Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Additional Information
Runner, Golfer, Tennis
Timeline
Generic

Nkululeko Legend Manqele

TV Executive
Johannesburg

Summary

A seasoned leader with a proven track record at The Bar Group, I excel in strategic planning and partnership development, driving business growth and fostering innovative team environments. My expertise in business management and talent development has consistently enhanced operational efficiency and profitability, showcasing a commitment to excellence and dynamic leadership.

Talented Owner with excellent marketing, customer service and facility oversight skills and more than 15 years of experience. Highly effective and comfortable working with people at all levels in organization.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages

Work History

Owner/Publisher (Destiny Magazine)

The Bar Group
03.2019 - Current
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
  • Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
  • Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
  • Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
  • Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.
  • Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
  • Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
  • Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
  • Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
  • Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
  • Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
  • Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
  • Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.

CEO/Founder and Executive Producer

The Bar Group
02.2014 - Current
  • Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
  • Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
  • Drove profitability with thorough financial analysis and strategic decisionmaking.
  • Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
  • Established new revenue streams by identifying market opportunities and launching innovative products or services.
  • Developed a high-performance executive team for improved productivity and efficiency.
  • Created a positive work culture, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and retention rates.
  • Streamlined business processes, resulting in increased operational efficiency across all departments.
  • Fostered strong relationships with industry partners to expand business opportunities.
  • Delivered consistent revenue growth by identifying new markets and devising targeted expansion strategies.
  • Achieved company growth by implementing strategic plans and streamlining operations.
  • Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive, and performance-oriented business culture to lead industry in innovation and push progress.
  • Implemented cost-saving initiatives to reduce operational expenses without sacrificing quality.
  • Enhanced brand reputation with effective marketing campaigns and public relations efforts.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by developing robust policies, procedures, and internal controls.
  • Streamlined operational processes to boost efficiency, adopting innovative technologies and methodologies.
  • Developed high-performing executive team by recruiting top talent and implementing comprehensive training programs.
  • Bolstered employee engagement and reduced turnover by introducing progressive workplace policies and benefits.
  • Led successful mergers and acquisitions, significantly increasing company's footprint and competitive edge.
  • Directed launch of innovative products, capturing new market segments and driving revenue growth.
  • Spearheaded global expansion efforts, entering new markets and establishing profitable operations within two years.
  • Reinforced company's market leadership by consistently outperforming competitors in key performance metrics.
  • Optimized supply chain operations for efficiency, leveraging technology to reduce lead times and costs.
  • Enhanced stakeholder value by consistently exceeding financial targets and delivering robust shareholder returns.
  • Secured advantageous partnerships and collaborations to co-develop cutting-edge technologies and solutions.
  • Championed data-driven decision-making culture, enhancing business intelligence and strategic planning capabilities.
  • Amplified customer satisfaction and loyalty through introduction of customer-centric service model.
  • Nurtured key strategic partnerships that resulted in enhanced product offerings and expanded customer base.
  • Devised and presented business plans and forecasts to board of directors.
  • Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
  • Founded performance- and merit-based evaluation system to assess staff performance.
  • Guided team members through periods of change by providing clear communication on expectations and objectives moving forward.
  • Developed strong partnerships with key industry players, contributing to an increased market presence.
  • Built a positive organizational culture that fostered creativity, innovation, and employee engagement.
  • Championed continuous improvement efforts within the organization, streamlining operations for increased efficiency.
  • Secured sufficient funds to cover business obligations by tracking expenses and budgeting accurately.
  • Navigated company through regulatory landscapes, ensuring compliance with all industry standards and laws.
  • Drove revenue growth with targeted sales initiatives, understanding and leveraging market trends effectively.
  • Solidified company's competitive position, conducting comprehensive market analysis and adjusting strategies accordingly.
  • Streamlined operations, implementing efficient workflow processes that cut down on project completion times.
  • Secured significant venture capital funding to fuel expansion, presenting compelling business cases to investors.
  • Built strong relationships with clients, fostering a positive working environment and promoting long-term business partnerships.
  • Implemented quality control measures to verify compliance with artistic and technical standards.
  • Presented production ideas and determined creative scenarios for production and delivery.
  • Planned video shoots in studio and remotely by managing production through stages to completion.
  • Liaised with directors, actors and other creative staff to successfully complete projects.
  • Coordinated with vendors to obtain supplies needed for shoots at best value for money.
  • Conducted meetings with staff to discuss production progress and to attain production objectives.
  • Developed project budgets and managed production costs.
  • Remained highly composed and calm in very fast-paced, stressful and constantly changing environments to provide optimal leadership and achieve desired results.
  • Observed tight deadlines and strict budgetary controls to avoid waste and streamline costs.
  • Remained composed and highly professional in fast-paced and constantly changing environment, effectively handling challenging situations and difficult individuals to achieve objectives.
  • Collaborated with network executives to define and propel organization's mission and vision.
  • Orchestrated license agreements for music and footage, talent releases, and distribution contracts.

