Lead Publisher – English Language at Maskew Miller Learning

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide strategic leadership to the English HL and FAL publishing team, including Publishers and Managing Editors, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Mentor and develop team members, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet evolving role requirements.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to manage team capacity effectively, ensuring optimal resource allocation.

Product Strategy & Subject Expertise

• Serve as the English language subject matter expert, driving the development of high-quality educational products.
• Conduct market research in collaboration with the research team to understand evolving educational needs.
• Build and maintain relationships with curriculum officials, government bodies, and key external stakeholders.
• Lead the conceptualisation and development of English language products and services, ensuring pedagogical alignment with policy frameworks for Grades R–12.
• Analyse curriculum requirements, policy documents, and submission/tender evaluation criteria to inform product development.
• Monitor competitor offerings and industry trends to maintain market competitiveness.
• Develop and articulate a clear vision for product and service components.

Financial Management

• Prepare and manage product budgets, ensuring financial viability and strategic alignment.
• Monitor expenditure and maintain cost control within approved budgets.
• Address budget-related queries and adjustments as required.
• Approve work in accordance with the company's schedule of authority.

Content Development & Commissioning

• Develop comprehensive product/service plans, including instructional design and digital strategies.
• Define design specifications, cover briefs, and detailed commissioning guidelines for authors and subject matter experts (SMEs).
• Recruit and retain top-tier authors and SMEs to ensure high-quality content development.
• Guide authors and freelancers in creating pedagogically sound products and services.
• Oversee content development for both print and digital formats, ensuring alignment with educational objectives.
• Provide ongoing support during content creation, ensuring quality, accuracy, and adherence to curriculum standards.
• Contribute to the development of marketing materials, including product value propositions.
• Review content quality, ensuring compliance with editorial and pedagogical standards before final approval.

Project Management

• Develop and oversee project timelines, ensuring adherence to deadlines.
• Maintain oversight of multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery and best-practice implementation.
• Stay up to date with administrative processes to enhance operational efficiency.

Production Support

• Ensure the product vision is maintained throughout the production cycle.
• Support Managing Editors during the production phase by:
• Addressing content and author queries.
• Approving final artwork and photo selections.
• Reviewing first drafts and artwork layouts.
• Approve master set files before final production.

Educational Requirements

• A relevant tertiary qualification in English HL/FAL (education, linguistics, or a related field). 

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of five years’ experience in teaching, publishing, or a related market-driven role in English education. 
• Proven experience in managing both in-house and freelance teams. 
• Demonstrated success in leading multiple complex projects. 
• Strong leadership and team management experience.