Deputy Editor, Observer Magazine

The Observer, London

Permanent contract, Full-time, Monday to Friday, with the flexibility to work remotely one day a week

Who are we?

The Observer’s promise is in the name. The Observer bears witness; the best of journalism being curious minds at work. It loves the arts and ideas, both for their own sake and because they can change lives. 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.

At The Observer, our aim is to be proudly progressive and independent, with no party allegiance. We take the same approach to hiring — ensuring that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We’re building a workplace that is fair, curious and forward-thinking, where people from all walks of life are genuinely supported to develop, contribute and succeed.

Impact
The Observer is looking for a deputy news editor, working across national and international news. You will work alongside senior editors, commissioning and editing The Observer’s news coverage.

Candidates must be able to generate original ideas and work closely with reporters, on everything from human interest stories to political scoops, dispatches and longer investigative reads. The ideal candidate will have experience as an editor at a national news organisation or magazine and will be comfortable working across print and digital formats, and working with reporters, production and design on the best way to tell stories.

Candidates must demonstrate wide knowledge of and interest in national and international news and the ability to spot stories that stand apart from the daily news cycle. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a revamped team and play a role in shaping news coverage in the new Observer.

About you

• Strong work ethic and integrity

• Highly motivated and proactive

• A collaborative team player

• Calm under pressure

• Enjoys working at a fast pace and isn’t fazed by unexpected changes and setbacks

• Able to generate inventive, compelling ideas - from hard news to human interest

• Excellent editorial judgement and an imaginative approach to news-related journalism

• Excellent commissioning and editing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills

Salary & Benefits

• 30 days holiday + bank holidays

• Private healthcare

• Group income protection & life assurance

• Pension

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Interest-free season ticket loan

• Free snacks and drinks in the newsroom

• Hybrid working (London newsroom + 1 day remote flexibility)

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.