At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Newsgathering and Planning teams for impactful journalism.
- Company: Join Volant Media, a dynamic organisation committed to high-quality journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, professional development opportunities, and a chance to shape editorial vision.
- Other info: Fluency in Farsi or Dari is essential; strong organisational skills are a must.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of news planning, driving creativity and diversity in journalism.
- Qualifications: Significant broadcast journalism experience and proven leadership in a newsroom required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.
Job Description
Job Title: Head of Newsgathering and Planning
Job Ref: HONAP - 449
Closing Date: 12th September 2025
Summary
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for overseeing the Newsgathering, On the Day and Advanced Planning teams and ensuring the smooth running of our planning operation. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will drive the editorial vision of the department — ensuring our journalism is well-prepared, creative, diverse and responsive to the needs of our audiences.
Working closely with the Executive Editors of News, you will set high standards and uphold them across the team. You’ll lead by example — contributing to editorial decisions, shaping major coverage plans and being hands-on when needed. You’ll support and develop your team to deliver distinctive, forward-looking journalism, and ensure collaboration across departments and platforms.
This is a key role for someone with strong leadership credentials, sound editorial judgement and a commitment to achieving results.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Planning team, overseeing the work of the On the Day Planning Editor and the Advanced Planning Editor.
- Ensure planning output is well-thought-out, well-resourced, editorially strong and in line with the Executive Editors’ vision.
- Take overall responsibility for the forward planning diary, editorial logistics and special projects.
- Champion high standards across all planning output — from daily stories to long-form content.
- Play an active role in shaping coverage plans, pitching ideas, and troubleshooting editorial or operational issues.
- Provide editorial oversight and guidance to Newsgathering Correspondents and Reporters, ensuring their journalism is accurate, impactful and aligned with editorial priorities.
- Work closely with, Digital, Non-News and Broadcast Operations teams to ensure joined-up planning.
- Oversee the deployment of correspondents and crews, working in collaboration with editorial, security and logistical colleagues.
- Foster a positive and inclusive team culture that supports collaboration, creativity and accountability.
- Support the professional development of your team, providing clear editorial guidance and regular feedback.
- Contribute to strategic planning and longer-term editorial initiatives.
- Take responsibility for planning resources and staffing, including rotas and out-of-hours planning.
- Carry out other editorial and managerial duties as required.
Requirements
- Significant experience in broadcast journalism, with a strong track record in editorial planning and newsgathering.
- Proven leadership experience in a newsroom environment, with the ability to inspire and manage high-performing teams.
- Excellent editorial judgement, with a deep understanding of accuracy, balance, fairness and legal compliance.
- A hands-on, proactive approach with a willingness to lead from the front.
- Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities calmly and effectively.
- A collaborative mindset and the ability to build strong relationships across departments
- Deep knowledge of Iranian, Afghan and international current affairs, and the needs of our audiences.
- Fluency in Farsi or Dari and English, with strong communication skills in both.
- Confidence in managing complex deployments, logistics and editorial decisions under pressure.
- A results-oriented attitude and a commitment to delivering high-impact journalism.
- Alignment with Volant Media’s editorial values and mission.
Head of Newsgathering and Planning in London employer: Volant Media UK Ltd
At Volant Media, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. As the Head of Newsgathering and Planning, you will not only lead a talented team but also have access to unparalleled professional development opportunities in a vibrant newsroom environment. Our commitment to high-quality journalism and collaboration ensures that every employee can contribute meaningfully while growing their career in a supportive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Newsgathering and Planning in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in broadcast journalism, especially regarding newsgathering and planning. This will not only help you understand the current landscape but also allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to our editorial vision during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, particularly those who have experience in leadership roles within newsrooms. Engaging with them can provide insights into the challenges and expectations of the role, which you can leverage when discussing your own leadership style and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on Iranian and Afghan current affairs, as well as international news that impacts these regions. Demonstrating a deep understanding of these topics will show us that you are not only passionate about journalism but also committed to serving our audience's needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlighting your hands-on approach and ability to manage complex editorial decisions will resonate well with us, as we value proactive leadership in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Newsgathering and Planning in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Newsgathering and Planning position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in broadcast journalism and editorial planning.
Craft a Compelling CV:Your CV should clearly showcase your leadership experience, editorial judgement, and any specific achievements in newsgathering. Use quantifiable results where possible to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Write a Strong Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for journalism and how your skills align with the company's editorial vision. Highlight your collaborative mindset and ability to manage high-performing teams, as these are key aspects of the role.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your documents are formatted professionally. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Volant Media UK Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a candidate for the Head of Newsgathering and Planning, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in a newsroom environment, inspired creativity, and maintained high editorial standards.
✨Highlight Your Editorial Judgement
Prepare to discuss your approach to editorial decision-making. Be ready to provide examples of how you've ensured accuracy, balance, and fairness in journalism, especially under pressure. This will showcase your understanding of the responsibilities that come with this senior role.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Mindset
This role requires working closely with various departments. Be prepared to talk about your experiences in fostering collaboration across teams. Highlight any successful projects where you brought together different departments to achieve a common goal.
✨Be Informed About Current Affairs
Given the focus on Iranian, Afghan, and international current affairs, ensure you're up-to-date with the latest news and trends in these areas. Being knowledgeable will not only impress your interviewers but also show your commitment to understanding the needs of the audience.
