Video lead

At Hearst UK, there is always more to the story. Join us as our video lead (Digital Spy) to start the next chapter in your career. 

We are the UK’s leading premium publisher, and the people behind iconic media brands such as Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Country Living, Red, Prima and Good Housekeeping. We have created a working environment that encourages everyone to pull together. We never stop looking for brave new ideas. We will always try to develop and improve, we trust each other to do our best, and we have fun as we build on our heritage to make history.

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will be responsible for creating industry-leading multimedia video content across Digital Spy UK’s various digital platforms, as well as ensuring all video output hits our high standards of quality and creativity. Working with the Hearst Central Video Team and Digital Spy Editorial Leads, you will devise and implement a strong, data-led video strategy that increases views, watch-time, revenue and fits into the wider Hearst video goals.

Key responsibilities:

• Oversee development, execution and delivery of all video products, across multiple platforms
• Produce monthly reporting to support relevant brand stakeholders in knowing what videos have and haven’t performed and how this plays into wider strategy
• Maintain any workflow tools such as FrameIO + Google Sheets to support with programming calendar and any equipment bookings etc
• Shoot, direct, and produce video as and when required, consistently raising the bar in terms of content quality and operational efficiency. Vision to experiment with formats, storytelling techniques, and report on learnings and performance.
• Edit video as required, breaking new ground with innovative graphics and experimental formats as and when appropriate.
• Work closely with department leads to develop their video output and identity, identifying key growth opportunities.
• Consistent library management that encourages on-site revenue growth through direct communication with reporters, editor, pictures, and subbing.
• Support editors and writers output with ‘live TV’ clipping and uploading as necessary, alongside support from the Pictures team.
• Assist in the video ideation process, contributing ideas, helping departments develop theirs and keeping a rolling Video Pipeline list of video concepts, both ‘in production’ and ‘potential’.
• Communicate the concise finalised ‘pitch’ for each original video concept. This should include synopsis, shoot time and date, projected cost, projected goals/KPIs and any other relevant information.
• Ensure the smooth running of every video shoot, delivering the content and quality we need for the video to be a success on the platforms discussed.
• Create and communicate shoot call sheets to all involved.
• Hit video audience growth and revenue goals across various platforms.
• Manage the monthly video budget, ensuring cost efficiency and maximizing potential. 
• Work with EIC and Head of Social to develop and maintain external relationships with sales, editorial and insights teams to support growth.
• Work with EIC and Portfolio Director, Entertainment aroud the development of Digital Spy Studios, as well as the launch of Best Studios for potential broadcast production, and further commercial development. 
• Forecast video trends and emerging platforms to meet new video audiences.
• Maintain a comprehensive video archive system and catalogue, easily accessible and understood by others. 
• Create, update and communicate an effective and well-researched video strategy for the brand that will hit KPIs, delivering high engagement, revenue and quality, ensuring this strategy is in line with our wider business goals.
• Be an ambassador of Hearst UK and its values. 
• You may be required to undertake such further duties as your skills, qualifications and experience allow and/or as may be assigned to you from time to time.

ABOUT YOU

• A thorough knowledge of and passion for the brand
• A proven track record of directing and shooting high-quality, internet-forward video content
• Experience editing video using the likes of Adobe Premiere Pro and/or Final Cut Pro
• Ability to adapt ideas to suit space and time restraints, talent needs and budgets
• Ability to keep a cool head under pressure, dealing with fast-paced shoot situations with multiple stake-holders present
• Experience repurposing video into different social media formats, with a deep understanding of what content works on each platform
• A working knowledge of analytics, able to use data to shape and inform our video content strategy
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to implement a well-oiled and efficient video process from ideation and shooting, to editing and asset storage
• Photoshop and design knowledge, to produce title cards and overlays on video
• Experience hiring a crew and scouting locations, with the ability to estimate cost and number of shoot days when ideating video concepts
• Experience filming fashion shoots and close-up beauty tutorials is preferred and experience working with celebrity talent
• A working knowledge of budgeting and financial reporting
• Keen knowledge of different video styles, formats and distribution trends
• Experience in sound recording
• Previous managerial experience

WHAT WE OFFER

At Hearst UK, you can choose from a huge range of perks and benefits that can help you learn well, work well and live well including:

• 25 days’ holiday (with the option to buy up to 5 additional holiday days) - pro rated for part-time or fixed-term employees
• Hybrid working – Three days per week in the office
• Discounted gym membership
• Healthcare cash plan
• Spend a charity day with your favourite good cause
• Life assurance and pension scheme
• Regular socials and more!

There’s more to your story than you imagine. And the next chapter begins right here.

Hearst UK is deeply committed to using our influential brands to reflect the world we want to live in – one that respects, protects, represents and uplifts the voices and opinions of all people. As a business, we recognise the significant benefits of creativity, collaboration and innovation that comes with diverse teams. Not only is diversifying the voices in our organization the right thing to do, but it also helps us to make powerful and exciting content that can be enjoyed by many more people. This is why we’re working to build a sense of true belonging within our business and foster a culture in which everyone feels heard.