Managing Editor, The GAYA Guide

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.