Junior Commercial Video Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Junior Commercial Video Director

🔹 Company: Hearst UK

🔹 Location: London, City of, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full time, Hybrid (3 days per week in the office)

🔹 Category: Media & Publishing

🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Directing and producing engaging branded video content across various sectors
• Owning every stage of production, leading communications, and on-set direction
• Working closely with internal teams and external partners to align video output with commercial and editorial goals
• Contributing ideas during campaign planning and pre-sales, helping shape pitches and treatments

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong creative mindset, excellent communication skills, and experience leading shoots. It's ideal for someone looking to grow in a dynamic, collaborative environment within the media industry.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Direct and produce engaging branded video content across fashion, beauty, fitness, lifestyle, and more

✅ Own every stage of production from concept to final delivery, leading communications, coordination, and on-set direction with creativity and flair

✅ Work closely with internal teams and external partners to align video output with commercial and editorial goals

✅ Contribute ideas during campaign planning and pre-sales, helping shape pitches and treatments with your creative input

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of autonomy and requires strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Film Studies, Media Production, or similar)

Experience: Strong experience leading shoots in studio and on location, self-shooting, directing talent, and managing shoots from end to end

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to create engaging visual content
• Excellent communication skills, able to present ideas to both internal teams and clients
• Strong grasp of visual storytelling and branded content trends

Preferred Skills:

• Solid editing skills, including color grading and audio mixing

ASSUMPTION: While a degree is preferred, Hearst UK values relevant experience and skills over formal qualifications. Candidates with a strong portfolio and relevant experience are encouraged to apply.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £25,000 - £35,000 per annum (Based on industry standards for Junior Video Directors in London)

Benefits:

• 25 days’ holiday (with the option to buy up to 5 additional holiday days)
• Hybrid working – Three days per week in the office
• Discounted gym membership
• Healthcare cash plan
• Spend a charity day with your favourite good cause
• Life assurance and pension scheme
• Regular socials and more!

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible working hours and the option to work from home two days a week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in London. The final salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and skills.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Hearst UK operates in the Book and Periodical Publishing industry, with a focus on luxury, women’s lifestyle, health & wellness, homes, and more. The company is known for its iconic media brands such as Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Country Living.

Company Size: Hearst UK has 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: Hearst UK was founded in 1910 as a subsidiary of the American media conglomerate, Hearst Corporation. The company has a rich history and a strong reputation in the publishing industry.

Company Description:

• Hearst UK is home to some of the world’s best-loved and trusted brands, including Good Housekeeping, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Country Living, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, and Esquire.
• The company creates stories with impact, reaching over 19.5 million magazines a year, with an average of 18.7 million UK digital unique users per month, and has more than 32.5 million follows via social media platforms.
• Hearst UK has a growing audience of members, with marquee events such as the ELLE Style Awards, Good Housekeeping Live, Country Living Shows, and Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards.

Company Specialties:

• Magazines
• Publishing
• Media
• Digital media
• Licensing
• Accreditation
• Content marketing
• Data
• Experiential
• Commerce
• Purpose
• Performance marketing
• Advertising

Company Website: http://www.hearst.co.uk

ASSUMPTION: Hearst UK is a well-established company with a strong brand portfolio. Applicants can expect a professional and collaborative work environment with opportunities for growth and development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Junior Commercial Video Director is an entry-level to mid-level position, offering opportunities for growth and development within the video production and media industries.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Studio Hearst team, working closely with internal teams and external partners to align video output with commercial and editorial goals.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring the candidate to work from the office three days a week and remotely two days a week.

Growth Opportunities:

• As a junior role, this position offers opportunities to learn and grow within the video production and media industries.
• With strong performance, candidates may progress to senior roles within the video production team or explore other opportunities within Hearst UK.

ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for candidates seeking to establish a career in video production and media, with a focus on branded content and commercial video direction.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hearst UK's headquarters is located in a vibrant and bustling area of London, with easy access to public transportation and amenities.

