Lead Editor

Wildernessdestinations; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading luxury travel company seeks a strategic Lead Editor to shape its brand voice and oversee editorial content across platforms. This pivotal leadership role demands a master storyteller with extensive experience in luxury brand communications and a passion for wildlife conservation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in editorial roles, with a minimum of 5 in a leadership position.
• Exceptional writing, researching, and editing skills with a strong portfolio.
• Deep understanding of luxury consumer psychology and behavior.

Responsibilities

• Guide and mentor a team of writers and editors across multiple markets.
• Oversee all editorial content, ensuring excellence and accuracy.
• Develop SEO-optimized content for luxury brand storytelling.

Skills

Storytelling

Leadership

Editorial Excellence

Communication

Research

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Docs

Job description

Wilderness is the world’s leading hospitality and conservation company. As a globally recognized luxury travel company, we curate tailor-made, conservation-conscious experiences for discerning travelers. Our journeys span the most spectacular destinations in Africa and beyond, seamlessly blending ultra-luxury with authenticity, sustainability, and unforgettable storytelling. As pioneers in experiential travel, we serve a highly affluent, well-traveled clientele who expect nothing short of excellence—in every detail and every word.


PRIMARY PURPOSE

We are seeking a strategic and visionary Lead Editor to oversee our writing team and steer the voice of the Wilderness brand across all channels. This is a key leadership role responsible for shaping and maintaining the brand’s editorial identity, messaging, and tone across our global platforms. You will be instrumental in crafting and proofreading compelling narratives that inspire, educate, and convert, ensuring all content aligns with the high standards and expectations of our luxury clientele.

The ideal candidate will be a master storyteller and editor with a background in luxury brand communications, an innate understanding of ultra-high-net-worth travellers, and a deep knowledge and appreciation for wildlife, conservation, and exclusive travel experiences.

Detailed Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy:

• In collaboration with your line manager, guide, mentor, and inspire a team of writers, content creators, and editors across multiple markets.
• Develop and implement a clear editorial strategy aligned with the company’s brand positioning, values, and business goals.
• Own the tone of voice and messaging strategy across all internal and external content touchpoints.

Content Oversight:

• Oversee all editorial content, including website copy, brochures, digital campaigns, social media, print publications, press materials, and thought leadership pieces.
• Ensure editorial excellence, consistency, and accuracy across all branded content.
• Collaborate closely with creative, marketing, sales, and product teams to ensure a unified storytelling approach.
  

Copywriting & Editing:

• Write, review, and edit high-impact content that resonates with an affluent international audience.
• Create persuasive, elegant copy that reflects the sophistication of our brand and clientele.
• Translate complex or niche concepts—like conservation efforts or sustainability practices—into engaging, accessible narratives.

Digital & Marketing Integration

• Partner with the digital marketing team to develop SEO-optimized content that balances performance with luxury brand storytelling.
• Support campaigns across CRM, paid media, social platforms, and web to drive engagement and conversion.
• Maintain and evolve content calendars in sync with marketing goals and seasonal campaign cycles alongside our Content strategist and copywriter.

Brand Guardian:

• Serve as the internal steward of the brand voice, ensuring that every piece of communication adheres to brand guidelines and elevates the customer experience.
• Uphold editorial integrity and compliance with relevant regulations or regional sensitivities.

Qualification:

• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in editorial roles, with a minimum of 5 in a leadership or director-level position.
• Demonstrated success working with luxury brands, preferably in travel, hospitality, lifestyle, or high-end consumer goods.
• Exceptional writing, researching and editing skills with a strong portfolio showcasing work aimed at UHNW audiences.
• Experience leading content development across multiple channels: web, print, social, CRM, and digital campaigns.
• Deep understanding of luxury consumer psychology, behavior, and emerging trends.
• Excellent research and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and other content creation tools
  

Skills:

• A visionary storyteller with an instinct for what moves and motivates luxury travelers.
• Dynamic, engaging, and highly collaborative with strong leadership capabilities.
• Detail-oriented, yet able to see the big picture and guide strategy accordingly.
• Calm under pressure, highly organized, and capable of managing multiple projects and deadlines.

Interests:

A passion for wildlife and a commitment to sustainability and conservation.

Apply for this position with us on WhatsApp. Simply send the word ‘Hi’ to [phone]