Head of Sun Originals

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Job Description

About the Sun

The Sun is one of the UK's most iconic news brands, delivering the latest in news, sports, entertainment and more to our vast audience. As we embark on an ambitious new phase of putting high-quality, original video at the heart of our publishing strategy, we are looking to supercharge our daily video output beyond the news agenda by commissioning and delivering an extensive slate of high-quality, noisy, mass-market formats. To achieve this, we are seeking a dynamic individual to join our team as the Head of Sun Originals.

Overview

As the Head of Sun Originals, you will play a crucial role in shaping and executing The Sun's video strategy. You will work closely with the Director of Video to identify, conceptualise and deliver compelling, original content that engages our audience on our platform, our YouTube channel and across multiple social platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook and Snap.

The Head of Sun Originals will be adept at creating formats to reach mass digital audiences across a broad spectrum of genres - entertainment, lifestyle and beyond; experienced in the commissioning process; a senior executive producer with experience running a content production unit; a digital native with a proven background in creating and monetising digital content; Well-versed in the development of new digital formats and emerging forms of distribution; And obsessed with viewer trends and how to grow our online viewership.

Key Responsibilities:

As the Head of Sun Originals at The Sun, you will play an integral role in shaping and executing our video strategy. Your responsibilities will span a diverse range of tasks aimed at enhancing our video content, reaching new audiences, and driving engagement. Key responsibilities include:

1. Strategic Development

• Collaborate with the Director of Video to develop and implement The Sun's overarching original video strategy, ensuring alignment with our brand and editorial objectives.
• Lead a team of Commissioning editors covering Sport, Fabulous & Showbiz and Documentaries
• Identify opportunities for expanding in to new video formats and platforms, including video podcasting, to diversify our content offerings.
• Contribute to key target setting on publishing and revenue targets.
• Contribute to departmental workplace culture and its implementation as part of the senior team.

2. Video Production and Output

• Oversee the daily video output, ensuring that content is timely, relevant, high-quality and engaging.
• Be the day-to-day contact for Commissioning editors across Sun Originals.
• Work closely with the Head of Production to ensure budgets, schedules, legal and compliance issues are managed with excellence.
• Build and maintain a collaborative relationship with the Head of News Video and ensure revised brand guidelines and video output standards are being adhered to across all departments.
• Lead the development and production of original video content, including short-form videos, documentaries, live streams, and video podcasts.
• Innovate and experiment with new content formats and storytelling techniques to keep our video content fresh and captivating.
• Deputise for Director of Video on time-critical sign-off decisions in their absence.

3. Team Management

• Foster a collaborative and creative work environment, encouraging innovation and excellence within the team.
• Lead a team of commissioning editors, development producers, video producers, editors, and other creative professionals, providing guidance, mentorship and support to enhance their skills and output.
• Conduct regular team meetings and performance reviews with the Director of Video to ensure alignment with goals and continuous improvement.
• Work with Director of Video to identify talent within the department and plan their professional growth.

4. Audience Engagement and Metrics for Success

• Monitor and analyse video performance metrics, such as views, watch time, engagement rates, and audience retention, to gauge the success of our video content.
• Use data-driven insights to suggest refinement or change to content strategies and improve audience engagement.
• Support the Director of Video to develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of video initiatives, ensuring targets are met and exceeded.
• Implement feedback loops to gather audience input and continuously improve our video offerings.

5. Innovation and Trendspotting

• Stay informed about the latest trends in digital video production, distribution, and consumption.
• Identify and explore new technologies and platforms that can enhance our video content and distribution strategies.
• Encourage a culture of experimentation and innovation within the video team.

6. Inter-departmental Collaboration

• Work closely with editorial, marketing, and social media teams to ensure video content aligns with broader organisational goals and editorial priorities.
• Collaborate with other departments to integrate video content into broader campaigns and initiatives.

7. Brand Representation

• Deputise for, or join the Director of Video, to represent The Sun at industry events, conferences, and meetings, showcasing our video initiatives and building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Be a passionate advocate for The Sun's video strategy, both internally and externally.

8. Reporting Lines

This is a senior management role reporting got the Director of Video and you will be integral to shaping the future of video at The Sun and our digital presence.

You will have commissioning editors and Heads of Departments to manage alongside the Director of Video.

You will play a pivotal role in driving The Sun's video content strategy, ensuring that we produce high-quality, engaging, and innovative video content that resonates with our audience and expands our reach.

About You

• Proven experience in a senior video production role at a leading content company / agency.
• Strong background in creating entertainment and lifestyle formats.
• Strong understanding of digital video formats and distribution channels.
• Extensive network of leading professionals in content creation and distribution.
• Exceptional storytelling skills with a keen eye for high-quality production.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines and digital content budgets.
• Experience in leading and mentoring a creative team.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• A passion for news and a deep understanding of The Sun's audience.

At News UK, we know the value of working together, which is why we operate a hybrid working policy with a minimum of three days a week in the office. Being in the office allows us to collaborate, innovate, and thrive as a team in our vibrant and dynamic workspace. Some roles may require more office-based days depending on the nature of the position, so we encourage you to speak with your recruiter to learn more about what's required for your role.

We are News UK: One of the leading media businesses in the UK and Ireland. Our newsbrands include The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun, The Sun on Sunday and The TLS. Our national broadcast brands include talkSPORT, Times Radio, Talk and Virgin Radio UK, and we have market-leading local radio stations across Ireland. Our world-famous brands provide news, analysis, opinion and entertainment to almost 40 million people each month. Spanning print and pixel, audio and video, events and experiences, our multiplatform brands are home to a plurality of opinion, representing the diverse communities we serve. News UK is wholly owned by News Corp.

Life at News

Driven by passion, guided by principles and acting with purpose. We represent, reflect and reach the nation, telling the stories that matter. We inform our audiences so that they can make decisions based on trusted information.

To do this, we believe our employees must represent different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. We strive to maximise and encourage every individual's potential and ensure everyone feels valued. We support this through our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy, which focuses on three main priorities - attracting talent from a wider, more representative pool, developing equity programmes to drive better representation in our leadership, and ensuring diversity and inclusivity in our workforce as well as the journalism and content we produce. We also currently have 12 employee led networks and groups that support our strategy and connect like minded employees socially.

Benefits

Some of our benefits include:

• Maternity leave up to 18 weeks full basic salary & paternity leave up to 2 weeks
• Wide range of training available, plus full LinkedIn Learning access
• Private medical insurance including coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Discounted gym memberships, free ClassPass at Home, weekly virtual yoga classes
• 'Bikes for Work' and 'Electric Car' scheme
• Up to 60% discount on Harper Collins books
• Access to exclusive events and competitions with exciting brands such as talkSPORT, Virgin Radio UK & The Times. Weekly virtual panel chats with top journalists and celebrities
• Access to wellbeing benefits such as EAP, physio/massage and counselling
• A generous pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 5%
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays and up to 4 volunteering days per year

We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to perform to their best when applying for a role. If you would like to receive any information in a different way or for us to do anything differently to support you apply for any of our roles please contact us on [email protected].