📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Head of Content - Complex MENA
🔹 Company: ITP Media Group
🔹 Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time
🔹 Category: Media Production
🔹 Date Posted: April 22, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Spearheading the editorial and content strategy for Complex MENA
- Curating and overseeing original content creation across various platforms
- Collaborating with influencers, artists, and creators to produce engaging content
- Building and leading a diverse content team, fostering creativity and excellence
- Ensuring content aligns with Complex's global brand identity and standards
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a deep understanding of youth culture, particularly within the MENA region, and extensive editorial experience across written, video, and social content.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and execute a comprehensive content strategy for Complex MENA across all platforms, ensuring alignment with Complex's global standards
✅ Curate, produce, and oversee the creation of original content, including articles, videos, podcasts, and social media posts, that reflect the interests and trends of the MENA youth culture
✅ Identify and collaborate with regional influencers, artists, and creators to produce authentic and engaging content
✅ Build and lead a diverse content team, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities
✅ Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment that encourages creativity and excellence within the budget
✅ Ensure all content aligns with Complex's brand identity, voice, and editorial guidelines
✅ Collaborate with Complex's global teams to share insights, content, and best practices
✅ Adapt global content to suit the regional audience, ensuring cultural relevance and sensitivity
✅ Work with the Head of Social to analyze audience metrics to inform content decisions and strategies
✅ Implement SEO and social media best practices to maximize content reach and engagement
✅ Develop original initiatives to grow Complex MENA's audience across all platforms
✅ Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to identify and develop branded content opportunities across all media formats
✅ Ensure content offerings are attractive to potential advertisers and partners
✅ Lead concept direction in client meetings and pitches as the editorial representative of Complex MENA
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of hands-on content creation and management, as well as strategic planning and leadership.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Media Studies, or a related field
Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in digital media, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
Required Skills:
- Deep understanding of youth culture, especially within the MENA region
- Extensive editorial experience across written, video, and social content
- Proven ability to manage a multifunctional team and production workflows
- Experience with digital programming and publishing, including data-driven optimization of content and channel performance
- Strong network of content creators, journalists, producers, and potential contributors in target areas and regions
- Familiarity with Arabic language and regional content
- Comfort working across editorial and commercial content, including brand partnerships
- Ability to take a public-facing role and serve as an editorial ambassador for the COMPLEX brand and ITP Group
- Proficiency in content management systems, analytics tools, and social media platforms
Preferred Skills:
- English / Arabic bilingual (spoken & written)
- Comfort and experience in front of camera for social content
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong portfolio showcasing their editorial work and leadership experience in the digital media industry.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: AED 25,000 - 40,000 per month (Estimated based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.)
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Employee discounts on ITP Media Group products and services
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Flexible working hours may be available based on team needs and performance.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Benefits may vary based on the company's policies and the candidate's employment contract.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Media Production. ITP Media Group is one of the largest media companies in the Middle East, with a portfolio of over 80 brands, including major international and regional names such as Time Out, Arabian Business, Harper’s Bazaar, GQ, Construction Week, and Gault&Millau.
Company Size: 201-500 employees. As a mid-sized company, ITP Media Group offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: 1987 in the UK, later relocated to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. ITP Media Group has been operating in the Middle East for over three decades, with a strong presence in the region's media landscape.
Company Description:
- ITP Media Group delivers quality up-to-date content to its readers, viewers, delegates, and guests through digital, print, events, awards, video content, social media platforms, and social media influencers.
- The company strives to offer its customers the largest audience in the GCC with the highest engagement levels by adopting a 360-degree approach.
- ITP Live, designed to extend the company's digital footprint and enhance its total reach on social media, has four key business areas: the region's largest social influencers' agency, video content creation (ITP Originals), e-games (ITP Gaming), and live events.
Company Specialties:
- Publishing (print and digital)
- Contract and corporate publishing
- Event management
- Digital printing services
- Talent agency
- Content creation
- Video production
- Social media management
- Market intelligence
- Photography
- Digital advertising
- Print advertising
- Content solutions
- Creative solutions
- Advertising
- Programmatic
- Website development
- Client events
Company Website: www.itp.com
ASSUMPTION: ITP Media Group is a well-established company with a diverse portfolio of brands and a strong presence in the Middle East's media industry. This role offers an opportunity to work with a prominent media group and contribute to the growth of a globally recognized brand in the region.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Management. This role involves strategic decision-making, team leadership, and content strategy development, placing it at the senior management level within the company's hierarchy.
Reporting Structure: The Head of Content will report directly to the Executive Director of COMPLEX and work closely with the Director of Digital to ensure alignment with the global vision and regional audience engagement.
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time. The role requires regular on-site presence to collaborate with the team, attend meetings, and oversee content creation. However, some flexibility may be available based on team needs and performance.
Growth Opportunities:
- As the Head of Content, there is potential for growth within the company, such as taking on additional responsibilities or moving into a more senior role as the brand expands in the region.
