At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic editorial team to curate engaging digital content for a global audience.
- Company: Join Warner Bros. Discovery, a leader in storytelling and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and career growth opportunities.
- 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: Extensive experience in digital journalism and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery. If you are considering sending an application, make sure to hit the apply button below after reading through the entire description.
Who We Are
When we say, the stuff dreams are made of, we are 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 are 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.
How We Get Things Done
This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.
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 Westminster employer: Warner Bros. Discovery
At Warner Bros. Discovery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity and innovation in the heart of London. Our collaborative work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic editorial team while enjoying a flexible hybrid working model. With thoughtfully curated benefits and a commitment to inclusion, we empower our employees to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the world of digital journalism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Homepage Programming in Westminster
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at Warner Bros. Discovery!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like Warner Bros. Discovery, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Homepage Programming in Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for Warner Bros. Discovery:When applying for the Director, Homepage Programming role at Warner Bros. Discovery, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what Warner Bros. Discovery produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Warner Bros. Discovery
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within Warner Bros. Discovery. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.