Data Journalist
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Job Summary
Playbook Media is the parent company of two of the UKs most respected specialist media titles: The Bookseller the market-leading title for the book trade and The Stage the leading publication for the theatre industry. Together our titles inform inspire and connect the industries they serve through trusted journalism events awards insight and community. We are an independent purpose-led business committed to editorial excellence long-term stewardship and serving the industries we cover.
At Playbook Media our values dont just describe what we believe they shape how we work every day. We look for people who are committed to excellence passionate about the industries we serve act with integrity and independence and think about the long-term success of our brands customers and colleagues.
Data is already central to some of the most important journalism produced by The Bookseller and The Stage. We want to build on that foundation.
We are looking for an ambitious Data Journalist to work across both titles using data to uncover analyse and tell stories that matter to our professional audiences.
Working directly with the Deputy Editor of The Bookseller and the Editor of The Stage the Data Journalist will take responsibility for established data projects while helping us expand the use of data across both brands.
At the heart of the role is the ability to source interrogate and interpret data and turn it into clear compelling journalism. We are looking for someone who is curious about what lies beneath the numbers: spotting trends asking the right questions and identifying stories that others might miss.
This is a role for an ambitious self-starter who combines technical confidence and attention to detail with strong journalistic instincts and a genuine appetite for finding new ways to tell stories through data.
Compile The Booksellers market-leading weekly book sales chartsfrom raw NielsenIQ BookScan data and other data sources.
Produce accurate time-critical online analysis of the weekly charts each Tuesday followed by more detailed analysis for the print magazine.
Take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of The Booksellers online and print charts coverage.
Work with the Deputy Editor to develop and expand The Booksellers data and insight journalism.
Work with publishers online retailers and other partners to compile The Booksellers e-book and audiobook charts.
Carry out in-depth analysis of book-market sectors and trends for supplements news stories and special reports.
Produce and analyse sales data to support reporting profiles and features across the editorial team.
Proactively identify and develop original data-led news and feature ideas.
Explore new datasets and sources that could deepen The Booksellers understanding of the publishing industry and generate valuable new journalism.
Play a leading role in the annual West End ticketing survey analysing the data and helping identify the most significant trends and stories.
Lead the data and survey elements of How to Choose Your Drama School from data collection through to analysis and presentation of the findings.
Work with the editorial team to identify and develop new data-driven projects.
Use existing and new datasets to generate original stories about the theatre and performing arts industries.
Essential
Previous experience working with data as part of journalism research or editorial work.
Strong journalistic judgement and storytelling ability with an instinct for what makes an interesting and compelling story.
Curiosity and an investigative mindset: someone who asks good questions looks beyond the obvious and is interested in discovering what the numbers really mean.
Confidence working with numerical information and large datasets
Strong Microsoft Excel skills and a willingness and aptitude to develop more advanced data-analysis techniques.
Experience sourcing cleaning or combining data from multiple sources.
Rigorous attention to detail and a strong approach to accuracy and fact-checking.
An understanding of journalistic ethics and the importance of editorial independence.
The ability to work accurately under pressure organise competing priorities and meet fixed deadlines.
The ability to work independently and take ownership of projects while collaborating effectively with colleagues across editorial teams.
An interest in books publishing and the wider creative industries.
Desirable
Advanced Excel skills
Experience with data visualisation tools and techniques.
Familiarity with financial journalism and interpreting Companies House filings company accounts and annual reports.
An understanding of the UK publishing book trade theatre or performing arts industries.
Our culture is just as important as our commercial success. We recruit people who demonstrate our values every day.
Excellence Star Performer
You take pride in delivering exceptional work continually improving and setting high standards for yourself and those around you.
Passion Ink in our Veins
You are driven curious and commercially energised by the industries we serve. You take pride in understanding our customers spotting opportunities and building relationships that create real value.
Independence For the Industry Not of the Industry
You build trust through honesty balanced judgement and professional integrity always acting in the best interests of business and the customers we serve.
Stewardship Play the Long Game
You think beyond todays sale building sustainable client partnerships that contribute to the long-term success of Playbook Media and the industries we serve.
As part of the team we all strive to be:
Humble We think of others welcome feedback share success and learn from mistakes.
Hungry We take ownership look for opportunities to improve and deliver with energy and purpose.
Smart We are people smart: we communicate thoughtfully build trusted relationships and approach challenges with emotional intelligence.
Normal working hours are 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Mon-Fri. This role offers a hybrid working arrangement requiring at least three days a week at the Playbook Media office on Bermondsey Street SE1 with opportunities for remote work on the other days.
Travel: Occasional travel to local industry events
Start date: ASAP
Closing date: 8 am on 12 October 2026
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of background and celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that diversity brings. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process please do not hesitate to let us know.
