Design and Homes Editor, Observer Magazine

Permanent contract. Option to work full-time or part-time. Monday to Friday.

Where do I work?

The Observer newsroom, London (22 Berners Street) plus 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 Observe r’s centre of style. It defines for readers how we live now, from the food we’re eating and the clothes we’re wearing, to the homes we’re living in and the places we’re travelling to. A large features section presents tales of trauma and recovery, drama and jeopardy, sex and relationships; profiles of people who 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 Design and Homes Editor to join our small team who will work closely with the Editor to oversee the magazine’s On Location section. You will commission and oversee two features per week; one Homes and one Design story, from idea to delivery.

You will write for the section periodically, overseeing two small regular columns, liaise with existing contributors and develop new voices. You will contribute ideas across the entire magazine as well as across its digital and social expressions and work closely with the art, picture, digital and social departments to best realise On Location stories across platforms.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the magazine’s weekly On Location section, including planning and scheduling in advance, and two special issues per year

• 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:

• 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 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.

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.