Executive News Editor, International, Digital

We’re happy to discuss flexible working. Please indicate your choice under the flexible working question in the application. There is no obligation to raise this at the application stage but if you wish to do so, you are welcome to. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

Excellent career progression – the BBC offers great opportunities for employees to seek new challenges and work in different areas of the organisation.

Unrivalled training and development opportunities – our in-house Academy hosts a wide range of internal and external courses and certification.

Benefits – we offer a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week for work-life balance and 26 days annual leave (1 of which is a corporation day) with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care, gym and much more.

Job Introduction

BBC News is investing in Digital with the mission to become the first digital-first, global public service news media in the world. The Digital Department is overseeing crucial growth plans for audiences in both the UK and internationally.

The main task of this senior leader role is to ensure international growth of both reach and registered users in key markets. This involves developing and implementing the right strategies and ways of working across the BBC, in close partnership with BBC Studios and BBC World Service.

The role is a rare opening at senior leader level and forms part of the growing leadership team that is spearheading the digital transformation of BBC News under Naja Nielsen, Director of Digital and Channels.

While London based, substantial traveling is expected as the role has responsibility for the international digital teams based in North America, India, Singapore and Sydney.

Exceptional co-leadership skills are needed in a closely aligned collaboration with other senior leaders. Overall responsibility of our digital output in English across UK and international editions remains with the Executive News Editor for Digital Output.

Demonstrable knowledge of the global media development and market opportunities as well as a record of results made through data-driven decision making will be an advantage.

Main Responsibilities

To deliver an audience/user future-focused and authoritative service across the most high profile News output.
To demonstrate the editorial agenda and a clear strategy for longer term development and a digital future.
To provide creative leadership and editorial vision to enhance the strength, depth, range and quality of output and ensuring that this is done in accordance with strategic priorities.
To work collaboratively across News Group and wider BBC to ensure a consistent and coherent approach to all editorial development with shared knowledge and information and mutual support where appropriate.
To guard the BBC journalistic and editorial standards, support the BBC brand and enhance reach, reputation and the impact of the BBC, responding to complaints and comments if required.
To take managerial, editorial and financial responsibility for a team of journalists, production and support staff, including their training, development and wellbeing.
To lead on team management activities including recruitment, development, training and employee relations activities and processes in accordance with agreed standards and practices.
To be responsible for delivery to designated budget and pro-actively identify solutions to address budgetary pressures and potential overspends that may arise.
To review regularly the performance of each team to establish current performance and to set appropriate objectives.
To ensure Health and Safety responsibilities and legal obligations are understood and met within the teams and areas under his/her responsibility.
To seek out and nurture new diverse staff, on and off air.
To represent the BBC at a senior level and take accountability for the implementation and delivery of wider BBC projects.

Are You The Right Candidate

First class editorial judgement, knowledge and international news coverage experience and expertise.
Multinational experience and understanding are an advantage.
Proven record of developing and executing audience growth.
A record of driving creative solutions that delivers more value for audiences.
Examples of results making through clear, courageous and caring leadership of people and colleagues.
Significant experience in driving result-making change of journalism and ways of working, while upholding high-quality daily operations.
A leader that role models our cultural values and enables teams and colleagues to grow and thrive.
A convincing and persuasive communicator with a mature understanding of diverse perspectives and priorities.
Outstanding insight in current markets, global trends and the opportunities and challenges they present.
Experience in managing significant budgets and understanding key financial drivers.