Acting Newsroom Manager

About us

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.

At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.

In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing.

Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.

Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion 

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

The role

This is a unique opportunity to work in the heart of an international newsroom producing world-class journalism. It is an exciting role for someone with superior administration skills to work with the varying deadlines and needs of FT reporters and editors. We are looking for someone to cover parental leave on an initial 9 month fixed term contract.

You will need to juggle your individual tasks and responsibilities whilst also managing and supporting the team of Editorial Assistants. The ability to prioritise the multiple demands of the newsroom and the News Editor is vital in this position.

This position is located in the FT newsroom and is part of the Editorial Management team.

Key responsibilities 

• Manage the planning and coordination of key Editorial business activities and processes, including travel and expenses
• Lead and manage the performance and development of the Editorial Assistants
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with people in Editorial Management, the newsroom and across the FT
• Anticipate and plan for key events in the Editorial calendar (e.g. political party conferences)
• Oversee newsroom rotas and projects for the news editor
• Be the Editorial lead on contributor rights management and payments
• Adhere to Editorial and FT policies and provide guidance to staff where needed
• Support and advise on Editorial-wide programmes and initiatives
• Provide general administrative support to all Editorial staff
   

Who we are looking for

The successful candidate will be able to talk to people of all levels and roles, with excellent judgement and the ability to say “no” when needed. Experience of working in a newsroom and managing a team is not necessary, but it would be desirable. 

Essential skills

• Senior experience in administration management
• Experience managing a team
• Experience working closely with senior stakeholders 
• Managed critical business processes and provided advice to senior management
• Superior organisational skills
• Experience of successfully managing projects and tasks to tight deadlines
• Ability to identify, analyse and solve problems without escalating unnecessarily
• An interest in understanding the FT business beyond Editorial
• Good knowledge and appreciation of FT content and journalism

Please submit your application by the end of the day, Wednesday 29th January 2025. 

The use of AI

Original reporting, great writing and intelligent commentary lie at the heart of FT journalism.  Our readers trust us to produce quality journalism that is accurate, fair and insightful. This is why FT editorial staff do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to write articles or create other reader-facing content. For specific and pre-approved cases, AI can be harnessed for certain tasks, such as assisting data research for investigations.  

We expect applicants to the FT newsroom to refrain from using AI in their test submissions, and any written materials should be a genuine reflection of their own knowledge, skills and experiences. We encourage candidates only to employ AI as a tool to help with research and interview readiness for a role. 

Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process is monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.

What’s in it for you? Our benefits

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.

We’ve embraced a hybrid working model that promotes flexibility, including remote work options. We will support specific flexibility requests for all roles where feasible.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email [email protected] and a member of our team will be happy to help.

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