At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and commission engaging features and interviews for print and digital platforms.
- Company: Join The Sun, the UK's leading news brand with a massive audience.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, gym discounts, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark on a brand that influences millions every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning or writing for major publications is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
The Sun is the biggest news brand in the UK, publishing hundreds of stories a day and reaching over 170m unique users digitally every month. Its exclusives set the news agenda and its campaigns have changed the lives of many, delivering news, entertainment, and sports coverage to millions of readers every day. With a rich history spanning decades, we are dedicated to providing accurate, insightful, and engaging content across print and digital platforms. The Sun has a mass‑market audience and aims to appeal to a diverse audience in the UK and beyond.
Your role As Assistant Editor, Features, you will be a key player in shaping the voice and content of our most prominent platforms. This is a fantastic opportunity for a manager bursting with ideas to make their mark on a brand that reaches millions every day. You will be responsible for generating and commissioning a constant stream of compelling, on‑brand, and agenda‑setting content for print and online. The content covers exclusive celebrity interviews, shocking real‑life stories, the latest must‑have trends, and expert‑led lifestyle advice.
Day to day you will:
- Generate and commission unmissable features, interviews and real‑life stories across print and digital platforms to maintain a consistent tone of voice.
- Lead the creative process by pitching innovative concepts for series, packages, and major projects for the entire brand.
- Deliver 360‑degree editing by preparing stories for all platforms, with a specific focus on our video‑first strategy in a 24/7 newsroom environment.
- Analyse audience data quickly to develop strong content ideas that drive engagement for the Sun Club.
- Manage the workflow of content from conception to publication, ensuring all unique platform demands and production deadlines are met.
- Mentor and guide a team of in‑house reporters and junior staff, nurturing their talent and ensuring high‑quality copy under tight deadlines.
What we're looking for from you:
- Proven experience as a Commissioning Editor or senior features writer within a fast‑paced national newspaper, magazine, or major digital publisher.
- Extensive contacts and a track record of securing exclusive celebrity interviews and high‑impact real‑life stories.
- Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to juggle multiple commissions and digital deadlines effortlessly.
- Skilled in managing or mentoring reporters and writers to deliver first‑class editorial standards.
- Deep understanding of news and women’s lifestyle content, with an intuitive grasp of current trends and audience interests.
- Strong editorial judgement and the ability to adapt writing and editing styles for various platforms and audiences.
- Familiarity with SEO, analytics, and social media strategy.
Benefits:
- Private medical insurance including coverage for pre‑existing conditions.
- Discounted gym memberships, free ClassPass at Home, weekly in‑person/ virtual exercise classes.
- ‘Bikes for Work’ and ‘Electric Car’ scheme.
- Up to 60% discount on Harper Collins books.
- Maternity leave up to 18 weeks full basic salary & paternity leave up to 2 weeks.
- Access to exclusive events and competitions with exciting brands such as talkSPORT, Virgin Radio UK & The Times.
- Weekly virtual panel chats with top journalists and celebrities.
- Access to wellbeing benefits such as EAP, physio/massage and counselling.
- A generous pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 5%.
- Wide range of training available, plus full LinkedIn Learning access.
- 30 days holiday, plus bank holidays and up to 4 volunteering days per year.
We are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments due to a disability or health condition at any stage of your application or interview, please let us know. You can contact us at careers@news.co.uk to discuss how we can support you to perform at your best.
Assistant Editor (Features) employer: The Sun
The Sun is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity thrives and innovation is encouraged. With a commitment to employee growth through extensive training opportunities and a supportive culture, staff can develop their skills while contributing to a brand that reaches millions. Located in the heart of the UK media landscape, employees enjoy unique benefits such as private medical insurance, generous leave policies, and access to exclusive events, making it a rewarding place to build a career in journalism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Editor (Features)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage with professionals on social media. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to pitch ideas, make sure they’re fresh and engaging. Think outside the box and don’t be afraid to suggest something bold that aligns with The Sun’s voice.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews! Research The Sun’s recent features and trends, and come armed with your own ideas. This shows you’re not just interested in the role but also invested in the brand’s success.
✨Tip Number 4
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 our team at The Sun.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Editor (Features)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your previous roles as a Commissioning Editor or senior features writer. We want to see your track record of securing those exclusive interviews and high-impact stories that get people talking!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Tailor your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with our needs at The Sun. Show us you understand our audience and the type of content we produce.
Be Creative in Your Pitch:When applying, think about how you can pitch innovative concepts for features or series. We love fresh ideas, so don’t hold back! Let your creativity shine through in your application.
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and structure to make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Assistant Editor role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Sun
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to understand The Sun's audience. Familiarise yourself with their content style and the types of stories that resonate with readers. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your understanding of what makes engaging features.
✨Showcase Your Ideas
Come prepared with a few innovative feature ideas that align with The Sun's brand. Think about current trends and how they can be transformed into compelling stories. Presenting your concepts during the interview shows initiative and creativity, which are key for the Assistant Editor role.
✨Highlight Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience as a Commissioning Editor or senior features writer. Share specific examples of exclusive interviews or impactful stories you've secured. This not only showcases your skills but also builds credibility in your ability to deliver high-quality content.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As this role involves mentoring junior staff, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share experiences where you've guided a team or managed multiple projects under tight deadlines. Highlighting your organisational skills and ability to nurture talent will set you apart as a strong candidate.
