Head of Guardian Studios

Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.

Are you a visionary, collaborative leader with a passion for video journalism and a sharp eye for the next generation of talent?

We're launching Guardian Studios – a new hub dedicated to discovering, developing, and amplifying distinctive voices that bring Guardian journalism to life in bold, innovative formats. From vertical video to video podcasts, Guardian Studios will pioneer storytelling that connects with new and diverse audiences while staying true to our values and editorial integrity.

As Head of Guardian Studios, you'll set the creative and strategic direction of this exciting venture. If you'd like to help us build something new, bold, and impactful, to reach audiences where they are, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a 2 year fixed term contract or staff secondment.

About the role

  • Define and articulate the vision, strategy, and priorities for Guardian Studios, in partnership with executive editors, multimedia teams and training teams.
  • Guide concept development, format innovation, and visual identity across projects.
  • Encourage experimentation with storytelling styles, tones, and approaches to maximise reach and engagement.
  • Identify opportunities for new formats, audiences, and talent development, with a focus on vertical video and video podcasts.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, training, and knowledge-sharing across our offices in the UK, US and Australia, liaising and coordinating with editors in all locations.
  • Work closely with commercial teams and build strong relationships across editorial, commercial, and platform teams globally.
  • Build strong relationships with agents, contributors, and rights-holders.

About you

  • Significant experience in video, audio, or digital media production at a senior level.
  • Proven track record of developing talent and formats that engage large, diverse audiences.
  • Experience launching new platforms or products in an editorial environment would be advantageous
  • Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, workflows, and complex projects.
  • Thorough understanding of platform strategy (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Spotify, etc.) and emerging media trends.
  • Experience scouting talent, identifying and nurturing creative voices on- and off-screen.
  • Strong industry awareness, up to speed with emerging trends, formats, platforms, and competitor output.
  • Ideally, you'll have a demonstrable ability to bring a diverse perspective to this role

We actively encourage applications from candidates who are Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) or from other groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media.

How to Apply

To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter which outlines why you'd love to take on this role, and why you're a great match for what we're looking for.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 13th November 2025.

Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to help your application, this includes providing documents in accessible formats or personalising the process to better support your needs. Please contact Sean on sean.brinkley@theguardian.com to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

We appreciate the time taken to prepare each application we receive. We do not use AI-assisted technology to review applications; every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team.

Benefits at the Guardian

You'll have six weeks of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase an additional 5 days. Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age). We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving. Season ticket loans are also available.

You are entitled to private healthcare, life cover, income protection, and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance.

We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.

Culture and Wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace. We became the first major media organisation to achieve B Corp status.

We offer tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including access to our employee benefits platform which provides tailored support for health and wellbeing. In addition, we also offer free yoga and pilates classes. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.

Our canteen has views overlooking the Regents Canal and caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Learning and Development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.