Executive Editor, Local Democracy Reporting Service – Reach plc

We are looking for a highly skilled Executive Editor to lead and guide our Local Democracy Reporters (LDRs) across the UK in creating and publishing content which delivers on the requirements of our LDRS contracts, ensuring compliance and excellence in their output.

This pivotal role is responsible and accountable for ensuring all Reach brands’ LDR content meets the requirements of the LDRS as set out by the BBC. The Executive Editor will work alongside brand editors making sure LDRs are trained and developed, that their content is promoted effectively and best practice is shared. You will play a key role in Reach’s LDRS steering committee comprising content editors focused on delivering the LDRS across the Live Network.

So, who are we?

We are Reach Plc, you might not have heard of us but we have probably met without you even realising it. We are home to the UK and Ireland’s most iconic digital platforms, magazines and newspapers. From the Mirror, Daily Express and OK!, to our regional titles such as the Liverpool Echo, BirminghamLive and the Manchester Evening News (plus lots more), our brands and the stories we cover are as varied as our people. We help all kinds of people share experiences through our stories because we believe this is what makes us human.

Oh, and we should probably also mention that with a monthly readership of 47 million people, Reach is the largest commercial publisher in the UK. At Reach, not only will you feel better understood, you will also feel you understand other people better too.

This role is home based and we are therefore open to candidates across the UK.

What will the role involve?

Reporting to the Audience and Content Director for the LDRS, you will build key relationships internally with brand editors and externally with the BBC and Reach’s LDRS partners. You will ensure that LDRs consistently produce content that meets both contractual obligations and the BBC’s requirements, overseeing Reach’s compliance and workflows within the LDRS portal, ensuring all content is published according to the agreed service level agreements and timescales.

You will provide coaching and advice on editorial matters arising from local government and public affairs coverage. You will guide LDRs in creating engaging content that reaches wide audiences while sharing best practices. When challenges arise, you will troubleshoot them swiftly, offering actionable solutions to editorial teams.

You will oversee the training and development of LDRs, managing inductions for new reporters and ensuring trainees achieve their qualifications and help them reach their full potential. Identifying specific LDRS training needs within our newsrooms, you will disseminate best practice training and develop a culture of trust and mutual support where individuals feel safe to speak up, are clear on their roles, and are empowered to excel at work.

You will deputise for the Audience and Content Director for the LDRS as required, leading meetings and liaising with other ACDs, brand editors, and the BBC. Under the direction of the ACD for the LDRS, you will support complaint resolution in local centres when necessary. You will act as a role model and ambassador for Reach as an LDRS supplier, taking a lead on new initiatives to ensure excellence in content delivery.

Who are we looking for?

You are an experienced senior journalist and editor with thorough, up-to-date knowledge of media law, IPSO code and an understanding of journalists’ rights in reporting local government allowing you to take accountability for issuing LDR-specific legal reminders. You have a proven track record of people management and newsroom leadership. You have an unparalleled news sense with an understanding of and passion for public interest journalism and experience of local government reporting.

You have first-class digital publishing skills, a firm grasp of SEO and impeccable planning, organisation and problem solving skills. You are a supportive mentor with proven newsroom coaching experience and a solid understanding of journalism qualifications. This role typically works a Monday to Friday schedule, however some flexibility is required for high profile political events like elections.