ITP Media Group is seeking an experienced Managing Editor to join GAYA, a new global fine dining guide launching in Q4 2026. This is a senior editorial role for an accomplished writer and editor who combines fluency in digital and social publishing with a genuine and sophisticated understanding of food, restaurants and global dining culture.
The ideal candidate will be as comfortable discussing the nuances of a tasting menu, service style or wine programme as they are shaping a headline, authoring a feature or determining how a story should be told across different platforms.
The role is based in ITP Media Group’s Media City office in Dubai.
Key responsibilities
In conjunction with the Editor in Chief, responsible for the overall production, execution and management of the GAYA guide across digital, social, print and events.
Write, edit, fact-check, proof and publish content for digital and social daily, ensuring stories are on brand, on time and contribute to editorial mission and goals.
Drive GAYA’s annual portfolio of events through content and in-person support pre-, post- and during.
Analyse the performance of digital content and identify opportunities for growth.
With the Editor in Chief, build and maintain an annual content calendar across digital, social, video and print.
Foster and maintain strong working with relationships chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers and industry professionals in your territory and further afield.
Act as a senior public representative and ambassador for GAYA and ITP Media Group.
Occasionally attend events outside of office hours.
Essential knowledge and skills
Fluent in web analytics software, with the ability to interpret and action data insights.
Strong command of British English syntax, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling.
Proficiency in writing and editing texts in a variety of styles, from search-optimised features to marketing materials to business correspondence.
Proficiency in MS Office, Canva and WordPress.
Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise accordingly.
Ability to meet deadlines and multitask effectively.
Strong understanding of food and wine in general, and the restaurant scene in the UAE in particular.
Eight-to-ten years’ experience in digital / food media.
What we look for in candidates
Creative: from developing content strategy to how they respond to challenges.
Competitive: keeps a keen eye on the competition and wider industry for insights into trends.
Energetic: driven to achieve, hard-working and a natural optimist.
Persuasive: internally and externally – ability to present ideas with credibility, reasoning and emotion.
Accountable: ready to take on responsibility for managing projects from concept to fruition, and can self-supervise in order to meet deadlines.
Flexible: understands the fast-paced nature of the media landscape and is comfortable pivoting when priorities change.
Understanding: of the Middle East’s dynamic cultural identity, and a passion for new experiences.