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Essential Job Details
- Hiring Organization: Highland Publishers East Africa Ltd
- Industry: Educational Publishing
- Location: Kenya (Head Office – Likely Nairobi)
- Available Positions: 3 Senior Roles
- Application Deadline: Midnight, 26th May 2025
- Submission Mode: Soft copy only (PDF format, one continuous file)
- Reference Website: Executive Jobs in Kenya – HR Powerhouse
Introduction
Highland Publishers East Africa Ltd is a premier educational publishing house specializing in textbooks for pre-primary, primary, and secondary education. With a legacy of producing high-quality KICD-approved learning materials, the company continues to play a pivotal role in shaping educational content across Kenya.
To accelerate its growth and elevate its strategic operations, Highland Publishers is now hiring three senior professionals for its executive leadership team. If you are a seasoned publishing, sales, or finance professional looking to influence educational transformation in Kenya, this is your chance to join a dynamic, mission-driven organization.
1. Position: General Manager
Job Overview
The General Manager (GM) will serve as the overall leader of Highland Publishers. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the GM will guide editorial, publishing, finance, HR, sales, and operational departments. The role calls for a visionary leader with a keen understanding of Kenya’s education sector and the evolving dynamics of publishing, including digital transformation.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Business Growth
- Design and implement long-term business strategies to increase revenue and market share.
- Identify new growth opportunities in both print and digital content.
- Ensure compliance with KICD and other regulatory authorities.
- Represent the organization in government, regulatory, and industry bodies.
Editorial & Publishing Oversight
- Lead the acquisition, development, and approval of educational materials.
- Oversee compliance with KICD timelines and curriculum standards.
- Monitor publishing trends to guide product innovation.
Government Tendering & Bidding
- Drive successful tender submissions to the Ministry of Education and related institutions.
- Collaborate with departments to produce competitive bids.
- Monitor and respond to government procurement opportunities.
Financial & Operational Management
- Supervise financial planning, forecasting, and budget management.
- Optimize cost-efficiency and operational workflows.
- Coordinate departments to ensure sustainable profitability.
Sales, Marketing & Distribution
- Guide the expansion of distribution networks across Kenya.
- Explore digital publishing formats and online learning tools.
- Reinforce brand visibility and product outreach.
Stock, Inventory, and Administration
- Ensure efficient warehouse, dispatch, and inventory tracking.
- Enforce internal controls and stock audit procedures.
HR & Team Development
- Build a high-performing, collaborative leadership team.
- Oversee HR policies, recruitment, appraisals, and training.
Person Specifications
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Publishing, Education, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field
- Experience: Minimum 8 years in publishing, stock management, editorial, or business leadership
- Professional Membership: Affiliation with a recognized body preferred
- Strong knowledge of KICD curriculum, government procurement, and education sector dynamics
- Proven track record in revenue growth and team leadership
- Familiarity with digital publishing tools and e-learning ecosystems
2. Position: Sales & Marketing Manager
Job Overview
The Sales & Marketing Manager reports to the General Manager and will lead the sales team in market penetration, growth strategy, brand visibility, and customer relationship management. This role demands a high-energy sales leader with deep connections in Kenya’s education space.
Key Responsibilities
Sales Strategy & Execution
- Design and implement annual and quarterly sales targets
- Expand presence in schools, bookshops, and public procurement channels
- Lead sales and pricing strategies to enhance market share
Market Expansion & Partnerships
- Build relationships with head teachers, county education officers, booksellers, and distributors
- Organize regional outreach programs and workshops
Brand Management & Digital Marketing
- Implement marketing campaigns using social media, events, and email
- Oversee creation of brochures, catalogues, and promotional videos
- Drive book launch events and school exhibitions
Sales Team Leadership
- Supervise field sales teams across Kenya
- Implement performance KPIs and incentive programs
- Conduct ongoing training and capacity-building sessions
Market Intelligence
- Monitor curriculum changes, competitor activity, and policy developments
- Provide feedback to editorial for future content alignment
Person Specifications
- Education: Bachelor’s in Sales, Marketing, Education, or Business Administration
- Experience: At least 5 years in educational publishing or textbook sales
- Proven expertise in government tendering and KICD-aligned marketing
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management
- Proficient in CRM tools and sales performance tracking systems
- Digital marketing skills (SEO, email campaigns, content strategy) are a plus
3. Position: Finance Manager
Job Overview
The Finance Manager, reporting to the General Manager, will ensure the fiscal integrity of Highland Publishers. This role involves budgeting, audit oversight, stock cost analysis, compliance, and strategic decision support. The successful candidate must possess strong accounting foundations and a strategic mindset.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Planning & Reporting
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
- Develop budgets and monitor variances
- Maintain clean general ledger and reconcile statements
Treasury & Cash Flow Management
- Manage receivables, payables, and vendor transactions
- Oversee banking relationships and payment schedules
Tax & Statutory Compliance
- File timely statutory deductions: VAT, PAYE, NSSF, NHIF
- Coordinate with auditors for annual reviews
- Ensure compliance with financial laws and IFRS
Inventory & Cost Control
- Reconcile finance records with physical stock data
- Supervise stock valuation, movement, and losses
- Conduct regular stock audits in collaboration with warehouse and sales
Internal Controls & Risk Mitigation
- Enforce controls to prevent fraud, misreporting, and wastage
- Conduct risk analysis and report on exposures
Person Specifications
- Education: Bachelor’s in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- Certifications: CPA-K or ACCA required
- Experience: Minimum 5 years in financial management and inventory oversight
- Strong knowledge of ERP systems and tools such as QuickBooks, Sage, or SAP
- Analytical, detail-oriented, and excellent at cross-functional communication
- Familiarity with publishing cost structures and warehouse operations is highly desirable
How to Apply
All interested candidates are advised to:
- Clearly indicate the Position Title and Reference Number on the cover letter.
- Submit the following as one PDF document:
- Cover Letter
- Detailed CV (with contacts for 3 professional referees)
- Academic & Professional Certificates
- ID/Passport Copy
- Current and Expected Salary
Send your application to: recruitment@hrpowerhouse.co.ke
Visit: Executive Recruitment Services – HR Powerhouse for further role requirements
Deadline for Applications: Midnight, 26th May 2025
Note: Incomplete or late applications will be automatically disqualified. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Why Work with Highland Publishers?
Working at Highland Publishers offers a chance to:
- Influence educational outcomes for millions of learners
- Join a forward-looking publishing company committed to innovation
- Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams
- Gain exposure to the KICD textbook vetting and tendering ecosystem
- Shape the future of digital and print education content
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