At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic editorial team to curate engaging digital content for a global news audience.
- Company: Join Warner Bros. Discovery, a leader in storytelling and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant London newsroom with a supportive and inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital journalism and make an impact on a global scale.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital journalism and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery, the stuff dreams are made of.
Who We Are
When we say, the stuff dreams are made of, we're not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD's vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what's next. From brilliant creatives to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive. We are the now and the next. The power behind the people building the future. We are born from the spirit of innovation. We are created from the idea that people around the world want more, need more, deserve more. We are the home of the global digital revolution. We are CNN.
Your New Role
We're seeking a Director of Digital Programming, Weekends to report into the VP of Programming and lead the editorial team responsible for curating and optimising the content experience across our core digital surfaces - web, mobile web, and mobile apps - for a 24/7 global news organisation. This role is at the intersection of journalism, audience behaviour, and product innovation. The ideal candidate brings sharp editorial judgment, strong people leadership, and a strategic mindset grounded in data. You ensure our digital front doors consistently reflect the urgency, depth, and breadth of our journalism and that they serve the evolving needs of our audiences around the clock. The Weekend Director will play a critical role helping to develop and lead execution of the weekend homepage strategy. Please note: This role is based out of our London newsroom, working a 4-day, 40-hour week inclusive of Saturday and Sunday.
Your Role Accountabilities
- Lead a team of editors programming the organisation's home and front-door digital experiences (web, mobile web, and app).
- Guide programming strategy across formats including live video, text, audio, and visuals ensuring each is optimised.
- Exercise strong editorial judgment in real-time, particularly during high-pressure breaking news and questions of content hierarchy, timing and rotation.
- Ensure content selection aligns with core editorial values while meeting the needs of users (Catch me up, Take me deeper, Entertain me).
- Frame stories with clarity, accuracy and impact, including writing or approving high-quality headlines, teases, and promotional language.
- Demonstrate ability to make sophisticated editorial decisions and seamlessly curate across live, text, visual and video formats.
- Monitor real-time analytics to inform programming decisions and adjust content placement dynamically, partnering with the Audience, Data, and Research teams to deepen understanding of audience segments and consumption habits.
- Manage and mentor a distributed editorial team, providing direction, feedback, and growth opportunities.
Qualifications & Experience
- Extensive experience in digital journalism, audience programming, or editorial operations within a fast-paced news or media environment.
- Experience managing teams in a 24/7 publishing operation, ideally with global coordination.
- Demonstrated ability to balance real-time editorial instincts with long-term strategic thinking.
- Deep understanding of audience engagement, digital consumption behaviours, and cross-platform storytelling (text, video, audio).
- Experience working with product and design teams to enhance digital storytelling or homepage surfaces.
Hybrid Working - This role is advertised as a Hybrid work model, that combines remote and in-office work, following our current company policy and to be agreed with your Line Manager. Subject to any applicable laws, WBD / your Line Manager reserves the right to change this working agreement where this is essential to business needs and upon reasonable notice to you.
Championing Inclusion at WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law. If you're a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.
Director, Homepage Programming in Cheltenham employer: Warner Bros. Discovery
At Warner Bros. Discovery, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and inclusive employer that champions creativity and innovation. Our London newsroom offers a vibrant work culture where employees are supported and celebrated, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a focus on collaboration and cutting-edge digital storytelling, we empower our team to thrive in a fast-paced environment while enjoying a flexible hybrid work model.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Homepage Programming in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those at Warner Bros. Discovery. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your best work. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Knowing what makes WBD tick will help you align your answers and show you're a perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the WBD family.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Homepage Programming in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Digital Programming role. Highlight your experience in digital journalism and audience programming, and show how your skills align with WBD's mission and values.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a team, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've guided teams in high-pressure environments and fostered growth among your colleagues.
Demonstrate Your Editorial Judgement:WBD is looking for someone with sharp editorial judgement. Include specific instances where you’ve made critical content decisions, especially during breaking news situations, to showcase your ability to think on your feet.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Warner Bros. Discovery
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, dive deep into Warner Bros. Discovery's content and audience engagement strategies. Understand their core values and how they reflect in their digital programming. This will help you align your answers with what they value most.
✨Showcase Your Editorial Judgement
Prepare examples that highlight your editorial decision-making skills, especially under pressure. Discuss specific instances where you had to make quick decisions during breaking news and how those choices impacted audience engagement.
✨Demonstrate Data-Driven Strategies
Be ready to talk about how you've used analytics to inform your programming decisions in the past. Share specific metrics or insights that guided your content strategy and how you adjusted based on audience behaviour.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership
Since this role involves managing a distributed editorial team, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully led teams in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your mentoring style and how you foster growth and collaboration among team members.