Content/Creative Producer

Don’t Look Down
02.2013 - 01.2014

1. Creative Vision and Leadership

• Develop and define the overarching creative vision and tone for all productions, ensuring alignment with the production house’s brand identity.

• Provide creative direction for TV shows, pilots, and other content, ensuring that each project meets industry standards and audience expectations.

• Collaborate with writers, directors, producers, and other stakeholders to maintain a cohesive vision across all aspects of production.

• Evaluate scripts, storyboards, and treatments, offering feedback and suggestions for improvement.

2. Concept Development

• Lead brainstorming sessions to generate innovative concepts for new shows, series, or formats.

• Research trends in TV content, audience preferences, and competitors to develop unique and compelling ideas.

• Pitch creative concepts to networks, funders, and other stakeholders.

3. Team Management

• Manage and inspire creative teams, including writers, editors, graphic designers, and production staff.

• Act as a mentor to junior creative staff, fostering an environment of collaboration and professional growth.

• Resolve conflicts and provide solutions to creative challenges faced by the team.

4. Content Oversight

• Oversee all aspects of pre-production, production, and post-production to ensure the creative vision is executed flawlessly.

• Work closely with directors to ensure visual and narrative elements align with the intended tone and audience.

• Review and approve scripts, set designs, costumes, and final edits.

5. Client and Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary liaison between the production house and networks, broadcasters, or clients, ensuring their requirements are met while maintaining creative integrity.

• Represent the production house at industry events, pitches, and meetings, advocating for its creative vision and portfolio.

• Handle client feedback and integrate it into the creative process when necessary.

6. Brand and Marketing Collaboration

• Collaborate with marketing and PR teams to ensure the content is positioned correctly in the market.

• Develop promotional strategies for TV shows, including teasers, trailers, and social media campaigns.

7. Budget and Time Management

• Work closely with producers to ensure creative decisions align with budgetary constraints.

• Manage timelines for creative development, ensuring all deadlines are met without compromising quality.

8. Innovation and Trendsetting

• Stay up to date with the latest trends in technology, storytelling, and design in the TV industry.

• Experiment with new storytelling techniques, formats, or visual styles to set the production house apart from competitors.


Senior Content Producer:

1. Content Development and Strategy

• Lead the development of creative content ideas, from concept to execution.

• Collaborate with stakeholders (writers, directors, clients) to ensure content aligns with the production’s goals and target audience.

• Develop and refine storylines, scripts, and show formats to maintain high-quality and engaging content.

• Research and implement content trends to keep productions fresh and relevant.

2. Project Management

• Oversee the content creation process, ensuring all stages (pre-production, production, and post-production) are executed seamlessly.

• Coordinate with producers, directors, editors, and other departments to manage workflows.

• Establish and enforce timelines to meet deadlines and deliverables.

• Maintain quality control over all content to ensure it meets production standards.

3. Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor junior content producers, writers, and other creative team members.

• Delegate tasks effectively, ensuring that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.

• Foster a collaborative and creative work environment to encourage innovation.

4. Client and Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary contact for clients, networks, and stakeholders throughout the production process.

• Present content ideas, treatments, and strategies to secure approvals.

• Incorporate client feedback into the content while maintaining creative integrity.

5. Content Oversight

• Review scripts, storyboards, edits, and final content to ensure alignment with the creative vision.

• Ensure all content is compliant with regulatory and broadcast standards.

• Manage the balance between creative ambition and budgetary or time constraints.

6. Budget Management

• Collaborate with the production manager to ensure the content is developed within budget.

• Monitor and track spending on content-related activities, such as scripting, talent, and design.

7. Innovation and Trendsetting

• Stay updated on industry trends, audience preferences, and emerging platforms.

• Experiment with innovative formats, storytelling techniques, and technologies.

• Propose and execute new content strategies for digital, linear TV, or hybrid platforms.

8. Performance Analytics

• Monitor the performance of produced content and analyze audience feedback to identify areas of improvement.

