Managing Editor, Global Newsroom

Job description

Role Title: Managing Editor, Global Newsroom

Business: Communications

New or Existing Role- New

Grade: GCB3

Role Purpose
· The role holder will be responsible for:
·
Driving the transformation of HSBC's written editorial content internally and externally, ensuring the bank communicates in a strong, distinct and consistent style across multiple platforms, building HSBC's reputation as an influential voice in the industry and as an employer of choice

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Leading the day-to-day operations of the Global Copy Desk – a team of highly-skilled senior writers and editors based in London and Hong Kong responsible for writing and improving the quality of key global content published internally and externally on multiple platforms

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Supervising all writers/editors/contract staff on the Global Copy Desk, supporting their learning and career development; leading by example in content creation and stakeholder management, ensuring the team's behaviours adhere to HSBC's values

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Assigning and editing content; commissioning stories and art; overseeing schedules and editorial calendars; setting deadlines; remaining alert to reputational and other risks

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Generating original ideas for ‘unmissable', audience-first content and content distribution that also supports the Group's strategy and priorities; delivering brilliant headlines and copy for multiple internal and external channels and platforms – intranet, press releases, social media posts etc. as required

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Supporting the Global Head of Editorial Content in providing editorial leadership and creative consultancy to colleagues across the Communications function, building and delivering training programmes in disciplines such as headline writing, copywriting, storytelling etc. to upskill colleagues globally

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Supporting the Global Head of Editorial Content in driving visual journalism in HSBC content by considering multimedia aspects for every story – determining whether and how it can be improved by the inclusion of video, images, audio or other visual/digital components

· Providing the expertise and experience that will facilitate the consistent delivery of clear, concise and compelling global stories about HSBC and its products, services and people, which in turn supports the Group's purpose, values and priorities, and informs, educates and engages
· Providing editorial support and creative consultancy to the Global Communications function, helping different teams to achieve their priorities and goals for their channels


Key Accountabilities

Impact on Business

· Lead team of writers and editors who will be responsible for ensuring key global content adheres to the strictest editorial standards and is presented in the most compelling and effective way for that platform
· Line manage individuals on the Global Copy Desk: support their learning and career development; provide regular and constructive feedback on their writing and editing skills, editorial judgment, stakeholder management etc.
· Support the Global Head of Editorial Content in implementing the Global Newsroom structure globally – improving the process of initiating, developing, creating, distributing and tracking content
· Participate in daily Editorial Content Team meeting to review story pitches from across the Group and help build a compelling and collaborative approach to content quality from the very start
· Develop and deliver to formal and informal training and guidance on writing, editing, storytelling and other skills to colleagues across the function globally
· Act as a bridge for knowledge, perspective, trends and views between global and regional stakeholders served by communications colleagues across the network
· Uphold HSBC's values-aligned behaviours; lead by example through exceptional stakeholder management, working closely with colleagues across the network to support their priorities in a timely and empathetic manner
· Understand compliance and reputational issues, liaising with Compliance, Legal and other internal stakeholders to mitigate risks to the business; spot and solve potential compliance and reputational issues before publication and escalate concerns
· The role holder will need to:
· Work quickly and decisively. They must be able to quickly deliver or ensure the quick turnaround of copy that is clear, concise, compelling and accurate without losing their cool as the volume of content continues to pile up
· Demonstrate both firmness and flexibility. They must wield the required authority to edit and critique the work of their peers (who may resist or challenge feedback) while remaining approachable and receptive to their views and idea
· Exercise first-class diplomacy in all dealings with stakeholders across HSBC's businesses and functions around the world, demonstrating understanding and empathy, and respecting various cultural, political and other sensitivities
· Manage expectations with tact and sensitivity when balancing stakeholder requests for content with the goals and standards set and demanded by the Global Newsroom
· Motivate and engage a team of highly experienced senior writers and editors who may be used to doing things a different way
· Exercise saintly patience and good humour: dealing with large numbers of stakeholders who may not share the same view on what makes quality content can be frustrating and fraught with bureaucratic and political challenges
· Know when push back and when to accept: every editorial decision needs to strike the balance between what works for the audience, what satisfies the stakeholder, and what's good for the business
· Understand that the implications of misjudging a story or getting the facts wrong can present a reputational and financial risk to the business and take ownership of these risks
· Accept that compliance pressures, as well as a determination among stakeholders to present a positive image, may exert limits on editorial freedom.

Role Context
·
The role holder:

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Will be based at HSBC's headquarters in Canary Wharf, London

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May need to work flexible hours on occasion to accommodate newsgathering and publication demands

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Will be under legal and regulatory obligations regarding the management and non-disclosure of price sensitive and other confidential information


Management of Risk
·
The role holder will continually reassess the operational risks associated with the role and inherent in the business, taking account of changing economic or market conditions, legal and regulatory requirements, operating procedures and practices, management restructurings, and the impact of new technology.

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This will be achieved by ensuring all actions take into account the likelihood of operational risk and escalating any concerns to line managers and/or the appropriate department.

