Clue & Word Database Cleansing Assistant (6-Month Fixed-Term Contract)

ABOUT PUZZLER

Puzzler Media Limited is part of DC Thomson, a privately-owned family business currently undertaking a significant transformation programme to deliver a scalable media company, driven by technology, and data across key communities. 

Puzzler Media, is a key DC Thomson community, serving many needs as the UK’s leading puzzle content creator and publisher. Currently transforming its puzzle generation solutions, investing in new puzzle engines and automated workflow processes, plus digital products serving both our B2C and B2B communities within the UK and internationally. 

Our puzzle engine, known as 'Alph', is a critical enhancement to supporting our growth and automated processes, with our databases a key component in supporting our growth, including increased puzzle types, and interactive formats.  

We are now looking to cleanse our database of out-of-date clues and words, whilst also enhancing the range of clues and words to now support an increased diversity of puzzle types, including diversity of clues and words to appealing to an increased market of diverse and engaged puzzlers and gamers. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

• Job Title: Clue & Word Database Cleansing Assistant
• Contract Duration: 6-Month Fixed-Term Contract
• Location: Reigate, England, United Kingdom
• Ways of Working: Hybrid (This role is predominantly home-based, with Reigate as your contractual office base. Occasional office attendance, typically once a month, may be required for team gatherings, collaboration, key meetings and company events.)

We are looking for three meticulous individuals, ideally with a degree or have high-level English language qualifications. 

This is a six-month project, working within our ‘Alph’ puzzle generation development team, to support the cleansing and enhancement of our clue and word databases from which our puzzles and quizzes are constructed. 

You will be reporting into the Head of Product (Content Platforms), but working closely with the Head of Content and the Alph Quality Analysis team. 

Whilst not essential, you would ideally live within a 50-mile radius of our Puzzler Media Reigate, Surrey office to attend monthly team database update meetings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Pending words and clues – evaluate and release into the database where appropriate 
• Offensive words and clues – continue to identify and delete or change offensive clues referring to mental health, gender norms, stereotypes, weight, countries, etc. 
• Properties on newer words and clues – complete any missing grammatical or usage information for material added from within a puzzle 
• House styles consistency – edit newly added clues to be consistent with house style 
• Cryptic clues – check pending clues and release into the database 
• Name changes – check and update names (airports, sports stadia, countries, etc.), especially in themed lists 
• Clue types and regional suitability – update inconsistencies and errors in existing clues 
• Current issues and changes – update references to changes in politicians, marriages, deaths, etc. 
• Adding words and clues – update popular culture topics and find fresh alternatives to overused clues 
• Quiz-style clues – review for current relevance and usefulness 
• Themed lists – review existing lists for relevance and suggest new themes 
• Extra database of themed words – review for words that could be included in our main database 
• Quiz questions – assist in reviewing for relevance and accuracy, and updating 
• New system compatibility – add or adjust word and clue parameters that are unique to our new system 
• Assist with reviewing and updating other data issues that arise from ongoing development 

EXPERIENCE, QUALITIES AND SKILLS

Essential:

• Keen eye for detail
• Good understanding of new and related general interest topics, including culture, news, celebrity, film, soap and music to name a few
• Ideally, you are an avid puzzler, especially in completing general knowledge Crosswords and/or Cryptic Crosswords and/or word game player
• Used to working closely within a team, and confident in articulating to the team any questions or concerns around selected clues, words, topics, etc. 
• Self-disciplined and able to work remotely, producing weekly timesheets, including total words/clues deleted, changed or added
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Understanding of grammatical terms (to a reasonable degree) 
• Microsoft Excel competence 
• Logical, methodical and organised 
• Good research skills 
• Willingness to listen/learn/double-check rather than assume 
• Appreciation of a wide range of customer types, particularly age ranges 
• Awareness of news and current events 
• Appreciation and understanding of cultural sensitivities 
• Happy to work both alone and in collaboration 
• Hybrid working – ability to work remotely and attend the Reigate office at least once per month 

Desirable:

• Relevant degree (e.g., English Literature or History) or similar familiarity with older words and references 
• Familiarity with Office 365 programs 
• Interest in puzzles and quizzes in any media  
• Wide range of knowledge and interests – popular culture, plus more classic and traditional references 

NEXT STEPS

To apply for this six-month fixed-term role, please follow our online application process and submit a CV and cover letter, with details of your expected salary.

This is a temporary position (6-month fixed-term contract). Ideally, you will be working full-time (35 hours per week). However, we are flexible for the right candidate so welcome part-time applicants too, willing to work no less than 2 days per week. The role is primarily home-based, but you may be required to attend the office in Reigate from time to time and, on occasion, to attend events elsewhere. We offer a generous package including 34 days paid holiday in each year (which is inclusive of bank holidays), health cash plan, excellent pension, a competitive salary, and many more staff discounts and benefits.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from everyone and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or any other protected characteristics. 

If you have any issues with your application, please email recruitment@dcthomson.co.uk

For further information, please visit dcthomson.co.uk/vacancies

Closing date for applications: Tuesday, 20th May 2025 at 17:00hrs

Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early once we have received suitable applications. Therefore, please ensure you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.