Consumer Industries Correspondent (London)

About the role

The Financial Times is seeking a Consumer Industries Correspondent to cover a diverse corporate beat that includes food and drink makers, household and personal care brands, and the UK farming sector. You will report on FTSE blue‑chip companies such as Unilever, Diageo and Haleon, as well as European giants like Nestlé and Danone, delivering original stories for various FT sections. The role also involves tracking challenger brands, global consumer trends and collaborating with the deals team on M&A activity.

Key responsibilities

• Generate story ideas, break news and secure scoops by cultivating a wide network of industry contacts.
• Write longer‑form pieces for the Companies section and other FT desks.
• Liaise with news desks, overseas bureaux and the data, visuals and video teams to produce ambitious multimedia projects.
• Cover weekend shifts as part of the newsroom rota and provide cover for leisure and retail reporters.
• Collaborate with the deals team to report on M&A activity and strategic restructurings.

What we offer

• Generous annual leave and comprehensive medical cover.
• Inclusive parental‑leave packages and subsidised gym memberships.
• Opportunities to give back to the community and a supportive, diverse workplace.
• Flexible working arrangements with a minimum of three onsite days per week.