Head Of Publishing

Job title:Head of Publishing
Location: Midrand, Johannesburg
Salary:Market related
Reporting to: Regional Publishing and Services Director
Reference number: HODP091024 Who We Are
Macmillan Education (part of Springer Nature) is a world class educational content and service provider. As a trusted publishing brand in Southern Africa, we support learners, teachers, and institutions through a lifetime of learning by providing them with content in the most relevant, engaging and flexible formats.
Our passion for learning and our commitment to elevate education in Southern Africa to much greater heights is second to none, which is why Macmillan Education remains the number one partner in education in delivering innovative solutions that will drive learner performance and help educators and institutions to deliver excellent results.
Purpose of the Position
Macmillan Education - Southern Africa is seeking to appoint an experienced professional to the position of Head of Publishing to determine and manage the strategy for the applicable publishing division with overall responsibility for driving projects across area of focus. Identifying and researching profitable publishing opportunities within area of accountability.
As the Head of Publishing, you will be responsible for leading a team to drive content creation and delivery. You will focus on identifying and researching profitable publishing opportunities, ensuring alignment with the Department of Basic Education's requirements, and developing curriculum-driven educational materials that meet market needs. This is a pivotal role that requires leadership, innovation, and an in-depth understanding of the education landscape in South Africa.
The Requirements A minimum of 8 experience in a management role in the educational publishing industryDegree in Education or background, including basic financial competenceTeaching experience or teaching backgroundExperience in leading and managing publishing teams and large-scale projectsIn depth understanding of the Southern African Educational Publishing market, competitor activity and their productsStrong strategic vision accompanied by tactical implementation abilitiesAble to quantify, identify and present levels of risk in new projects; maintain an open and flexible approach and quick adaptation to changesExperience of dealing and interacting with government at a senior level is a prerequisiteBe a strategic thinker.A solid understanding of education in South African marketsBe experienced in managing staff and budgets.Be skilled in researching and evaluating markets.Have a good understanding of legal issues in publishing.Be extremely well organized and able to work well under pressure.Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills.Demonstrate ability to lead change.Financial acumenBe willing to travel throughout South Africa.Innovation and creativityEthical and compliance orientedStrong project management skills with strong print and digital pedagogical insightStrong digital content development background The Responsibilities Determine, manage and implement the strategy for the publishing division in line with broader company visionCreate and present to senior management clear strategic goals and long-term vision to justify publication deliverablesDevelop a plan for, and implement, market research, from which exact product specification can be derived, leading to commissioning and product development in all formatsKeep up to date with the industry changes and government policy and ensure that we have good connections with key peopleAble to quantify, identify and present levels of risk in new projects; maintain an open and flexible approach to experimenting and testing new ideas / models to maximise learning, making best use of agreed investment; capable of analysis and presentation of results, with critical responses to successes or failureConduct ongoing market analysis and research to understand competitive landscape, market needs, customer preferencesMaintain a thorough knowledge of curriculum changes and key developments in the education department (DBE)Analyze curriculum changes and identify trends to build into the long-term publishing programme planIdentify viable business opportunities and initiate projects over a five-year planning cycleDevelop publishing schedules based on plans and oversee details of project in initiation meetingOversee management of Publishing programmes meets submission deadlines and profitability targets within project budgetBuild and maintain good lines of communication with key external stakeholders including departmental officials, district directors, chief directors and relevant stakeholders.Attend conferences, Industry meetings and book fairs with the view to building networks as well as increase market knowledgeUse reporting and analysis to determine improvements, efficiencies and publishing innovationsDetermine the human resource requirements, in accordance with the expected deliverables and current capacityLead the department in such a manner as to foster innovation and technological excellenceLead the department by managing appointments, promotions, and industrial relations issues in conjunction with the Human Resources departmentEnsure compliance with legal requirements, managing risks and safeguarding the integrity of the published materialsIdentify potential risks and vulnerabilities associated with publishing activities and develop risk management strategies and processes to protect the reputation and assets of the organization The Successful Candidate Should Be a strategic thinker with ability to look at a wider business environment and explore ways to achieve business goals, ROI and efficienciesExperienced in managing staff and P&L management and budgetsAbility to see both detail and big picture and to move easily between the two perspectives, seeing how they influence each other, in order to make appropriate decisions on cost, time and quality issuesBe extremely organized and able to manage and drive the team in the right directionBe someone who demonstrates ambition for company success and inspires others to succeedBe an excellent communicator, including clear, imaginative, and persuasive presentation and influencing skillsMaintain and establish key contacts with both internal and external stakeholdersBe independent minded with an energetic and collaborative dispositionProvide leadership and motivation to all employees and be able to mentor where requiredDemonstrate high integrity and comply with all Springer Nature Governance and Code of Conduct Principles Applications: Candidates who are interested in this position and who meet the requirements, may apply.
NB: In terms of meeting the company's goals with respect to Employment Equity, people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Closing date: 09 October 2024
Job Posting End Date:
9-10-2024
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