Deputy Editor, Observer Magazine

Deputy Editor, Observer Magazine

Permanent contract. Full-time, Monday to Friday

Where do I work?

The Observer newsroom, London (22 Berners Street) plus some flexibility to work remotely 1 day per week.

What are we for?

The Observer’s promise is in the name: it makes journalism that bears witness. It loves food, design, fashion and ideas, both for their own sake and because they can change the way we live. It’s proudly progressive, but has no party allegiance. It’s open to different arguments and its editorial independence is non-negotiable. We are building a new Observer across print, audio and digital. We’re here to build journalism that lasts.

The Observer Magazine is the Observer’s centre of style. It defines how we live now, from the food we’re eating and the clothes we’re wearing to the homes we’re living in. A large features section presents tales of trauma and recovery, drama and jeopardy, sex and relationships; profiles of people that matter: the famous, the eccentric, even the naughty; and reporting from the front lines of new scenes. The magazine is vital Sunday reading: a title that is curious, that has fun and is funny, and that meets the moment.

The role

We are looking for an experienced Deputy Editor to join our small team who will work closely with the Editor to manage the magazine: to commission and oversee the features section, from idea to delivery, and to write features periodically; to edit regular columns; to contribute ideas across the entire magazine as well as across its digital and social expressions; to work closely with section editors, as well as the art, picture, digital and social departments; and to oversee the running of the magazine in the Editor’s absence.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the magazine’s features section alongside the editor, including planning and scheduling special issues in advance

• Managing weekly deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Contributing ideas across the magazine

• Developing relationships with contributors and key PR

• Writing features, essays and short pieces across the magazine

• Managing tight budgets with flair and ingenuity

Key skills and experience include:

Demonstrable experience in writing and editing for a national publication.

• Proven track record in commissioning and editing copy to the highest standard from a range of writers to tight deadlines

• Excellent planning, organisational and communication skills, and knowledge of social media

• Flexible and erudite thinker with a demonstrable love of style and contemporary culture in all its forms

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary

• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

• Private healthcare

• Group Life Assurance

• Pension

• Cycle to work scheme

• Interest-free season ticket loans

• Free snacks and drinks in the newsroom

Working with us

We are a progressive business with a diverse, motivated team; a mix of veterans and young people starting out on their careers. We are committed to equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment for all our employees, and we welcome applicants regardless of ethnic origin, national origin, gender, race, colour, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation or age.

Our Process

We aim to run our interview process at pace and with clarity at every stage, recognising how challenging it can be to balance alongside other commitments or interviews. The number of stages will vary depending on the nature and level of the role, but we see this as a two-way process and hope you’ll enjoy the opportunity to meet a range of potential future colleagues.