The Role
Lead editorial operations across North and Mid Essex, managing print and digital publications, setting editorial strategy, developing and managing a newsroom team, meeting audience and sales targets, ensuring legal and ethical standards, supporting commercial opportunities, and representing the business externally.
Summary Generated by Built In
Are you ready to lead and inspire the talented editorial team of the Colchester Gazette? Newsquest Media Group is looking to recruit an Editor to lead our north Essex titles - including the region's well-respected daily title. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of local journalism, overseeing both print and digital publications that inform, connect and entertain communities across the region. You will need to be able to serve our print audience and the thousands of readers who pay for our digital content.
As Editor, you will be the guardian of our brands and values, driving editorial strategy and ensuring our products are the first choice for local news. You’ll have the chance to develop your team, foster relationships with key stakeholders, and play a pivotal role in the senior management group. If you are passionate about delivering high-quality content, thrive on meeting deadlines, and want to make a real impact in the local media industry, we want to hear from you.
Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. It is recommended to apply early to avoid disappointment. We reserve the right to close the vacancy ahead of the advertised deadline if suitable candidates are identified.
As Editor, you will be the guardian of our brands and values, driving editorial strategy and ensuring our products are the first choice for local news. You’ll have the chance to develop your team, foster relationships with key stakeholders, and play a pivotal role in the senior management group. If you are passionate about delivering high-quality content, thrive on meeting deadlines, and want to make a real impact in the local media industry, we want to hear from you.
Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. It is recommended to apply early to avoid disappointment. We reserve the right to close the vacancy ahead of the advertised deadline if suitable candidates are identified.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead editorial operations across north Essex, implementing strategy and ensuring brand values are upheld
- Develop and manage a team to produce engaging, visually appealing publications and websites
- Organise editorial departments to deliver high-quality content within defined budgets
- Ensure both print and digital products meet agreed sales and audience targets
- Foster positive relationships with local communities, businesses, and public figures
- Contribute to commercial opportunities and encourage this across the editorial team
- Manage production deadlines and take action to resolve issues
- Upload, create, and manage content in line with company style and policy
- Monitor and improve the quality, accuracy, and impartiality of all news content
- Liaise with other departments to maximise opportunities for newspaper and advertising sales
- Represent Newsquest externally, promoting the image and reputation of the business
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Proven leadership experience in editorial or media environments
- NCTJ Qualification
- Strong understanding of editorial strategy and content development
- Excellent communication and team development skills
- Ability to manage budgets, resources, and staff rotas effectively
- In-depth knowledge of media law, editorial codes, and best practices
- Technologically adept, with experience in digital publishing and audience analytics
- Skilled in planning, organising, and prioritising workload to meet deadlines
- Confident in building relationships with stakeholders and representing the business externally
- Full clean driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use
Benefits
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
- Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
- Structured career progression & ongoing training
- Pension plan
- Employee Helpline counselling and advice
- Perks & discounts including:
- Gym membership
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Eye care
- Retail discounts
- Team building days & annual volunteer charity day
About
A name you can trust - we’ve been a part of your community for generations.LOCALiQ is the name for all that Newsquest Media Group does today, from trusted local newspapers and websites to digital marketing services that can help you reach new customers as you’ve never been able to before.LOCALiQ is the name that combines your trusted local news brand with digital marketing.It hasn’t replaced the name of your local Newsquest newspaper and its website, but it encompasses everything we can offer.Those services include online advertising and best-in-class digital marketing, backed by data gathered from our 1.5 million local campaigns and 45 million monthly users.Put our experts to work for you, and we believe you’re hiring the best marketing partner a business can have.
Skills Required
- Proven leadership experience in editorial or media environments
- NCTJ Qualification
- In-depth knowledge of media law, editorial codes, and best practices
- Experience in digital publishing and audience analytics
- Ability to manage budgets, resources, and staff rotas effectively
- Excellent communication and team development skills
- Skilled in planning, organising, and prioritising workload to meet deadlines
- Full clean driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
We are a media company with a difference. We are committed to bringing a voice to your region by investing in a passionate team of journalists who proudly serve their communities by sharing authoritative news that readers trust. Our sales teams provide local businesses with highly responsive digital advertising and marketing solutions. We are one of the largest regional news publishers in the UK and have a portfolio of more than 250+ local news brands and magazines online and in print. With an online audience of 41 million users a month and 7 million readers a week in print, our content is read by a substantial proportion of the UK population. In addition to our local news brands, we own a number of digital pure play and specialist media businesses such as s1jobs and s1homes, Exchange & Mart, and Newsquest Specialist Media. We also own LOCALiQ, an award-winning digital marketing agency that specialises in driving more leads, increasing online growth and generating return on marketing investment on behalf of thousands of UK SMBs. Our parent company is Gannett Inc, the largest news publisher in the US. Gannett is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
