[Hiring] Executive Editor @Reach plc

Role Description

We are looking for an Executive Editor to join us at BristolLive on a 6 month fixed term contract to cover a Family Leave. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced editor or senior content editor with a strong track record of leadership to take a pivotal operational role leading our BristolLive brand team.

You will lead the day-to-day operations of the newsdesk, playing a leading role in shaping BristolLive’s brand values, workflows, people and content. You will be responsible for delivering agile, high-impact content that informs, inspires, indulges, and empowers our readers in their local lives, while driving consistent and sustainable audience growth across all key metrics.

Qualifications

• Experienced Newsroom Leader: An editor, senior content editor, or experienced content editor with a proven track record of acting in leadership roles.
• Strategic & Digital Savvy: Possess deep digital publishing, video creation/editing, and social media skills, with experience developing audience strategy and shaping brand identity.
• Agenda-Setter: A proven track record of leading forward planning, campaigns, and agenda-setting local content, backed by strong local knowledge and a customer-value mindset.
• Inclusive & Collaborative People Manager: Strong people management, delegation, decision-making, and communication skills, with a demonstrable commitment to furthering inclusivity in the newsroom.
• Core Behaviours: Demonstrable collaboration, determination, imagination, and a relentless focus on our readers.

Requirements

• Lead Newsdesk Operations: Take a primary leadership role on the BristolLive newsdesk, shaping team operations, processes, content, and brand values.
• Drive Audience Targets: Partner with the Senior Editor and senior colleagues to achieve consistent, sustainable audience growth and deliver monthly key targets.
• Content Creation & Senior Editing: Ensure content is published quickly, accurately, and legally (IPSO compliant), meeting all Reach digital publishing standards across online platforms, homepages, newsletters, and social channels.
• People Management & Culture: Mentor and develop reporters, setting clear expectations, encouraging high performance, rewarding success, and fostering an inclusive culture of trust and safety (including support for the Belonging Project).
• Agile & Flexible Leadership: Work in partnership with cross-functional teams (Sport, Breaking News, Politics, Video, Business) and work antisocial early, late, and weekend shifts where required.

Benefits

• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), with an extra day after three, five, and 10 years.
• An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
• Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you.
• Help saving for your retirement - we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6%.
• Supportive and progressive people policies, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion, and progression.
• A healthcare cash plan for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.
• Private healthcare.
• Car lease scheme for buying a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner.
• Wellbeing support, including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
• Financial Wellbeing – Access Stream, our app for managing your finances, pay, rewards, and benefits.
• Access to lots of discounts, including 15% off with Reach's online marketplace, Yimbly.
• Interest-free loans, including for season tickets and technology.