Chief Reporter

We are looking for a Chief Reporter to join us at BelfastLive.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a talented senior reporter or content editor to step into a pivotal, driving role in our newsroom.

You will lead by example, setting the daily news agenda with high-impact exclusives, authoritative breaking news coverage and compelling features. We’re looking for someone who excels in fast-paced breaking news scenarios with a particular nose for hard news and crime and who can tell stories across multiple formats, from real-time live blogs to video and audio. Beyond delivering your own top-tier journalism you will act as a mentor to junior reporters and deputise for Content Editors to help direct daily coverage and maintain high standards across our digital output.

About us

Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.

We're home to more than 120 trusted brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, BelfastLive, and the Manchester Evening News, and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.

It's our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us the UK and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach 70% of the UK's online population and speak to over 100 million social followers around the world. And we’re just getting started…

Your story, with Reach

As a modern media organisation, we're much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do.

We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore.

We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow.

Job Description

What will the role involve?

• Set the Agenda : Deliver high-impact, original and exclusive stories that resonate with BelfastLive’s audience and drive both reach and subscriptions.
• Lead Breaking News : Act as a prolific force in breaking news scenarios, utilising real-time live blogs, breakout articles, video, audio, and pictures to capture live events.
• Newsroom Leadership: Act as a key mentor to junior reporters and step up to deputise for Content Editors when required, helping to manage the news desk and direct daily coverage.
• Audience-Driven Strategy: Use real-time analytics to understand reader behaviour and make sharp, data-informed editorial decisions.
• Uphold Standards : Ensure all content is thoroughly researched, balanced, and strictly compliant with media law, court restrictions, and the IPSO Code of Practice.

This is a home and hub position linked to our Belfast office (typically requiring 2-3 days in the office per week). Because of the nature of the role, a valid driver's license and access to a car are required.

Qualifications

Who are we looking for?

• An experienced Senior Reporter or Content Editor with a strong track record in a fast-paced digital newsroom.
• Deep, comprehensive knowledge of the political, cultural, and social landscape of Belfast and wider Northern Ireland.
• An NQJ qualification (or equivalent), including 100wpm shorthand.
• Expertise in media law, court reporting, and the IPSO Code of Practice.
• Strong digital publishing skills, including CMS experience, basic video shooting, picture taking, and community building via social media.
• A collaborative, determined, and imaginative professional who puts the customer/reader at the heart of everything they do.

Additional Information

How we'll look after you

We take good care of our people - and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you'll get a range of benefits, including:

• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.
• An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
• Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!)
• Help saving for your retirement - we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
• Supportive and progressive people policies - we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression. We believe you shouldn’t have to wait to join us to know what to expect from us, which is why we share this overview of the policies we have in place to support families and carers . If there's something you want to understand more about, just ask - it won’t make a difference to your application.
• A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.
• Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
• Financial Wellbeing - Access Stream, our app for managing your finances, pay, rewards and benefits all in one place
• Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly, where you can buy everything from homewares to beauty products.
• Interest-free loans - including for season tickets and technology.

If you’re excited about this role but don’t tick every single box, please don’t let that stop you from applying.

We know that everyone has their own story to tell, and we value potential, passion and the perspectives that different backgrounds bring to our work.

Diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us better serve our audiences, which is why we’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

We are committed to a recruitment process that is fair and welcoming to all, without discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.