Playbook Media
Data Journalist
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About Playbook Media
Playbook Media is the parent company of two of the UK's 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 don't 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.
Why the role exists
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.
What you will do
The Bookseller (approx. 80% of the role)
- Compile The Bookseller's market-leading weekly book sales charts from 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 Bookseller's online and print charts coverage.
- Work with the Deputy Editor to develop and expand The Bookseller's data and insight journalism.
- Work with publishers, online retailers and other partners to compile The Bookseller's 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 Bookseller's understanding of the publishing industry and generate valuable new journalism.
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The Stage (approx. 20% of the role)
- 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.
What we're looking for
Experience & Skills
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.
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How we work at Playbook Media
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 today's 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.
Additional Information
- 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.
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