The Caterer news editor (maternity cover)
Job Description
Job title: News editor (maternity cover)
Reports to: Caroline Baldwin, Deputy Editor
Based at: 52 Grosvenor Gardens, Victoria, London (Hybrid – minimum 3 days a week in the office)
The Caterer is looking for an experienced news editor for a maternity cover contract to help shape the voice of the UK’s hospitality community.
You’ll set the tone for breaking stories, and ensuring our coverage continues to inform and inspire professionals across hotels, restaurants, foodservice, pubs and bars. All while supporting a talented editorial team in delivering journalism that truly connects.
You’ll set the daily news agenda to ensure our stories land with impact across web, social and newsletter channels. In addition, you will be involved in The Caterer’s extensive events portfolio where we connect the hospitality industry through online and in-person conferences, seminars, roundtables and award ceremonies.
This is a rare opportunity to lead the daily news coverage for the UK’s leading hospitality media brand. So if you have a nose for news, a knack for digital storytelling and thrive on breaking exclusive stories and nurturing a passionate community, we’d love to hear from you.
JOB OVERVIEW
Since 1878, The Caterer has given leaders in the UK hotel, restaurant, foodservice and pub and bar sectors the tools and networking opportunities that help develop their businesses and careers.
We are a collaborative, fast-paced editorial team passionate about covering one of the UK’s most dynamic industries. We value originality, accuracy, and storytelling that serves the hospitality community.
As news editor, you will set The Caterer’s news agenda and lead the daily news output of the team for the website.
This is a key editorial role, requiring strong journalistic instincts, leadership, and an understanding of what makes content valuable to our audience.
KEY NEWS EDITOR DUTIES
News Leadership
* Set and manage the daily news agenda, prioritising exclusive stories and ensuring a well-balanced and compelling mix of content across all sectors: hotels, restaurants, foodservice, pubs, and bars.
* Lead and mentor a team of reporters, helping them produce exclusive, high-value content.
* Collaborate with the Deputy Editor to shape feature ideas and secure high-profile interviews.
Content Creation
* Report and publish daily news stories using the Affino CMS platform.
* Develop and commission news analysis pieces that expand on key stories; manage freelance contributions where needed.
* Edit and proofread online content, ensuring headlines, standfirsts, and imagery are optimised for engagement and clarity.
* Ensuring editorial values of accuracy, relevance and ease of use are met and all material is published within the law.
Digital & Social Media
* Manage and update The Caterer’s social media channels, working closely with the Digital Content Manager to drive audience growth and engagement.
* Contribute to the Breakfast Briefing newsletter once a week.
Industry Engagement
* Build deep sector knowledge and maintain strong relationships with industry professionals, brands, and PRs.
* Attend industry events – including those outside normal working hours – report from them, and represent The Caterer as an ambassador.
* Periodically host online and in-person events for The Caterer, including roundtables, panel discussions, webinars and awards presentations.
* Support the Deputy Editor in developing editorial team members, identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and growth opportunities.
* Assist the Editor in executing The Caterer’s digital audience growth strategies.
* Contribute ideas that support The Caterer’s commercial goals, aligning editorial with key customer campaigns where appropriate.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
* Minimum of 5 years’ experience working on a news desk, ideally within a industry-specific publication or national newspaper
* Strong news judgement with a passion for breaking impactful stories.
* Proven ability to write clear, concise, business-focused journalism.
* Meticulous attention to detail, especially when editing or proofing content.
* Comfortable working to fast-paced daily digital deadlines.
* A confident networker, with a desire to become the UK’s leading hospitality journalist, by finding and breaking exclusive stories.
* Experience creating content that engages professional audiences and drives subscriptions.
* A digital champion – proficient in digital publishing tools and social media best practices.
* A proactive, ideas-driven approach to editorial innovation.
* Sound understanding of media law and best practices in publishing.
* Strong knowledge of the hospitality industry.
* A collaborative, team-focused attitude.
* NCTJ or equivalent journalism qualification preferred.
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