Content Editor

dentsu; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Dentsu Creative in Cape Town is seeking a Content Editor to lead the editorial strategy for the magazine, ensuring quality content that aligns with brand and client objectives. You will work with writers, designers, and production teams to deliver compelling content across print and digital platforms.

The role emphasizes leadership, mentoring, and strategic thinking to extend content across multiple channels while meeting tight deadlines and maintaining brand tone.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Journalism, Communications, Publishing, Languages, Media Studies, Arts or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in editorial, publishing, content marketing or magazine environments.
• Proven experience planning and delivering editorial content across print and digital platforms.
• Experience managing contributors, freelancers or editorial teams.
• Experience collaborating with clients and stakeholders.
• Experience overseeing content production processes and managing deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the magazine's editorial vision, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and client objectives.
• Drive monthly themes, editorial direction and content planning for each issue.
• Review, edit and write content as required, ensuring copy meets editorial standards.
• Liaise with cover personalities, publicists and external stakeholders for interviews and content partnerships.
• Collaborate with Design and Production teams to ensure cohesive editorial and visual direction.
• Manage editorial planning to align with production schedules and deadlines.

Skills

Fluent English

Editing & writing

Editorial judgment

Leadership

Storytelling

Project management

Education

Journalism/Communications/Publishing/Languages/Arts degree or diploma

Job description

The Content Editor is responsible for leading the development, planning and delivery of content across all brand touchpoints, with the magazine serving as the primary content platform. This role combines editorial leadership, brand stewardship, content management, innovation and client partnership to ensure the delivery of high-quality content that engages audiences, strengthens brand affinity and supports business objectives.

The Content Editor oversees the conception, planning, creation, production and presentation of magazine content while identifying opportunities to extend content across digital platforms. Working closely with Copyediting, Design, Digital and Production teams and liaising with contributors and the client, the Content Editor ensures all content aligns with the brand strategy, audience needs and commercial goals.

Please note: Although this role might be posted as permanent, we are looking for someone who is open to freelance or fixed-term employment. Nature of employment subject to change based on business needs.

Job Description

Key responsibilities

Editorial Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of the magazine's editorial vision, ensuring alignment with the brand strategy, audience needs and client objectives.
• Drive the conception of monthly themes, editorial direction and content planning for each magazine issue.
• Ensure all content is relevant, engaging, accurate and aligned with the brand's tone, voice and positioning.
• Identify opportunities to extend editorial themes, stories and campaigns across digital and social platforms.
• Provide editorial direction and feedback to writers, contributors, designers and content teams.
• Support and mentor junior editorial team members where required.
• Foster a collaborative culture focused on creativity, quality and continuous improvement.

Content Development & Production Management

• Lead the editorial planning process, ensuring content deliverables are aligned with production schedules and deadlines.
• Brief contributors, freelancers and internal teams, clearly defining content requirements and creative expectations.
• Review, edit and write content as required, ensuring all copy meets editorial standards.
• Liaise with cover personalities, publicists, agents and external stakeholders to facilitate interviews, photoshoots and content partnerships.
• Collaborate closely with Design team to ensure a cohesive editorial and visual direction.
• Partner with Production teams to monitor workflows, resolve bottlenecks and ensure the timely delivery of content.
• Maintain ongoing communication with creative and production teams regarding project status, priorities and deadlines.

Client Relationship Management

• Act as a key client contact for editorial content, building trusted relationships and ensuring content objectives are met.
• Collaborate closely with clients to align on editorial plans that meet audience needs, broader business objectives and content marketing priorities.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen audience loyalty through innovative storytelling and content experiences.
• Monitor consumer, media and cultural trends to ensure content remains relevant and competitive.
• Understand influencer ecosystems and identify opportunities for influencer-led collaborations, features and content partnerships.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or diploma in Journalism, Communications, Publishing, Languages, Media Studies, Arts or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in editorial, publishing, content marketing or magazine environments.
• Proven experience planning and delivering editorial content across print and digital platforms.
• Experience managing contributors, freelancers or editorial teams.
• Experience collaborating with clients and stakeholders.
• Experience overseeing content production processes and managing deadlines.

Skills & Competencies

• Fluent in English with exceptional writing, editing and communication skills.
• Strong editorial judgment and understanding of storytelling.
• Excellent understanding of magazine publishing, audience development and content strategy.
• Strong understanding of fashion, lifestyle, culture and consumer trends.
• Ability to conceptualise compelling editorial themes across different media channels.
• Strong leadership, coaching and team management skills.
• Excellent relationship management abilities.
• Highly organised with project management and prioritisation skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of how content supports business objectives.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Location: Cape Town

Brand: Dentsu Creative

Time Type: Full time

Contract Type: Permanent