Editor, Managing Director, Creative Arts​/Media

Why The Stage?

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the UK's most respected cultural titles at a pivotal moment in its evolution.

The Stage Media Company Ltd, based in London Bridge, provides trusted news, insight and services for the UK's theatre, performing arts and book publishing industries through its two principal titles, The Stage and The Bookseller. Both titles are long-established leaders in their fields, known for authoritative journalism, independence and deep industry expertise.

Why this role is important

The Stage Media Company is seeking an Editor to lead the editorial direction, standards and output of The Stage. This is a senior editorial leadership role with responsibility for ensuring the title continues to serve the theatre industry with authority, independence and relevance, and is stewarded responsibly for the long term.

The Editor will play a key role in shaping The Stage's future, leading a talented editorial team and working closely with senior colleagues across the business, while retaining clear responsibility for the editorial voice, priorities and standards of the title.

Our editorial culture

Editorial leadership at The Stage is grounded in clear values. This role will suit someone who believes deeply in editorial independence, cares about craft and expertise, and is comfortable making principled decisions.

We are a commercial organisation with a strong sense of purpose. We believe that long-term editorial independence depends on building a sustainable business that responds to the needs of the industries we serve. This means creating journalism, products and events that audiences genuinely value, and working constructively with commercial and events teams to support the long-term success of the title.

We are looking for an editor who thinks long-term about the health of the publication, the industry and the team, understands the importance of profit for purpose, and is committed to safeguarding an uncompromised editorial voice while helping the organisation thrive

What you will do

Editorial leadership

• Lead the editorial department, with final responsibility for editorial judgement, balance, accuracy and standards across all The Stage platforms
• Set and maintain the editorial vision and priorities of The Stage, ensuring coverage is authoritative, relevant and forward-looking
• Uphold and continually improve standards of factual accuracy, legal compliance and house style
• Commission, edit and create high-quality journalism, analysis and long-form content across digital, print and other platforms

Editorial development and delivery

• Shape and deliver major editorial projects, awards, events, supplements and special initiatives
• Encourage innovation in storytelling formats and presentation across digital, print and other platforms
• Use audience insight and performance data to inform editorial priorities and development
• Contribute to the success of The Stage's subscription and premium content propositions by ensuring editorial output delivers distinctive, authoritative value to audiences

People leadership

• Lead, manage and develop the editorial team, providing clear direction, guidance and mentoring
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing editorial culture
• Support professional development and succession planning within the team

Collaboration and representation

• Work constructively and transparently with marketing, commercial and events teams, while safeguarding editorial independence
• Work collaboratively across The Stage and The Bookseller, sharing insight and expertise where this strengthens both titles, while preserving their distinct voices and audiences
• Maintain and extend a wide range of senior industry contacts
• Represent The Stage Media Company at external events and industry forums

What we are looking for

• Significant editorial leadership experience within journalism, publishing or cultural media
• Strong editorial judgement and an excellent understanding of the UK theatre and performing arts sector
• Experience commissioning, editing and shaping content across digital and print platforms
• Proven ability to lead, manage and develop editorial teams in a clear, supportive and values-led way
• E…