BuzzFeed seeks food business reporter

We’re looking for a creative and aggressive reporter to cover the biggest themes in the food business, including the changing ways Americans eat, the struggles of McDonald’s and other legacy fast food giants and the rise of new restaurant chains. This is a great opportunity for a reporter who understands how food is central to our everyday lives, and how story of what we eat is one with huge resonance among readers of all stripes.

There is plenty of fun to be had on this beat, from bizarre, cry-for-help marketing moves by restaurant giants (Pizza Hut’s Dorito Crust Pizza, anyone) to the untold stories behind beloved everyday foods. But there are also huge business stories, as some of the country’s largest companies (and some of its biggest employers) struggle to adapt to the new ways people eat, and a new class of giants emerge.

The ideal candidate will be able to hold down both sides of this beat, and have a keen sense both for the kind of stories that will go viral, and the ones that deserve weeks of dedicated reporting.

Responsibilities:

• Follow the daily news and social activity of the big food and restaurant companies, with an eye for quick, lively stories with viral potential.
• Identify big industry trends worthy of longer and deeper reporting
• Monitor and report on the performance of the major restaurant chains based on earnings reports and sales disclosures, with an eye for who is winning and losing the battle for the American diner.

Requirements:

• Passion for the story: this beat will live and die based on the enthusiasm of the reporter
• Track record of writing about food and/or food companies is a plus
• Strong presence across social media
• A strong sensibility for picking the right stories and understanding their viral potential
• Experience in business reporting and covering corporate earnings statements is a plus

To apply, go here.