Editor-in-Chief - Esquire

London, England, United Kingdom

12/6/2024

Job Description

For over 90 years, Esquire has defined what it means to be a modern, discerning man of style, blending unparalleled storytelling with bold visuals and a liberal salting of smarts. It has been home to literary legends, the canvas for visionary photographers and the platform for ideas that shape our culture. But it is also a brand that looks to the future. Across print and digital, video and audio, social and events, Esquire celebrates the best contemporary artists in music, literature, film and broadcasting; it profiles ground-breaking designers of clothes, interiors and tech; it pinpoints the coolest, most inspiring places on the planet to eat, drink and sleep; and it offers the most intelligent take on men’s fashion, watches and grooming around. We are now looking for a new Editor in Chief to carry the mantle of this iconic brand into its next chapter.

What We’re Looking For

A Consummate Editor

You are an inspirational leader with the ability to balance journalistic creativity with commercial nous and operational expertise. You have an eye for engaging stories and emerging trends as well as a distinctive editorial tone of voice and a deep understanding of your customer. You are an innovator, a trailblazer and a champion of excellence. You’re able to make tough decisions under tight deadlines, all while maintaining quality and integrity in high-pressure situations.

A Cultural Curator

You have your finger on the pulse of culture, from fashion to politics, technology to entertainment. You’re not just following the conversation, you’re leading it. You’ll position Esquire as the voice in contemporary male culture, speaking to what’s next, while honouring what has always mattered.

A Storyteller at Heart

You believe in the power of great narrative and reportage, irrespective of platform. You will attract and nurture the world’s best writers, journalists and photographers, ensuring every issue, every web article, every video and every post encapsulates Esquire’s trademark blend of intelligence, wit and style.

A Digital Visionary

You know that print is just the beginning. You will accelerate Esquire’s transformation into a multi-platform media brand that thrives on digital, social, audio, video, newsletters and events. You’ll continually explore new ways to engage our readers – wherever they are.

A Commercial Strategist

You understand that great content is only as valuable as the business behind it. You will work closely with our commercial and marketing teams to build lucrative partnerships, grow revenue streams and expand Esquire’s reach into new markets and industries.

A Community Builder

You know that a brand is nothing without its audience. You’ll develop strategies to grow Esquire’s community, engage with readers across all platforms, ensuring that the title retains relevance in its customers’ eyes as a brand they trust, admire and turn to for inspiration.

KEY DUTIES

• Manage, lead and inspire the Esquire editorial team to deliver best-in-class content across all platforms, establishing a culture of high performance and a desire for greatness
• Provide a clear example of leadership through guidance, coaching and mentorship, while setting a standard for others to emulate
• Create and oversee Esquire’s editorial strategy, as well as partner with the Luxury Portfolio Director on commercial strategy, to pave the way for growth in reach, audience and revenue
• Ensure the editorial team understand how they directly contribute to Esquire’s success by setting performance goals and providing regular feedback
• Grow Esquire’s reputation as an influential voice and thought-leader that represents the views of modern men, while shaping the wider cultural conversation about issues that affect them
• Liaise with other Esquire EICs in the international Hearst network to help create a collaborative and co-operative approach to sharing content and global commercial opportunities
• Be in possession of strong commercial acumen and work hand-in-hand with the sales and creative strategy teams to identify and capitalise on revenue-generating opportunities that align with Esquire’s brand values
• Work closely with the PD and Customer team to proactively seek out new insights, consumer trends and marketing opportunities that can enhance Esquire’s long-term brand strategy
• Work closely with the Audience team to ensure Esquire is continually growing its digital footprint and cultivating a loyal, engaged following
• Take ownership of the editorial budget for Esquire and to work closely with production and finance teams to ensure efficiency and delivery within means
• Work closely with the MD to monitor – and adapt where necessary – the Esquire brand plan to ensure the delivery of target revenue and profit
• Become the aspirational face of a fresh Esquire, known to customers and clients alike
  
  

About You

• Significant experience of editing a high-profile, consumer media brand, with proven track record of delivering customer and commercial growth across platforms
• Deep expertise in all aspects of editorial delivery, from graphic design and image rights to commissioning, copy editing and flatplanning, as well as proficiency in digital CMS and related systems
• Deep expertise in developing and delivering content for different media: print / web / mobile / social / video / live / newsletter / audio
• Charismatic, influential, super well-connected with a diverse celebrity and entertainment black book to die for
• Demonstrable experience of delivering editorial change in a matrixed creative environments with a hands-on, get-stuff-done mentality
• Extensive experience in leading teams, including performance management, talent development, recruitment and mentorship
• Experience of end-to-end product development, including digital products, with demonstrable evidence of successfully launching such products to market (e.g. events, mobile apps etc)
• Proven track record of partnering with commercial colleagues to deliver high-impact, high-value commercial partnerships in a creative environment
• Comfortable using (and explaining) editorial performance data and using said data to inform editorial decision making. Able to champion the use of data along with creative instincts as a driver of editorial success
• A deep understanding of the existing landscape, market trends, competitive positioning and emerging challenges/opportunities.
• Proven track record of generating innovative editorial ideas that have cut-through
  
  

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
• 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.