Content & Production Manager INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY

As the Content & Production Manager at Immediate, you will play a critical role in overseeing the content production for our portfolio of food magazines, including the No.1 ranked Good Food. Your responsibilities will include managing the editorial process, ensuring all content aligns with our house style and tone of voice, copy-editing long-form features, and coordinating with both the art and ads departments to meet pagination requirements. You’ll also proof pages before they go to press, sub-edit recipes, and craft compelling headlines for our digital and print formats.

To qualify for the Content & Production Manager position at Immediate, candidates should possess strong editorial skills, including proficiency in Adobe InDesign for page layout and design. Familiarity with WordPress for managing website content is also essential, along with a solid understanding of SEO to enhance content visibility. Additional qualifications include organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, and a genuine enthusiasm for food to create engaging articles that resonate with our audience.

Immediate places a strong emphasis on the professional development of its employees, including those in the Content & Production Manager role. We offer tailored training through our in-house learning platform and LinkedIn Learning to ensure you have the resources you need to excel. Our progressive and transparent culture encourages continuous learning, providing various talks and workshops to enhance your skills in content production and management.

The work environment for the Content & Production Manager at Immediate is dynamic, collaborative, and supportive. We believe in fostering a culture that empowers our team members to thrive, with regular socials, a focus on well-being, and flexible/hybrid working options. Our newly renovated office features collaborative spaces that encourage teamwork and creativity, plus we offer perks like early finish Fridays and comprehensive family policies.

Immediate offers a competitive benefits package for the Content & Production Manager, including a salary of up to £50,000, 25 days of holiday plus a day for your birthday, a cycle to work scheme, and enhanced family policies. We also prioritize mental health and well-being, with initiatives such as mental health first aiders and champions, ensuring a supportive workplace. Additionally, our commitment to sustainability and diversity reflects our values and the importance we place on our community.

To ensure consistency in tone and style, I would closely follow the established house style guide and conduct regular reviews of the content produced. Collaboration with team members to align on key messaging is vital, as is maintaining open communication to address any discrepancies during the production process.

In my previous roles, I managed editorial workflows by implementing clear timelines and responsibilities for each project phase. I utilized project management tools to track progress, hold regular check-ins with team members, and ensure that deadlines were met without compromising content quality.

For effective sub-editing, I focus on clarity and accuracy, making sure each piece aligns with our target audience's interests. I typically read through the content multiple times—first for overall engagement, and then for specific details like grammar, punctuation, and factual accuracy. Utilizing editing software can also be helpful for catching any overlooked errors.

I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. When receiving feedback, I actively listen to understand the perspective and will ask clarifying questions if needed. I assess the feedback for actionable items and then implement changes as necessary, always aiming to improve the final product while maintaining open lines of communication with the feedback providers.

Creating compelling headlines and coverlines involves understanding what resonates with the audience. I always aim for attention-grabbing and clear messaging, often conducting quick test surveys with colleagues to see which options seem the most engaging. Being aware of trending topics in the food industry also helps to fuel creativity.

My approach to SEO includes conducting keyword research to identify terms relevant to our audience, incorporating them naturally within the content, and using metadata effectively. I also ensure that all titles and headers are optimized while maintaining readability and engagement to maximize organic traffic.

One challenging project involved a time-sensitive launch of a special issue. To overcome the obstacles of tight timelines, I prioritized tasks, rallied the team for extra briefings, and ensured seamless communication between departments. By breaking down the project into manageable parts and setting milestones, we met our deadline successfully.

I manage and collaborate with freelancers by providing clear briefs outlining expectations, deadlines, and the scope of work. Regular check-ins help maintain open communication, and I encourage feedback to create a mutually beneficial working relationship. Building rapport with freelancers ensures they feel valued and part of the team.

I stay updated on industry trends by regularly reading leading publications, attending webinars, and participating in professional groups focused on content and media. Monitoring audience interactions on social platforms also provides valuable insights into preferences and behaviors that inform my content strategies.

As a Content & Production Manager, I believe my role in team development encompasses mentoring and fostering a growth mindset within the team. By sharing knowledge, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging continuous learning through training opportunities, I create an environment where team members feel empowered to develop their skills and contribute their best.