- This role offers the opportunity to work with a globally recognized brand and gain experience in leading a content team, which can be valuable for future career development.
- The dynamic nature of the media industry provides opportunities for learning and growth in various aspects of content creation, strategy, and management.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, both within the company and in the broader media industry, for candidates with strong leadership skills and a passion for youth culture and content creation.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space in Dubai Media City, offering a creative and inspiring work environment for employees.
Office Location(s): ITP Media Group, Building 14, Dubai Media City, Dubai, PO Box 500024, AE
Geographic Context:
- Dubai is a vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving media industry, offering numerous opportunities for networking and professional growth.
- The United Arab Emirates is a strategic location for regional and global business, with a strong focus on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.
- Dubai Media City is a purpose-built free zone that hosts a wide range of media and creative industries, providing a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break. However, the role may require flexibility to accommodate content creation, team meetings, and project deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at ITP Media Group is collaborative, creative, and fast-paced, with a strong focus on innovation and excellence in content creation and delivery.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the company's careers portal
- Phone or video screening to assess communication skills and cultural fit
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members to discuss the role, responsibilities, and expectations
- Final interview or presentation to present a content strategy or project idea for Complex MENA
Key Assessment Areas:
- Content strategy and development
- Editorial skills and experience
- Leadership and team management
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity
- Adaptability and creativity
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your editorial experience, leadership skills, and understanding of youth culture and the MENA region
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your editorial work, content strategy examples, and any relevant leadership or management experience
- Research ITP Media Group and Complex to demonstrate your understanding of the company, its brands, and the role's requirements
- Prepare questions to ask during the interview to show your interest in the role and the company
ATS Keywords: Content Strategy, Youth Culture, MENA Region, Editorial Experience, Team Leadership, Digital Media, Arabic Language, Brand Partnerships, Complex, ITP Media Group
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should demonstrate their understanding of the role, the company, and the industry to increase their chances of success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Content Management Systems (e.g., WordPress, Adobe Experience Manager)
- Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics)
- Social Media Platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn)
- Video Production Software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)
- Project Management Tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be proficient in using relevant content management systems, analytics tools, and social media platforms to effectively manage and optimize content performance.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation and creativity
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Excellence and quality
- Integrity and professionalism
- Diversity and inclusion
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on excellence
- Adaptable and open to change
- Committed to continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with ITP Media Group's values, particularly innovation, collaboration, and excellence?
- How do you ensure that content remains culturally relevant and sensitive to regional audiences while maintaining global brand standards?
- How do you approach leading and managing a diverse content team, fostering creativity and excellence within budget constraints?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their cultural fit with ITP Media Group's values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling career in the role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a diverse content team with varying skills, experience levels, and work styles
- Balancing editorial independence and commercial considerations in content creation and strategy
- Adapting global content to suit the regional audience while maintaining brand consistency and quality
- Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-evolving media landscape, particularly in the youth culture and digital content spaces
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong leadership, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the regional audience, youth culture, and the media industry to overcome successfully.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other Head of Content roles, this position offers the unique opportunity to launch and grow a globally recognized brand in the MENA region, with a focus on youth culture and digital content.
- Unlike other media companies, ITP Media Group offers a diverse portfolio of brands and a strong presence in the Middle East, providing opportunities for collaboration and growth across various media formats and platforms.
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into a more senior role within the company or exploring opportunities within the broader media industry, given the experience and skills gained in this position.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic decision-making, team leadership, and content creation, setting it apart from other similar roles in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive content strategy for Complex MENA, including target audience personas, content pillars, and distribution channels
- Curating and producing a series of original video content featuring regional influencers, artists, and creators, showcasing their unique perspectives on youth culture, style, music, sneakers, sports, and pop culture
- Launching and growing a Complex MENA podcast, featuring interviews with key industry players, thought leaders, and influencers, discussing trends, insights, and news in the youth culture space
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, creative, and leadership aspects of the role, highlighting the candidate's ability to develop and execute successful content strategies and initiatives.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader strategy for Complex MENA and ITP Media Group's expansion in the region?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role, and how can I best support the team and contribute to the brand's success?
- How does ITP Media Group support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in leadership roles like this one?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the brand in the MENA region, and how can this role address and overcome them?
- How does ITP Media Group measure the success of its content and brands, and how can this role contribute to improving these metrics and driving growth?
ASSUMPTION: Asking insightful and well-researched questions demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role, the company, and the industry, and their commitment to driving the brand's success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your editorial experience, leadership skills, and understanding of youth culture and the MENA region
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your editorial work, content strategy examples, and any relevant leadership or management experience
- Research ITP Media Group and Complex to demonstrate your understanding of the company, its brands, and the role's requirements
- Prepare questions to ask during the interview to show your interest in the role and the company
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications for the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
