Executive editor – BristolLive (6 month FTC)

Role: Executive editor
Organisation: BristolLive, Reach
Location: Bristol
Contract: Full-time, six-month fixed-term contract covering family leave
Division: Editorial
Department: Regionals
Working arrangement: Home and hub, linked to the Bristol office

Candidates should be based in or around Bristol. The role may involve early, late and weekend shifts when required.

About the role

BristolLive is looking for an executive editor to join the team on a six-month fixed-term contract covering family leave.

This role would suit an experienced editor or senior content editor with a strong track record of newsroom leadership.

You will lead the day-to-day operation of the BristolLive news desk, helping to shape the brand’s content, working practices and culture. You will be responsible for delivering relevant, high-impact journalism for local audiences while supporting sustainable audience growth.

About Reach

Reach is a commercial news publisher with more than 120 brands, including the Mirror, Express, Daily Star, Daily Record, MyLondon, BelfastLive, Manchester Evening News and Irish Star.

Reach says it reaches 70 per cent of the UK’s online population and has more than 100 million social media followers worldwide.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the BristolLive news desk, helping to shape team processes, content and brand values.
• Work with the senior editor and other senior colleagues to support sustainable audience growth and deliver monthly targets.
• Ensure content is published quickly and accurately and meets legal, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) and Reach digital publishing requirements across online platforms, homepages, newsletters and social media.
• Manage, mentor and develop reporters, setting clear expectations and supporting an inclusive newsroom culture.
• Work collaboratively with teams including sport, breaking news, politics, video and business.
• Work early, late and weekend shifts when required.

Essential criteria

• Experience as an editor, senior content editor or experienced content editor, with a proven track record of newsroom leadership.
• Strong digital publishing, video production and editing, and social media skills, with experience of developing audience strategies and shaping brand identity.
• A proven track record of forward planning, campaigns and agenda-setting local journalism, supported by strong local knowledge.
• Strong people management, delegation, decision-making and communication skills, with a commitment to creating an inclusive newsroom.
• A collaborative and creative approach, with a strong focus on readers and local audiences.

Benefits

Benefits include:

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, with an additional day after three, five and 10 years’ service and the option to buy further holiday.
• One additional day of paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause you care about.
• A ‘big moment’ day, providing an additional day of paid leave for a significant personal event.
• Employer pension contributions matched up to 6 per cent, with contributions available through salary sacrifice.
• Family-friendly and flexible working policies, including enhanced family leave.
• A healthcare cash plan covering a range of medical expenses and providing access to doctors’ appointments.
• Private healthcare.
• An electric and hybrid car leasing scheme available through salary sacrifice.
• Wellbeing support, including a 24-hour assistance programme for employees and their families.
• Access to Stream, an app for managing finances, pay, rewards and benefits.
• A range of discounts, including 15 per cent off through Reach’s online marketplace, Yimbly.
• Interest-free loans, including for season tickets and technology.

Inclusive recruitment

Reach encourages applications from people who are interested in the role even if they do not meet every criterion.

The organisation says it values different backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Reach is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.