Planning Editor

Overview

As Planning Editor you shape the news agenda across TV and digital platforms for the East and West Midlands, guiding editorial decisions and long-term planning in a busy, award-winning newsroom. You lead advance planning, generate original ideas, and oversee content across on-air and online outputs, including the ITV News Central app and ITVX. You’ll manage and mentor a team, drive cross-platform coverage, and ensure high editorial standards within a fast-paced environment.

This role offers a meaningful impact on regional journalism, with a focus on inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration.

• Lead advance planning of content for all platforms (TV and online); develop long-term and weekly prospect lists; coordinate short-term and next-day coverage
• Generate a continuous flow of original news and feature ideas
• Oversee high-quality programme, bulletins, or opt production in collaboration with the Senior Content Editor
• Lead day-to-day news gathering, coordinating breaking stories and planned events with speed and accuracy
• Curate and maintain ITV’s news app and ITVX, driving digital coverage through cross-team collaboration
• Provide excellent line management to a group of colleagues and promote ITV News initiatives
• Research and develop story ideas thoroughly for on-air and online output
• Source and maintain contacts across communities to enrich coverage
• Use newsroom technology effectively (editing, graphics, digital curation) and manage copyright details
• Provide editorial guidance to less experienced colleagues and ensure compliance with ITV, legal, and OFCOM guidelines
• Prepare for weekend duty editor responsibilities and occasional travel or off-site meetings
• Demonstrate strong organisational and logistical skills, adapting to a dynamic newsroom environment
• Commit to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in output and team culture
• Test and showcase initiative in live, pressurised news situations
• Be willing to share skills with the wider Content Editor team

• Fully qualified NCTJ, BJTC or equivalent experience
• Strong knowledge of media law & compliance with sound editorial judgement
• Proven track record of producing or planning content to deadline under pressure
• Experience coaching, managing and motivating others
• Experience delivering innovation across all media platforms
• Creative writing ability with strong journalistic skills
• Commitment to DEI
• Excellent communication skills
• Self-motivated, quick-thinking with decisive decision-making ability
• Excellent newsroom and team collaboration capabilities
• Knowledge of the patch, regional audience engagement, and diversity considerations
• Ability to plan well, stay calm under pressure, and meet deadlines
• Willingness to learn other Content Editor specialisms and share skills with the team
• Understanding of digital platforms and social media as promotional tools
• Knowledge of Health & Safety policies

• strong communication
• leadership and mentoring
• collaboration
• Wolftech planning tools
• newsroom systems
• editing and graphics workflows