Showbiz Editor – Express Online (maternity cover) – Reach (London)

We are looking for a Showbiz Editor to join us at Express Online.

We are keen to speak with an experienced and enthusiastic Showbiz Editor who has a wealth of Knowledge of celebrities and all the big TV shows.

The successful candidate will be capable of driving day-to-day coverage, growing traffic, subbing copy to a high standard, planning for big events and having original and creative ideas. They should also have experience in managing reporters, helping deliver exclusives and reacting swiftly to breaking news in a fast-paced environment.

You will have a major role in shaping and setting the agenda on issues read by millions of people around the world every day.

We’re looking for fresh ideas and new perspectives from people from a wide range of backgrounds, and we want you to tell us the stories you believe are important from our many communities so we can continue to diversify our content.

This role is for a maternity cover position and will initially be on a 1 year fixed term contract.

We are happy to consider applications on a flexible working basis, and will always aim to accommodate requests where possible.

This role is home and hub based linked to our London Hub, with a minimum of 2 days in office. We are therefore open to candidates based in and around London.

What will the role involve?

You will take charge of the coverage of major breaking news stories across the celebrity world, sourcing, writing and developing stories that will appeal to the Express Online’s audience. You will sub edit and manage showbiz copy to ensure it is accurate and attention grabbing, whilst driving day-to-day coverage, growing traffic and reacting to big news stories.

You will support and guide the showbiz team to ensure content meets the high standards our readers have come to expect. You will have the opportunity to plan for you and your team to attend exciting events on behalf of the Express Online. You will stay up to date with all things pop culture, TV and celebrity to make sure we stay ahead of our rivals when it comes to scooping exclusive stories.

This position will involve weekend/evening working so a flexible approach is required. 

Who are we looking for?

An experienced people manager and journalist with your NCTJ or equivalent qualification and exceptional media law knowledge who can ensure all content is legally and IPSO compliant.

You will be a capable, assured and experienced digital media expert and will ideally have experience working at a national or regional level. You will manage a talented, driven team with ease, and be able to support and direct in a pressured environment.

You have a sharp eye for a story and are ready to make necessary choices, with the ability and personality to inspire and motivate the team. You have first rate communication skills, both written and verbal, a strong understanding of the unique nature of digital news along with a genuine passion for breaking stories and to present them in the best possible way across multiple platforms.

What can we offer you?

We are offering a competitive salary and benefits including;

• Help saving for your retirement – join our pension scheme and we’ll match contributions up to 6%
• 25 days’ holiday per year when you join. After three, five and ten years’ service with Reach, you’ll accrue one additional day of annual leave. We also have a Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Giving back day – an additional day’s leave each year to support a cause close to your heart
• Enhanced family leave – including maternity, paternity and adoption – and you’ll be eligible after just six months’ employment
• Private Healthcare Cash Plan – free health cash plan so you can claim back cash for a range of medical expenses
• As one of the UK’s top 50 Inclusive Employers everyone’s invited to join our events, programmes and networks to celebrate diversity and build an environment where all our people can thrive
• Wellbeing support – including a 24/7 employee assistance programme (EAP) for you and your nearest and dearest
• Awesome career opportunities – you’ll have support from your line manager and a range of learning & development programmes
• We are also a member of the 30% Club, a global campaign aimed at increasing gender diversity at board and senior management levels

Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.