At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the sports editorial team and create engaging sports news content across platforms.
- Company: Join News UK, a leading media business with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, training opportunities, and health benefits.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make an impact in sports journalism and shape the future of news.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital sports media and strong editorial skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
The Times and The Sunday Times represent a combined 400 years of covering news and providing comment and analysis on the UK and the world. We are authoritative, credible, responsible, trusted and a part of the nation’s cultural heritage.
Your Role: The Deputy Sports News Editor is responsible for delivering a distinctive, agenda‑setting sport news package across all platforms for The Times and The Sunday Times. They will ensure world‑class standards of digital and print journalism, and help to lead the sport editorial team in digital‑first commissioning and publishing.
Day to day you will:
- Successfully manage a productive relationship with the Head of Sport, the sports editors and the wider sport team as well as with journalists across the newsrooms.
- Support the Head of Sport to successfully optimise the publishing of content on our digital platforms and print products.
- Conceive, commission and edit distinctive agenda‑setting sport news content for a digital and print audience.
- Help to create the daily agenda for sport and manage the development of stories with reporters and writers.
- Work with the homepage team to ensure the website is up to date with the latest sport news.
- Commission exclusive video, polls, interactive graphics and picture galleries to engage our digital audience and plan how these stories are shared and promoted online.
- Use SEO, and audience data to help guide commissioning.
- Use social networking and other digital platforms for content generation and to promote The Times and The Sunday Times Sport content.
- Forward‑plan, working with journalists on long‑range projects, interviews and investigations.
- Help the Head of Sport to control costs and ensure the budget is managed as efficiently as possible to agreed objectives.
- Assist with managing the sport team, developing talent and supporting progression.
- Cover other senior positions in the team when required.
What we’re looking for from you:
- Experience working as a senior editor for a digital sports media publication or national newspaper.
- Demonstrable expertise and breadth of knowledge in all sports and strong contacts.
- An understanding of how audience data supports commissioning and how to promote a story on social media and through search engines.
- Knows how to attract and retain new digital audiences.
- An ability to work under pressure, to tight deadlines and with rigorous accuracy.
- Ability to communicate succinctly and effectively.
- Experience of working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
- Persuasive presentation skills, well‑developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to problem‑solve.
- A strong understanding of editorial compliance and regulatory issues.
We are News UK, one of the leading media businesses in the UK and Ireland. Our news brands include The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun, The Sun on Sunday and The TLS. Our national broadcast brands include talkSPORT, Times Radio, Talk and Virgin Radio UK, and we have market‑leading local radio stations across Ireland. Our world‑famous brands provide news, analysis, opinion and entertainment to almost 40 million people each month.
Life at News is driven by passion, guided by principles and acting with purpose. We represent, reflect and reach the nation, telling the stories that matter. We inform our audiences so that they can make decisions based on trusted information. To do this, we believe our employees must represent different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. We strive to maximise and encourage every individual’s potential and ensure everyone feels valued.
Some of our benefits include:
- Maternity leave up to 18 weeks full basic salary & paternity leave up to 2 weeks.
- Wide range of training available, plus full LinkedIn Learning access.
- Private medical insurance including coverage for pre‑existing conditions.
- Discounted gym memberships, free ClassPass at Home, weekly virtual yoga classes.
- ‘Bikes for Work’ and ‘Electric Car’ scheme.
- Up to 60% discount on Harper Collins books.
- 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%.
- 30 days holiday, plus bank holidays and up to 4 volunteering days per year.
If you would like to receive any information in a different way or for us to do anything differently to support you apply for any of our roles please contact us on careers@news.co.uk.
Deputy Sports News Editor employer: The Times
At News UK, we pride ourselves on being a leading media employer that champions diversity and inclusion, ensuring every voice is heard and valued. As the Deputy Sports News Editor, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration, with ample opportunities for professional growth through extensive training and development programmes. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave policies, wellness initiatives, and access to exclusive events, all while contributing to a legacy of trusted journalism that informs millions across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Sports News Editor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the sports journalism world. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and passionate about the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your digital skills! When you get the chance, highlight your experience with SEO and audience engagement. The more you can demonstrate your ability to attract and retain digital audiences, the better your chances of landing that Deputy Sports News Editor role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your ideas! Prepare some fresh concepts for sports news content that could set The Times apart. This shows you’re not just a follower but a leader who can contribute to the editorial vision.
✨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 News UK. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Sports News Editor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Covering Letter:Your covering letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your experience in digital sports media and how it aligns with the role. Be authentic and let your passion for sports journalism come through.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your editorial expertise and any successful projects you've led in the past.
Showcase Your Digital Savvy:Since this role is all about digital-first journalism, make sure to mention your experience with SEO, audience data, and social media promotion. We want to see how you can engage and grow our digital audience!
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!:Before hitting send, give your application a thorough proofread. Spelling and grammar mistakes can be a red flag, so ensure everything is polished and professional. We’re looking for rigorous accuracy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Times
✨Know Your Sports Inside Out
As a Deputy Sports News Editor, you need to demonstrate a deep understanding of various sports. Brush up on the latest news, trends, and key figures in the sports world. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach commissioning content that resonates with both digital and print audiences.
✨Showcase Your Digital Savvy
Highlight your experience with digital platforms and audience engagement strategies. Discuss how you've used SEO and audience data in past roles to drive content decisions. Bring examples of successful campaigns or stories you've led that effectively utilised social media for promotion.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
The role involves managing a team, so be ready to talk about your leadership style. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, developed talent, or managed projects under tight deadlines. Show them you can inspire and guide others in a fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about the role and the company. Ask about their vision for the sports section, how they measure success, or what challenges they currently face. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.