At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and commission exciting 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 leave.
- Other info: Access to exclusive events and training opportunities in a dynamic newsroom.
- 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 to discuss how we can support you to perform at your best.
Assistant Editor (Features) in London employer: The Sun
The Sun is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity thrives and innovation is celebrated. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities, including full access to LinkedIn Learning, alongside generous benefits such as private medical insurance and a robust pension scheme. Join us in our vibrant London office, where you can make a significant impact on a brand that reaches millions, while enjoying a supportive culture that values diversity and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Editor (Features) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on social media. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to pitch ideas or discuss your vision, make sure to bring your A-game. Think outside the box and don’t be afraid to share bold concepts that could set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on trends! Keep an eye on what’s hot in the news and lifestyle sectors. This will not only help you generate relevant content ideas but also show potential employers that you’re in tune with the audience.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of our team at The Sun.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Editor (Features) in London
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 how your experience aligns with the fast-paced environment of The Sun, so don’t hold back on those impressive achievements!
Tailor Your Application:When applying, tailor your application to reflect our brand's voice and the type of content we produce. Use examples that showcase your understanding of news and lifestyle content, and how you can contribute to our agenda-setting stories.
Be Creative in Your Pitch:We love innovative ideas! When you pitch your concepts, think outside the box and show us how you can generate compelling features that resonate with our diverse audience. Creativity is key in this role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 you can pitch unique angles for celebrity interviews or real-life stories. This shows initiative and your ability to generate compelling content.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple projects and deadlines. Share specific examples from your past experience where you successfully juggled various commissions, ensuring high-quality output under pressure. This is crucial for the fast-paced environment at The Sun.
✨Engage with Data
Highlight your familiarity with audience analytics and SEO strategies. Discuss how you've used data to inform your content decisions in the past. This will show that you not only create great stories but also understand how to drive engagement through strategic insights.