Chief Reporter - North and Mid Essex

Application Deadline: 29 September 2026

Department: Editorial

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Colchester

Reporting To: Laura Michael

Newsquest North and Mid Essex seeks an ambitious and experienced journalist to join our team as Chief Reporter, with a focus on Chelmsford and the surrounding areas.

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented reporter who thrives on finding exclusive stories, building strong contacts and producing journalism that makes a genuine difference to local communities.

The mid Essex patch offers a varied and rewarding mix of reporting opportunities, from local politics and public affairs to crime, courts, community campaigns and breaking news. As Chief Reporter, you will play a key role in delivering impactful journalism across our digital and print platforms while helping ensure our coverage remains relevant, trusted and engaging.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead reporting across Chelmsford and the wider Mid Essex patch
• Produce accurate, engaging content for digital and print platforms
• Identify, develop and deliver exclusive stories and investigations
• Cover breaking news, local politics, crime, courts and community issues
• Build and maintain strong relationships with contacts across the patch
• Work with colleagues to plan and deliver high-quality coverage
• Use audience data and analytics to maximise the reach and impact of content
• Undertake editing and publishing duties when required
• Contribute to newsroom planning and editorial discussions

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A strong track record in local news reporting
• Excellent news judgement and storytelling ability
• Proven ability to identify and deliver exclusive stories
• Strong interviewing, writing and communication skills
• Experience creating content for both digital and print audiences
• Ability to build and maintain professional contacts and relationships
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure
• Sound knowledge of media law, the IPSO Code and responsible reporting standards
• A collaborative approach and willingness to support colleagues across the newsroom
• Able to use AI tools to improve efficiency, insight and output quality
• NCTJ qualification, including shorthand, is desirable
• A driving licence and access to a car are preferred due to the geography of the patch
• Willingness to work a rota that includes some early, late and weekend shifts

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
• Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
• Structured career progression & ongoing training
• Pension plan
• Employee Helpline counselling and advice
• Perks & discounts including:
  • Gym membership
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Eye care
  • Retail discounts
• Team building days & annual volunteer charity day