Content Nation Media (Pty) Ltd (under license to Condé Nast) has an opportunity for a General Manager who will be responsible for the overall strategic, commercial, financial and operational leadership of the Magazines business unit across all markets. The role holds full accountability for profitability, revenue growth, brand performance and operational sustainability.
The successful candidate will be required to:
1.Strategic and business leadership
Develop and execute the overall business strategy for the magazines division in alignment with board objectives.
Identify and implement sustainable revenue diversification strategies (advertising, sponsorships, subscriptions, commerce, licensing, events, branded content).
Drive digital transformation and innovation across platforms (print, digital, multimedia).
Monitor industry trends, competitive positioning and consumer behaviour to maintain market leadership.
Ensure long-term commercial sustainability and margin growth.
2. Financial management and P&L accountability
Full ownership and accountability for the division’s profit and loss.
Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts and financial targets.
Deliver agreed revenue, profitability and cost control targets.
Implement cost optimization strategies without compromising brand quality.
Report regularly to the chairman and board on financial and operational performance.
3. Commercial and revenue leadership
Own and deliver all revenue targets across advertising, sponsorships, events, subscriptions and brand extensions.
Lead commercial strategy in partnership with revenue, marketing and partnerships teams.
Oversee pricing strategy, yield management and monetization models.
Build and maintain high-level relationships with key advertisers, agencies, sponsors and partners.
Identify and unlock new business opportunities locally and globally.
4. Brand and editorial oversight
Provide strategic oversight of editorial direction in partnership with Editorial leaders.
Ensure brand positioning remains culturally relevant, premium, and commercially competitive.
Safeguard adherence to Condé Nast editorial and brand standards.
Oversee key brand tentpole events and intellectual properties (e.g. men of the year, women of the year, best dressed, design awards) ensuring commercial viability and audience growth.
Balance editorial excellence with commercial objectives.
5. Operational leadership
Oversee operational efficiency across editorial, production, digital, marketing and distribution.
Ensure processes, workflows and systems support scalable growth.
Ensure compliance with governance, legal and regulatory requirements.
Drive operational performance improvements and resource optimization.
6. Leadership and people management
Lead and inspire a high-performing team across markets.
Drive a culture of accountability, innovation and collaboration.
Oversee workforce planning, succession planning and leadership development.
Champion diversity, equity and inclusion across the business.
Strengthen cross-functional collaboration between editorial, commercial, finance, marketing and operations.
7. Industry representation and stakeholder management
Act as senior spokesperson for the business in industry forums and public engagements.
Maintain strategic relationships with global Condé Nast leadership.
Represent the brands at key industry and cultural events.
Strengthen brand positioning and market reputation.
REQUIREMENTS
Educational:
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, media/communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field (required)
Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
Minimum 10 years of senior management experience in media, publishing or a related industry
Proven track record of profit and loss management, revenue growth and commercial leadership
Experience leading digital transformation and multi-platform content strategies
Demonstrated success in brand building, audience growth and event/commercial activation
Skills and competencies:
Strong strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities
Excellent leadership, team management and people development skills
Commercial acumen with strong negotiation and partnership management experience
Excellent understanding of the magazine/media industry and market trends
Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
Financial literacy and experience managing budgets, forecasts, and KPIs
Ability to balance editorial integrity with commercial objectives
Advantageous:
Familiarity with Condé Nast’s global standards and premium brand positioning
Experience in multicultural and international markets
