Assistant News Editor

We are looking for an Assistant News Editor to join us at the Express. This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious senior reporter, chief reporter, or assistant news editor to step into a pivotal, fast-paced role on a busy national newsdesk.

Based in London, you will bring a sharp eye for a story, immense enthusiasm, and the confidence to make quick, high-level editorial decisions. Working across both print and online platforms, you will help run on and off-diary news, ensuring our output is fast, trustworthy, and deeply engaging. If you are a seasoned journalist with national desk experience or a senior ready to make the leap and you have the drive to keep us ahead of our rivals, we want to hear from you.

About us:

Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.

We're home to more than 120 trusted brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, BelfastLive, and the Manchester Evening News, and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.

It's our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us the UK and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach 70% of the UK's online population and speak to over 100 million social followers around the world. And we’re just getting started…

Your story, with Reach:

As a modern media organisation, we're much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do.

We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore.

We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow

About this role:

What will the role involve?

• You will support the Head of News and the wider newsdesk in managing, reviewing, and maintaining the exceptional quality of news content across the Express.
• You will work actively on the newsdesk, running on- and off-diary news while editing stories to strict Express standards for both print and digital platforms.
• You will help oversee the operational performance of the reporting team, finding, breaking, and sourcing major exclusives that keep us ahead of our rivals.
• You will play a key role in developing the department, updating relevant sections of the site, building brand identity, and optimizing content alongside other editorial teams.
• Please note: While you will heavily support, coach, and manage the daily workflow of the reporting team, this role does not have direct line management reports.

London-Based (Hub): This role is based out of our London office. We operate a flexible working model, but due to the fast-paced nature of a national newsdesk, you will need to be within a commutable distance of the Canary Wharf hub.

Who are we looking for?

• Desk Experience: You have national newsroom experience (ideally at least 5 years). We are looking for an Assistant News Editor, but an accomplished Chief Reporter or Senior Reporter ready to step up is highly encouraged to apply.
• Multi-Platform Background: A strong understanding of online publishing is essential, coupled with proven experience working on a busy print newsdesk.
• Decisive & Energetic: You are a self-motivated individual who can think and act quickly under pressure, with a genuine passion for breaking exclusive news.
• Journalistic Excellence: You are an NCTJ-qualified (or senior qualified) journalist with a sharp eye for a story, high professionalism, and a keen interest in current affairs.
• Flexibility & Location: You are London-based and completely understand the Express brand and what drives reader engagement. This role involves shift work, including evenings and weekends, so a flexible approach to hours is required.

How we'll look after you:

We take good care of our people - and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you'll get a range of benefits, including:

• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.
• An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
• Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!)
• Help saving for your retirement - we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
• Supportive and progressive people policies - we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression. We believe you shouldn’t have to wait to join us to know what to expect from us, which is why we share this overview of the policies we have in place to support families and carers. If there's something you want to understand more about, just ask - it won’t make a difference to your application.
• A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.
• Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
• Financial Wellbeing - Access Stream, our app for managing your finances, pay, rewards and benefits all in one place
• Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly, where you can buy everything from homewares to beauty products.
• Interest-free loans - including for season tickets and technology.

Additional Information:

If you’re excited about this role but don’t tick every single box, please don’t let that stop you from applying.

We know that everyone has their own story to tell, and we value potential, passion and the perspectives that different backgrounds bring to our work.

Diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us better serve our audiences, which is why we’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

We are committed to a recruitment process that is fair and welcoming to all, without discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.