Role purpose and overview

The Head of Breaking News is one of the most senior editors on the news desk. They are responsible for overseeing a team of editors and reporters who monitor, identify, verify, commission and publish breaking news. This will initially focus on domestic news. This system has to operate across the whole day to publish stories as quickly as possible and then build these stories up to the highest standard. They must work closely with the National News Editor and Homepage team to flag the biggest emerging stories. They will also need to form strong relationships with other departments to coordinate coverage when stories cross into different areas. They are responsible for monitoring live coverage such as live blogs and deciding with publishers the right format for breaking news stories. This includes working closely with the picture desk, video desk and graphics. The Head of Breaking News will be asked for snap updates by more senior editors, and be...