The Racing Post is looking for an exceptional Deputy News editor to join our award-winning editorial team.
- Employer: Racing Post
- Salary: Competitive
- Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, Waterloo, London Borough of Lambeth, Greater London, England, SE1 8XX, United Kingdom
- Closing date: 23 October 2026
Acting as deputy to the news editor, this key role within the Content (racing) team will suit someone with a passion for creating a digital-first, audience-led news service for the Racing Post's unrivalled digital, print and social media platforms. The ideal candidate will be bursting with ideas for news and innovative digital formats, will have a sharp eye for bringing exclusives to the boil, and a track record of commissioning agenda-setting news.
The deputy news editor will work with the news editor and other commissioning editors; their primary focus will be to assist in running the news-gathering operation and help manage a team of reporters with a view to creating exclusive, industry-leading stories, a daily news service for multiple platforms, and special news projects.
The position is based on a nine-day fortnight and is a hybrid role, with the successful candidate working from our London office two to three times a week.
Key responsibilities:
- Regularly act as duty news editor, running the reporting team and delivering high-quality stories and content packages
- Assist in developing and fostering a creative environment in which reporters are inspired to produce distinctive, varied and impactful stories
- Help evolve and deliver the digital-first news strategy, including the use of live blogs, explainers, timelines, Q&As, data-led journalism, video and other formats appropriate to the story
- Work closely with audience, social, video and graphics teams to maximise the reach, impact and presentation of news coverage
- Use audience data and editorial judgement to assess performance, identify opportunities and improve future commissioning
- Ensure major breaking stories are covered quickly and followed through with analysis, reaction, explainers and premium depth, in line with the Racing Post's free/premium strategy
- Line manage members of the reporting team and play an active role in raising standards of excellence, embedding new formats and providing feedback
- Represent the news desk at editorial conferences and contribute to wider content team planning and strategy
- Support the planning of news coverage and special projects
Who we're looking for:
- Experience of commissioning and editing news in a fast-paced digital newsroom
- Excellent news judgement and the confidence to make rapid editorial decisions under pressure
- A strong understanding of digital publishing, audience behaviour and the formats that drive reach, engagement and subscriptions
- Ability to provide clear, constructive feedback and raise standards across a reporting team
- Confidence using audience data and analytics to inform commissioning and coverage decisions
- Excellent time management skills and ability to work to and meet deadlines
- Excellent communication skills at all levels with colleagues, contributors, contacts and stakeholders
- Strong knowledge of media law, editorial compliance and journalistic ethics
- Strong interest in horseracing and at least a working knowledge of the sport and the betting industry
- Experience of managing, coaching or developing journalists is desirable
