Managing Editor

Location:

Western Cape, WC, ZA, 7459

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Salary: Market Related

Division: Education

Department: Publishing Services

Education

Learning changes lives – and we’re here to drive that change. We support people wherever and however they want to learn, so they can achieve their learning goals and uncover new possibilities.

Today, we reach more learners than ever, in more ways than ever. And we’re just getting started.

Managing Editor x2 (Fixed term roles)

About the role

The Managing Editor works closely with Publishers and Content Specialists across the end-to-end production of print and digital products, ensuring delivery to agreed deadlines, quality standards and budget requirements.

The role is responsible for quality assurance throughout the production process and may, where required, undertake editing and proofreading activities to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and quality of published content.

The role will also be responsible for managing a network of freelance suppliers, building and maintaining effective working relationships while ensuring compliance with company policies, standards, and contractual requirements.

The Managing Editor will report to the Editorial Services Lead. This post is based in Cape Town, at the Goodwood office.

In this role, you will:

Project management:

Manage a portfolio of titles through the editorial and production process, ensuring delivery on time and within budget

Brief, coordinate, and manage freelance editorial and production suppliers

Quality assure freelance work against editorial and publishing standards

Manage permissions to ensure timely completion

Resolve author, system, technical and production issues

Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date project and production documentation

Ensure freelancer agreements, contracts and related documentation are in place and compliant

Coordinate workflows between freelancers, stakeholders and production teams to support efficient delivery

Planning:

Develop and maintain production schedules for assigned titles

Identify, source and commission appropriate freelancers

Collaborate with other managing editors and the editorial services lead to manage supplier capacity and priorities

Schedule and facilitate project handover and planning meetings

Ensure all required agreements, contracts and compliance documentation are in place before commissioning freelancers

Prepare documentation for project and stakeholder meetings

Maintain project records and folders within the Digital Asset Management (DAM) platform

Editorial quality control:

Review manuscripts to ensure quality, accuracy and alignment with project requirements

Manage and quality assure freelance work, addressing issues and escalating concerns where necessary to the publisher

Ensure consistency of style, tone, and structure across titles

Check that all sets of proofs have been verified before progressing to production

Review and approve proofs, artwork and final files to ensure publishing standards are met

Provide constructive feedback on substandard work and manage corrective action with freelancers

Sign off final masterset files and printer proofs for publication

Editing and proofreading:

Ensure text is market-appropriate and grammatically correct

Ensure consistency of editorial and design styles, creating a user-friendly experience

Ensure content is logically structured, clearly presented, and easy to navigate

Recommend improvements to enhance quality and effectiveness

Stakeholder relations:

Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure publication deadlines are met

Provide input into product design, including specifications, covers, logos and marketing materials

Maintain effective communication with publishers, content specialists, freelancers, and the editorial services lead

Brief projects clearly and ensure freelancers are informed of requirements, processes, deadlines and fees

Prepare clear project briefs and provide the information required to meet release dates

Additional Responsibilities:

Manage project costs in line with approved budgets.

Adhere to OUP policies, ethical standards and codes of conduct.

About You:

Essential criteria:

Relevant degree or equivalent qualification

At least 2 years’ relevant experience in publishing, editorial or publishing project management.

Proven project management skills

Understanding of teaching and learning methodologies

Strong stakeholder and relationship management skills (internal and external)

Knowledge of educational publishing industry and environment

Knowledge of tender and submission processes

Desirable criteria:

Teaching or lecturing experience is an advantage

Knowledge of multiple Southern African markets is an advantage

Experience working in multiple Southern African markets is an advantage

Proficiency in more than one Southern African language is an advantage

Experience with permissions management

Experience with compliance processes

SAP experience

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Closing date: 7 September 2026

Oxford University Press, an equal opportunity employer, seeks a talented individual to fill this post based at Goodwood, Cape Town. Oxford University Press will consider all applications in terms of its Employment Equity Plan, which acknowledges the need for transformation.

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We are committed to supporting diversity in our workforce, and ensuring an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive. We seek to employ a workforce representative of the markets that we serve and encourage applications from all.

Job Category: Publishing & Content