Deputy production editor

Closing date: 21st March 2025

Salary: £35,000 per annum

Working hours: 9am - 5pm or 9.30am - 5.30pm.

Location: This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, requiring at least three days a week at our office on Bermondsey Street, SE1, with opportunities for remote work on the other days.

Are you looking for your next production role? Help craft compelling stories and manage daily content flow on our dynamic fast-paced desk.

The Stage Media Company Ltd, based in London Bridge, is dedicated to providing up-to-date news and services for the UK’s theatre, performing arts and book publishing industry with two key titles: The Stage and The Bookseller. Both The Stage and The Bookseller are established leaders within their respective fields, offering industry news, authoritative reviews/interviews and insightful features.

The Stage, the publication for the theatre industry, has an opportunity for a talented, multi-skilled Deputy Production Editor to work on a well-established title who is highly proficient working across print and web and would be confident supervising a busy, fast-moving production desk. As Deputy Production Editor, you will be reporting to The Stage's Production Manager. The role will require accuracy under pressure and a passion for the theatre.

Main purpose of the role

• To sub and publish content across The Stage's web and print publications, ensuring that quality meets the highest levels of accuracy and house style.
• To edit and publish web stories, reviews, features and columns, as well as lay out newspaper pages using Indesign, with both flair and attention to detail.
• To support the production manager in overseeing and upholding the quality and efficiency of the production process.
• To sub and publish content on The Bookseller, The Stage’s sister publication, as required and where capacity allows, both in digital and print, supporting The Bookseller team at busy periods.

What you will do

• Contribute to editorial production, following quality, house style and speed of delivery requirements
• In the event of the absence of The Stage’s production manager, to oversee the production schedule, allocating work as required and ensuring that deadlines are met, including passing pages to the printers
• Supervise relevant production team members when required
• Assume responsibility for tasks requiring greater input on design/layout
• Create/develop page templates as required
• Sub and post copy to the website using the company’s web publishing platform
• Sub and lay out pages for weekly paper using Adobe InDesign
• Locate/source pics when necessary
• Assist with training and offer support to other members of the department
• Create and publish eye-catching social media posts
• Uphold accepted style, standards and legal requirements
• Provide support and guidance for team members as required
• Proof copy and ensure quality/layout of colleagues’ pages as necessary
• Ensure smooth delivery of weekly print deadlines and daily online deadlines as necessary
• Deputise for the production manager as necessary
• Provide cover for team members as required

What we are looking for

• First-class copy-subbing, proofreading and layout skills
• Excellent working knowledge of InDesign and Photoshop
• Extensive experience of web publishing platforms
• Excellent written, verbal and organisational skills
• Social-media savvy, able to craft eye-catching posts and tweets
• Proven experience of meeting production deadlines
• Strong working knowledge of SEO
• Journalism qualification including media law
• Proven experience as a senior sub-editor
• Experience of line management or being accountable for team members (highly desirable)

This may be a good fit for you if you are/ have:

• Organised, cooperative and demonstrates excellent attention to detail
• Able to contribute positively to a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• Ability to balance competing priorities
• Ability to work calmly under pressure
• Able to work independently and also as part of a team
• Willingness to participate in continual learning
• Intuitive to business needs
• An interest in, and knowledge of, UK theatre and books would be desirable

Please note we start screening CVs and interviewing candidates from the start of a campaign. A successful candidate could progress to offer before the advertised closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you are interested.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that diversity brings.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let us know. We are here to support you and ensure you have the best possible experience.

Please state in your application that you found this role through Creative Access.