Head of content

Newsquest’s West Scotland region seeks a head of content with exceptional digital skills to help lead our talented team of journalists.

We are looking for someone brimming with ideas to lead and inspire our reporters across a diverse range of news patches.

The role will operate across several local titles, including the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, Largs and Millport Weekly News, and Helensburgh Advertiser. The successful candidate will operate predominantly from our Ardrossan site but with options to operate on a hybrid/remote basis as required.

The head of content will report directly to the group editor and will work alongside the digital audience and content editor (ACE) to ensure our news brands hit their digital audience targets, which include growing our loyal audience and subscriptions.

The role also involves ensuring we have the right content in our print editions, curating and managing the flow of copy to meet deadlines for the print production hub.

Responsibilities and requirements:

• Play a key part in developing the editorial direction and content of the titles
• To champion a digital-first mentality in the newsroom
• To play a key role in the training of reporters, making sure they are armed with all the skills to achieve their page view targets
• Run the newslist alongside ensuring a good content mix for all platforms
• Monitor stories being filed by reporters, making sure they are presented to the highest standard online
• Liaise with print hub to ensure the quality of printed newspaper
• Liaise with the AI-assisted team, assigning stories to reporters and sub-editing content
• Coach and guide reporters to help them source off-diary exclusives – for print and online
• Work alongside the digital ACE on a daily web publishing schedule with thought to content mix and audience spikes, including at weekends, adhering to company best practice
• Play a part in sending out daily newsletters to drive digital subscriptions
• Monitor and use audience analytics, mainly Parsely, and other tools as required
• Liaise with and support other departments including advertising, newspaper sales and marketing and any others with content and projects when necessary
• Understand and abide by the IPSO Code of Practice

Please submit your CV and cover letter by clicking 'Apply Online' below.

The company

Newsquest is a media company with a difference.

We are committed to bringing a voice to your region by investing in a passionate team of journalists who proudly serve their communities by sharing authoritative news that readers trust.

As well as dedicated sales teams which provide local businesses with highly responsive digital advertising and marketing solutions.

Newsquest Media Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all community sections regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Our recruitment process will consist of various stages and activities, as part of our commitment to fairness to all applicants, we will consider any adjustments that could help you.