Observation of Internal Controls

· The role holder will:
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Observe all internal controls such as adhering to relevant procedures and keeping appropriate records

·
Be responsible and accountable for ensuring the DIM and FIM are both accurate and adhered to

·
Implement the Group compliance policy by containing compliance risk in liaison with Global Head of Compliance, Global Compliance Officer, Area Compliance Officer or Local Compliance Officer. The term ‘compliance' embraces all relevant financial services laws, rules and codes with which the business has to comply.

·
This will be achieved by adhering to all relevant processes/procedures and by liaising with Compliance department about new business initiatives at the earliest opportunity. Also and when applicable, by ensuring adequate resources are in place and training is provided, fostering a compliance culture and optimising relations with regulators.

Desired profile

Qualifications :

Knowledge & Experience / Qualifications

·  Writing and editing
· 
Be an outstanding, world-class writer, editor and storyteller – able to instantly identify or extract the most compelling narrative from any business deal, conference, news event etc. then persuade stakeholders to buy into the narrative

· 
Breadth of writing and editing experience – proven ability to run a global news desk is essential. Experience writing and editing accurately and at pace and in high volumes, in formats ranging from breaking news to quarterly updates

· 
Impeccable editing skills – a natural instinct for spotting and correcting inaccuracies, grammatical errors, awkward syntax, typos, inconsistencies, clichés, jargon etc.

· 
Proven experience in successfully and sympathetically editing work provided by colleagues who have English as a second language and in improving their skills as well as their output

· 
Exceptional writing skills – talent for writing in simple, succinct, clear and concise manner; ability to transform corporate documents filled with jargon and complex financial terms into comprehensible, accessible and engaging stories

· 
Mastery of headline writing – creative ability to come up with headlines that compel people to read the story

· 
Strong editorial judgment – understand what makes a good story and why it should be important to both audiences and stakeholders

· 
Solid experience in news reporting, writing and editing

· 
Ability to write quickly and accurately under deadlines

·  Multimedia
· 
Proven experience delivering high-quality, accurate and innovative content across all media platforms operated by or influenced by HSBC including but not limited to traditional video (TV); video for new media, radio and podcasts; apps; e-bulletins and magazines

· 
Ability to identify and effectively integrate multimedia elements, when suitable, to primarily text-based content such as press releases, speeches and thought leadership op-eds

· 
A prodound understanding is required of what each medium has in common with, and what distinguishes it from, other media when it comes to quality in content

· 
Experience with immersive or interactive media (VR/AR) is desirable

· 
Experience in multiple comms disciplines in order to understand and better interact with fellow communications stakeholders: journalism, external communications, internal communications, marketing

·  Strong eye for design, photos and layout
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Experience in writing and editing content for platforms that demand simplicity of language: Internet, TV, radio etc.

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Experience in effectively integrating video, photography and infographics into text-based stories.

·  Industry knowledge
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In-depth knowledge of banking, investments, financial services, economics and world affairs

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Deep understanding of economic and regulatory challenges faced by the banking industry

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Extensive experience of working in large and complex organisations that may operate in dozens of business lines and scores of jurisdictions worldwide

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Experience working in a global organisation with cultural and time-difference challenges is desirable

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Experience in managing both internal and external communications simultaneously is desirable

· 
First-hand knowledge of how both public relations professionals and journalists think and act – in particular, how and why corporate stories are successfully picked up by the wider media and by the public he stories they choose to cover, the angle they might take, the press releases that get turned into stories

· 
Vigilance to anything that can expose HSBC to reputational risk

·  Stakeholder management
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Proven day-to-day experience interacting successfully with C-Suite stakeholders

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Superb collaboration and co-creation skills with everyday ability to understand and adapt to a complex matrix of priorities among stakeholders across the organisation and beyond

· 
Proven experience guiding and improving the quality of content creation not just among direct reports but colleagues across the organisation generally

·  Empathetic to the needs and feelings of stakeholders
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Ability to inspire confidence, build trust and influence stakeholders

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Ability to communicate clearly on paper and in person and adjust message for audience

·  Skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution
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Ability to take a 360 view of the environment, taking the needs, motivation and thoughts of others into account.

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Ability to work in a team: Recognise and use the strengths of others; share knowledge and experience

·  Personal qualities
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Intelligent, quick learner who is able to assimilate and retain large amounts of complex information Open, honest, friendly and approachable

· 
Able to give feedback constructively and receive it graciously

· 
Natural authority and leadership that stems from solid experience and expertise but…

…also open to other people's views in a way that fosters a speak-up environment

· 
Highly empathetic and supportive of people's work-life balance, mental and physical well-being

· 
Embraces diversity: thrives on working with people from different cultures and backgrounds

·  Good sense of humour


We are a diverse workforce and it is part of our organizational culture, it reflects our belief that diversity of thought, background and perspective make HSBC a stronger organization. We strive to implement a culture that is inclusive, diverse, positive and performance-oriented. Having a diverse workforce allows us to benefit from a variety of perspectives and strengthens our local and global competitiveness. We value diversity in our workforce and encourage all qualified candidates to apply from a variety of perspectives and strengthens our local and global competitiveness. We value diversity in our workforce and encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

As a business operating in markets all around the world, we believe diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why HSBC is committed to being an inclusive employer and encourages applications from all suitably qualified applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

We want everyone to be able to fulfil their potential which is why we provide a range of flexible working arrangements and family friendly policies.

https://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/popups/uk-privacy-statement#/ overview