Office Location(s): 30 Panton St, Leicester Square, London, SW1Y 4AJ, GB

Geographic Context:

• London is a global city with a diverse and multicultural population, offering a wide range of cultural, social, and professional opportunities.
• The office is located in the heart of London's West End, close to Covent Garden, Soho, and Leicester Square, providing easy access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
• London is well-connected by public transportation, with numerous tube, bus, and train stations nearby.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible working hours and the option to work from home two days a week

ASSUMPTION: The office environment at Hearst UK is dynamic and collaborative, with a strong focus on creativity and innovation. Applicants can expect to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a supportive team.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the Studio Hearst team

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creative portfolio and showreel
• Communication skills and presentation abilities
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Understanding of branded content and commercial video production

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare a strong portfolio and showreel demonstrating your creative vision and technical skills
• Research Hearst UK and the Studio Hearst team to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the company and its brands
• Be prepared to discuss your creative process, approach to branded content, and any relevant industry trends or insights

ATS Keywords: Video Direction, Branded Content, Visual Storytelling, Communication Skills, Shoot Management, Editing Skills, Creative Input

ASSUMPTION: The application process at Hearst UK is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their creativity, technical skills, and understanding of the role and company.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)
• Color grading and audio mixing tools
• Camera equipment (e.g., DSLR, mirrorless, or cinema cameras)
• Lighting and audio equipment

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be proficient in using industry-standard video production tools and equipment. Familiarity with Hearst UK's preferred software and hardware is a plus.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Integrity
• Diversity
• Excellence

Work Style:

• Creative and innovative
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Results-driven and deadline-focused

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Hearst UK's company values, particularly creativity and collaboration?
• How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a strong focus on creativity and innovation?
• How do you approach branded content and commercial video production, and how do your creative and technical skills align with this role?

ASSUMPTION: Hearst UK values candidates who are creative, collaborative, and adaptable, with a strong work ethic and a passion for branded content and commercial video production.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Working with diverse teams and stakeholders, including internal teams and external partners
• Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with changing priorities and demands
• Developing a strong understanding of Hearst UK's brands and their respective audiences

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, excellent communication, and a proactive, adaptable approach to work.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Junior Commercial Video Director vs. Junior Video Editor: While both roles involve video production, the Junior Commercial Video Director role focuses more on creative direction and client management, while the Junior Video Editor role is more focused on post-production and technical aspects.
• Industry-specific context: The media and publishing industry is highly competitive, with a strong emphasis on creativity, innovation, and adaptability. Successful candidates will have a strong portfolio, relevant experience, and a deep understanding of branded content and commercial video production.
• Career path comparison: Junior Commercial Video Director is an entry-level to mid-level position, offering opportunities for growth and development within the video production and media industries. With strong performance, candidates may progress to senior roles within the video production team or explore other opportunities within Hearst UK.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider their career goals and the specific requirements of each role when comparing Junior Commercial Video Director to similar positions within the media and publishing industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Develop a branded video campaign for a fashion retailer, including concept development, storyboarding, casting, shooting, and post-production
• Create a series of promotional videos for a beauty brand, showcasing their products and highlighting their unique selling points
• Produce a documentary-style video for a fitness brand, featuring interviews with trainers, clients, and industry experts

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to demonstrate the candidate's ability to create engaging, on-brand video content for a range of clients and industries.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical workflow for a Junior Commercial Video Director at Hearst UK?
• How does the Studio Hearst team collaborate with other departments and external partners to create branded video content?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the video production team and Hearst UK as a whole?
• How does Hearst UK support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in a hybrid work arrangement?
• What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working as a Junior Commercial Video Director at Hearst UK?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company, enabling them to make an informed decision about their application.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: https://eevd.fa.us6.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/2024318
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare a strong portfolio and showreel demonstrating your creative vision and technical skills
• Research Hearst UK and the Studio Hearst team to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the company and its brands
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.