Deputy Showbiz Editor - Mirror Online (Maternity Cover)

Deputy Showbiz Editor - Mirror Online (Maternity Cover)

Posted 1 day ago by Reach plc

Negotiable
Fixed-Term
Hybrid
London, England, United Kingdom

Summary: The Deputy Showbiz Editor at Mirror Online is responsible for writing and editing engaging stories related to celebrity, TV, and entertainment, particularly during a maternity cover period of 9 months starting October 2025. This role requires a strong presence in the London area, as it involves both home and hub-based work. The successful candidate will lead the showbiz desk, manage content quality, and stay updated on pop culture trends to ensure competitive coverage. Weekend and evening work may be required, necessitating a flexible approach.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Oversee coverage of major breaking news stories in the celebrity world.
  • Source, write, and develop engaging stories for the Mirror’s digital audience.
  • Sub-edit and manage showbiz content for accuracy and appeal.
  • Spearhead exclusive content and represent the department in cross-team meetings.
  • Run the digital showbiz desk as needed.
  • Support and guide the showbiz team to maintain high content standards.
  • Plan attendance at events on behalf of Mirror Online.
  • Stay updated on pop culture, TV, and celebrity news.
  • Work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings.

Key Skills:

  • Senior qualified journalist with NCTJ/NQJ accreditation.
  • In-depth knowledge of UK media law.
  • Proven experience in writing and editing showbiz news content.
  • Strong attention to detail and a robust contacts book in the celebrity industry.
  • Ability to create and edit content quickly while meeting deadlines.
  • Experience with SEO and social media for content optimization.
  • Experience running a news desk and motivating a team.

Salary (Rate): undetermined

City: London

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: hybrid

IR35 Status: fixed-term

Seniority Level: Mid-Level

Industry: Other

Detailed Description From Employer:

Full-time Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract Location: Home & Hub - London Division: Editorial Salary Currency: GBP Sterling Department: Nationals Company Description We are looking for a Deputy Showbiz Editor to join us at Mirror Online . This is a fantastic opportunity to write and edit agenda setting stories on all things celebrity, TV and entertainment from breaking news to red carpets. This is a fixed term contract maternity cover role, initially for 9 months, starting October 2025. This role is home and hub based linked to our London Hub (3 days per week in hub). Therefore you must be based in and around London to be considered.

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 take charge of the coverage of major breaking news stories across the celebrity world, sourcing, writing and developing stories that will appeal to the Mirror’s digital audience. You will sub edit and manage showbiz copy to ensure it is accurate and attention grabbing. You will spearhead exclusive content with the showbiz team and represent the department at cross team conferences and meetings. You will step up and run the digital showbiz desk when needed. You will support and guide the showbiz team to ensure content meets the high standards our readers have come to expect. You will have the opportunity to plan for you and your team to attend exciting events on behalf of the Mirror Online. You will stay up to date with all things pop culture, TV and celebrity to make sure we stay ahead of our rivals when it comes to scooping exclusive stories. This position will involve weekend/evening working so a flexible approach is required.

Who are we looking for? You are a highly experienced NCTJ/NQJ senior qualified journalist with up to date, in depth UK media law knowledge. You have a proven track record of writing and editing showbiz news content at a similar national, magazine or large regional title. You have a fantastic eye for detail and substantial experience in reporting on and editing all things UK & US celebrity with a bursting contacts book of relevant celebs, PRs and sources. You can create and edit content swiftly while consistently meeting deadlines with ease. You can adapt to tight timelines and have practical experience utilising SEO & socials to optimise content reach. You ideally have experience running a news desk and have the skills to motivate your team to source exciting showbiz stories and scoop exclusives for our readers.

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!) Bonus scheme - you'll get a stake in our success and a chance to add to your annual earnings. 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. 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 Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.