Publishing Manager at Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB)

Job Ref HR –PUM-1-017 Job Purpose

The job holder is responsible for provision of leadership and management of the publishing function that develops quality books along KLB’s business goals so that it can achieve its mission and vision.

Duties and Responsibilities

i.    Develop and implement departmental strategic plans in line with KLB mandate;
ii.   Formulate editorial policy within management guidelines;
iii.  Develop annual publishing budgets, monitor and institute implementation plans to ensure accurate and timely expenditure returns;
iv.  Plan and implement sound publication plans and product development initiatives to increase growth and profitability of the organisation;
v.   Manage the KLB authorship and author-publisher relations effectively to ensure continual product/market innovation and quality;
vi.  Initiate policy reviews, develop programmes and schedules so as to achieve company objectives and set production targets in liaison with HODs;
vii. Manage internal processes to comply with Quality Management Standards;
viii.Liaise with suppliers of book production services to meet set production targets and achieve the desired product quality;
ix.  Analyse educational trends and correctly interpret new curriculum and syllabi for the organisation;
x.   Manage copyright matters to ensure compliance with statutory requirements;
xi.  Liaise with Sales and Marketing Department and authors to obtain market information to enhance product attributes;
xii. Liaise with the Production Department to ensure timely production and delivery of quality products that meet the Bureau’s standards;
xiii. Make legal deposits for new publications/editions to ensure compliance with statutory requirements;
xiv. Supervise, coach and mentor staff for improved performance.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES)

i.   Bachelor’s Degree in Education or social sciences or its equivalent in a relevant field;
ii.  Master’s Degree in a relevant field;
iii. Minimum of 9 years of relevant work experience with at least 5 years at senior management/leadership position;
iv. Sound knowledge of the publishing and printing industry and curriculum development;
v.  Exposure to e-book development and publishing;
vi. Build strong networks and partnership with stakeholders both local and external;

Key Competencies

• Excellent problem solving skills.
• Possession of networking skills.
• Strong leadership and managerial skills.
• Ability to make quick sound decisions.
• Personal integrity.
• Effective communication skills.
• High analytical, organisation and planning skills.
• A good team player, maintains high work standards, reliable, easily adapts to new environments, pays attention to detail and is self-motivated.