At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a video-first social media strategy to boost engagement and revenue.
- Company: Join News UK, a leading media business with a passion for storytelling.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, training access, private medical insurance, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to impactful journalism.
- Why this job: Shape the future of social media while fostering creativity and innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and expertise in video strategy and social media.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Your role
This role leads the editorial execution of a video‑first social media strategy, designed to grow reach, engagement, and revenue while staying true to our editorial values. Working closely with marketing and newsroom leaders, it drives audience acquisition, maximises platform opportunities, and ensures brand consistency across channels. The position also manages and develops a team of social editors and video specialists, fostering a culture of creativity, experimentation, and accountability, underpinned by data‑driven insights and clear performance goals.
Day to day you will
- Lead the editorial execution of the social media strategy with video at its core, aligned with editorial values and business goals.
- Expand reach and engagement on key platforms, with an emphasis on video discovery and audience acquisition.
- Deliver on the business goals we share with our marketing team through close collaboration, sharing knowledge and devising efficient workstreams.
- Collaborate with the commercial team and director of video on maximising revenue opportunities on social platforms (e.g., Facebook monetisation, TikTok partnerships, branded content).
- Lead the creation of platform‑appropriate video journalism that engages and informs, partnering with newsroom leaders.
- Ensure consistency of brand identity and editorial standards across all social channels.
- Foster a culture where experimentation is encouraged so we can constantly test and adapt our strategies.
- Set clear KPIs for growth, engagement, and revenue. Track performance, report impact, and use insights to inform strategy.
- Advocate for the best possible data‑environment and its use throughout the team to support the social media strategy.
- Manage, inspire, and grow a new integrated team of social editors and video specialists, fostering a culture of creativity and accountability.
What we’re looking for from you
- Leadership and people management skills, with experience building, mentoring, and inspiring high‑performing editorial and social media teams.
- Change management: introduced new technologies or processes that improved efficiency, collaboration, and audience impact.
- Strong expertise in video strategy and editing, with a track record of creating platform‑appropriate, engaging video journalism that drives reach and relevance.
- Strategic planning and execution skills, delivering social and video strategies aligned with editorial values and business goals.
- Ability to analyse and interpret social and video performance data, setting clear KPIs, tracking impact, and translating insights into actionable strategy.
- Skilled cross‑functional collaborator, with experience working closely with marketing, commercial, and editorial leaders to deliver shared outcomes.
- Proven ability to uphold brand identity and editorial standards across diverse platforms while fostering innovation, experimentation, and creative risk‑taking.
Benefits
- 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
Head of Social Strategy (Editorial) employer: The Times
The Times is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and innovation in the field of communications. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and a supportive culture that values collaboration and diversity. Located in a vibrant city, our team enjoys competitive benefits, including maternity leave and medical insurance, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in media PR.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Social Strategy (Editorial)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at News UK. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your video skills! Create a short video showcasing your social media strategy ideas or past successes. This not only highlights your expertise but also aligns with the video-first approach of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into News UK's brands and their social media presence. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance their editorial values while driving engagement and revenue.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Social Strategy (Editorial)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Video:When you're writing your application, let your love for video shine through! Share examples of how you've used video to engage audiences and drive results. We want to see your creativity and how you align with our editorial values.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about managing and inspiring a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've built high-performing teams and fostered a culture of creativity and accountability. We’re keen to hear your stories!
Be Data-Driven:We love numbers! In your application, mention how you've used data to inform your strategies and track performance. Show us that you can set clear KPIs and adapt based on insights. It’s all about making informed decisions!
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 the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Times
✨Know Your Video Strategy
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and best practices for video content on social media. Be ready to discuss how you would lead the editorial execution of a video-first strategy, and share examples of successful campaigns you've been part of.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in managing and inspiring teams. Think of specific instances where you’ve built high-performing editorial or social media teams, and be ready to explain how you foster creativity and accountability within your team.
✨Data-Driven Insights Matter
Be prepared to discuss how you analyse social and video performance data. Share examples of how you’ve set KPIs, tracked impact, and used insights to inform your strategies. This will show that you can align your work with business goals effectively.
✨Collaboration is Key
Highlight your experience working cross-functionally with marketing, commercial, and editorial teams. Prepare to discuss how you’ve collaborated to deliver shared outcomes, and think of ways you can contribute to maximising revenue opportunities on social platforms.