Observer across print, audio and digital. We’re here to build journalism that lasts.
The Observer is looking for a chief sports sub-editor to lead production of our print and digital sports journalism. Working closely with editors, reporters, and designers, you will oversee the editing and presentation of a broad range of sports journalism, from live events to analysis, features and long-form pieces. Candidates must have exceptional editing skills, a sharp eye for detail and the ability to work confidently under pressure and to tight deadlines.
Responsibilities- Lead the sub-editing and production of sports content across print and digital, ensuring accuracy, clarity and consistency with The Observer’s editorial standards.
- Write sharp, engaging and SEO-conscious headlines, standfirsts and captions that maximise reader engagement across platforms.
- Manage the sports production workflow, prioritising content effectively to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced newsroom environment.
- Collaborate closely with editors, reporters and correspondents to shape copy, maintain tone of voice and strengthen storytelling.
- Collaborate with editors and designers to create high-quality layouts that best showcase our sports journalism.
- Liaise with audience and digital teams to optimise content for online performance, including homepage, app and social distribution.
- Maintain rigorous editorial standards, ensuring all content complies with media law, ethical guidelines and house style.
The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in sports editing at a national news organisation or magazine and will be comfortable working across print and digital formats, collaborating with reporters, designers and audience teams to deliver ambitious, engaging and accurate journalism.
- Extensive experience editing sport for a national newspaper, magazine or major digital publisher.
- Experience as a chief sub or senior sub at a national newspaper.
- Exceptional copy-editing and headline-writing skills, with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong knowledge of a wide range of sports, including the ability to handle breaking news and live events confidently.
- Proven experience working to tight deadlines in a fast-paced newsroom environment.
- Excellent understanding of media law, editorial standards and journalistic ethics.
- Experience collaborating with reporters, production, design and audience teams to deliver high-quality journalism.
- Strong organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage workloads and priorities effectively.
- Private healthcare.
- Group income protection & life assurance.
- Pension.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Interest-free season ticket loan.
- Free snacks and drinks in the newsroom.
We aim to run our interview process at pace and with clarity at every stage, recognising how challenging it can be to balance alongside other commitments or interviews. The number of stages will vary depending on the nature and level of the role, but we see this as a two-way process and hope you’ll enjoy the opportunity to meet a range of potential future colleagues.
Chief Sports Sub-Editor in City of Westminster employer: The Observer, company
Contact Detail:
The Observer, company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Sports Sub-Editor in City of Westminster
✨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
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in sports journalism. Whether it’s articles, edits, or layouts, having tangible examples of your talent can really set you apart when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching The Observer’s recent sports coverage. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their vision and bring fresh ideas to the table. This shows you’re genuinely interested and invested in the role.
✨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 you’re serious about joining the team at The Observer.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Sports Sub-Editor in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Editing Skills: Make sure your application highlights your exceptional editing skills. We want to see how you can bring clarity and consistency to sports journalism, so include examples of your work that demonstrate your sharp eye for detail.
Craft Engaging Headlines: Since writing sharp, engaging headlines is key for us, take the time to showcase your headline-writing prowess in your application. Think about how you can make your application stand out with catchy and SEO-conscious titles.
Demonstrate Your Experience: We’re looking for someone with substantial experience in sports editing, so don’t hold back! Share your background in national news organisations or magazines, and highlight any leadership roles you've had in managing workflows and teams.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for this exciting role at The Observer!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Observer, company
✨Know Your Sports Inside Out
As a Chief Sports Sub-Editor, you need to demonstrate a deep understanding of various sports. Brush up on recent events, key players, and trending topics in the sports world. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Editing Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work that highlight your editing prowess. Bring along pieces where you've crafted engaging headlines or improved clarity and consistency. Be ready to discuss your editing process and how you ensure high editorial standards.
✨Familiarise Yourself with The Observer's Style
Before the interview, read through The Observer’s sports section to get a feel for their tone and style. Understanding their editorial voice will help you align your answers with their expectations and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle tight deadlines or breaking news situations. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed pressure. This will showcase your ability to thrive in a fast-paced newsroom environment.