Assistant foreign editor – The Sun

About The Sun Online

The Sun Online is the biggest mobile news brand in the UK and continues to grow. Its diverse team publishes coverage across news, sport, television, showbiz and lifestyle.

About the role

The Sun Online is looking for an assistant foreign editor to join its digital news operation.

The role sits within the senior foreign news team and covers everything from agenda-setting scoops and exclusives to long-form human-interest stories, video-led projects and breaking coverage of major international events.

Key responsibilities

• Support the foreign editor in managing a team of more than a dozen news editors and reporters producing content around the clock for audiences across the world.
• Work with social media and homepage teams to ensure stories are optimised for each platform.
• Make strong story selections to build traffic and reach new audiences around the world.
• Identify strong stories, from spotting lines within agency copy to anticipating how to develop major breaking news.
• Write sharp, eye-catching headlines that distinguish The Sun from its competitors.
• Identify and help develop new trends to keep The Sun ahead of its competitors.
• Source and produce stories for other departments, including lifestyle, technology, consumer and features.
• Turn stories around quickly and accurately, taking account of Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) requirements and relevant legal considerations.
• Commission and edit exclusive stories for The Sun Club.
• Think beyond written content and commission stories suitable for video, including YouTube and The Sun’s own platforms.
• Help train reporters to ensure their copy is sharp and accurate and that they make effective use of pictures, video and graphics.
• Work with The Sun’s network of freelance correspondents to develop scoops and exclusives with international appeal.
• Work closely with picture, video and graphics teams to tell stories effectively across formats.

Essential criteria

• Experience of working at a senior level on a news desk or in a foreign news department within a fast-paced newsroom.
• Proven experience of managing multiple reporters simultaneously and working calmly under pressure.
• Strong contacts with agencies and freelancers in the UK and internationally.
• The ability to independently identify exclusive stories and original feature ideas.
• A good understanding of search engine optimisation (SEO), social media audiences and techniques for keeping readers engaged with The Sun’s content.
• Strong editorial flair and the ability to identify the potential within stories.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and consistently produce work to a high standard.
• A positive attitude and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• An understanding of The Sun brand across digital, print, video and social media.
• Flexibility to work shifts across seven days from the London office.

About News UK

News UK is one of the leading media businesses in the UK and Ireland. Its news brands include The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun, The Sun on Sunday and The TLS. Its national broadcast brands include talkSPORT, Times Radio and Virgin Radio UK, alongside local stations across Ireland.

Its brands provide news, analysis, opinion and entertainment to almost 40 million people each month across print, digital, audio, video, events and experiences.

News UK says it exists to promote a fair society, freedom of speech and a little bit of fun, while continuing to develop how it tells stories and reaches audiences.

Life at News UK

News UK aims to represent, reflect and reach the nation, telling stories that matter and providing trusted information to its audiences.

The organisation is committed to reflecting the diversity of the people it reaches and creating a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.

News UK also supports employee-led networks that bring together colleagues with shared interests and experiences. These include the African and Caribbean Network, Parents and Carers, News Is Out and the Apprentice Society.

Benefits

Benefits include:

• Private medical insurance, including cover for pre-existing conditions.
• Discounted gym memberships, free ClassPass at Home and weekly in-person or virtual exercise classes.
• Bikes for Work and Electric Car schemes.
• Up to 60 per cent discount on HarperCollins books.
• Up to 18 weeks’ maternity leave at full basic salary and up to two weeks’ paternity leave.
• Access to exclusive events and competitions with brands including talkSPORT, Virgin Radio UK and The Times, alongside weekly virtual panel discussions with journalists and celebrities.
• Wellbeing benefits including an employee assistance programme (EAP), physiotherapy, massage and counselling.
• A pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 5 per cent.
• A range of training opportunities and full access to LinkedIn Learning.
• 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.
• Up to three paid volunteering days a year to support causes you care about.

Inclusive recruitment

News UK is committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments because of a disability or health condition at any stage of your application or interview, contact careers@news.co.uk to discuss the support available.