Sarah Forbes

• Launched division, generating annual revenue of £10 million and maintaining 30% EBITDA.
• Developed strategy for acquired phonics company and back list, aligning with market needs.
• Managed comprehensive publishing plan, defining strategic direction and ensuring editorial quality.
• Negotiated author contracts, securing new manuscript acquisitions to expand portfolio.
• Reviewed publication project budgets, upholding fiscal discipline and ensuring high-quality output.
• Identified market gaps in US, UK, and IB, formulating strategies to enhance offerings.
• Led team of 15 editors and designers, streamlining workflows to elevate productivity.
• Collaborated with marketing and sales teams to establish effective go-to-market strategies.

Adult General English

• Led new editions of Macmillan's foremost exam preparation series.
• Worked closely with local sales teams to create bespoke materials.
• Conceptualised cost and saving time to market project.
• Led four versions of a major seven-level General English course (mixed media including print, app, videos, etc.) with a multi-million euro budget.
• Directly line-managing a team of in-house and freelance editors.
• Super-user of six publishing workflows and systems.

Testing and Assessment

• Prepared the business case for new editions/courses by conducting competitor analysis, drawing up the specifications and costs, aiding in author negotiations, and conducting market research.
• Wrote syllabuses, implemented pedagogy and developed material.
• Commissioned and briefed authors, designers and editors.

• Manuscript development, content editing, copy editing and proofing.
• Coordinated and attended audio recordings and photo selections.
• Performed platform-testing, logged JIRA tickets and resolved bugs.