• Use data to inform future content strategies and optimize for maximum audience engagement.

Key Skills for a Senior Content Producer:

• Strong storytelling and creative writing abilities.

Content Producer

Urban Brew Studios
01.2013 - 01.2014
  • Identified gaps in existing content offerings, proposing new topics to address audience needs and interests.
  • Coordinated with freelance writers and designers, ensuring consistent quality and adherence to brand guidelines.
  • Provided support during live events coverage as needed by managing social media accounts or writing real-time updates for online audiences.
  • Maintained a comprehensive understanding of industry trends, ensuring that produced content remained fresh, relevant, and insightful.
  • Assisted in video production process from pre-production planning through post-production editing stages.
  • Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing workload to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results.
  • Monitored content performance using analytics tools, making data-driven decisions for future improvements.
  • Managed editorial calendar to ensure timely publication of new content across various channels.
  • Boosted website traffic by consistently creating search engine optimized articles and blog posts.
  • Conducted meetings with staff to discuss production progress and to attain production objectives.
  • Reviewed scripts to determine most appropriate methods to use for directing both actors and crew members.
  • Identified and approved equipment and elements required for productions.
  • Booked guests for on-air interviews and assigned stories to reporters to manage coverage and schedule needs.
  • Alleviated issues between talent on set to keep projects on track and avoid delays or budget overages.
  • Developed schedules for production, editing, and duplication for timely delivery.
  • Devised and implemented strategies to create new revenue streams and cut operational costs.
  • Found appropriate stories and ideas for programming to engage target audiences and hook advertisers.
  • Strengthened content through proofreading and editing.
  • Conducted thorough research to provide accurate and up-to-date information in all published materials.
  • Trained junior team members on best practices in content production techniques and optimization strategies.

Junior Producer

Urban Brew Studios
02.2011 - 01.2012
  • Managed creative assets, ensuring proper storage and organization for easy retrieval during post-production processes.
  • Implemented innovative ideas in storyboarding and shot composition, elevating visual storytelling techniques across multiple projects.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors and freelancers, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or timelines.
  • Monitored industry trends closely to identify new technologies and strategies that could enhance production capabilities further.
  • Provided mentorship to junior team members, developing their skills while maintaining a positive work environment that encouraged growth.
  • Assisted in the successful delivery of high-quality productions by effectively coordinating logistics such as transportation, accommodations, and catering for cast and crew members.
  • Assisted senior producers in pre-production planning, including script development, talent casting, and location scouting.
  • Worked closely with directors on set to ensure scenes were executed according to planned vision while adhering to safety regulations at all times.
  • Supported post-production processes such as editing and sound mixing, ensuring final products met desired quality standards.
  • Collaborated with marketing teams to create promotional materials for upcoming productions, increasing audience engagement rates.
  • Conducted thorough research to generate accurate and compelling content for diverse audiences.
  • Maintained organized production schedules and tracked progress to meet tight deadlines consistently.
  • Evaluated potential risks in projects proactively by establishing contingency plans that mitigated delays or unforeseen challenges.
  • Oversaw equipment inventory management, reducing costs through proper maintenance scheduling and strategic purchasing decisions.
  • Managed budgets for multiple productions, ensuring timely delivery within allocated resources.
  • Participated in client meetings to present proposals and gather feedback, fostering strong relationships and repeat business opportunities.
  • Presented production ideas and determined creative scenarios for production and delivery.
  • Planned video shoots in studio and remotely by managing production through stages to completion.
  • Facilitated communication between production staff and other departments to synchronize work.
  • Developed schedules for production, editing, and duplication for timely delivery.
  • Conducted meetings with staff to discuss production progress and to attain production objectives.
  • Reviewed scripts to determine most appropriate methods to use for directing both actors and crew members.

Production Assistant

Urban Brew Studios
02.2009 - 01.2010

Production Assistant (YoTV)

2009 – 2010

• Assigned to South Africa’s leading kids’ program, YoTV, where I managed daily production tasks, including coordinating schedules, distributing call sheets, managing on-set logistics, and assisting with technical setups.

• Took initiative to shadow key departments such as camera operations, lighting design, and post-production, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the production value chain.

• Played a key role in ensuring smooth production processes and timely delivery of quality content for a highly demanding, fast-pace production company.

Production Assistant

ENCA
01.2007 - 01.2007
  • Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
  • Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
  • Analyzed problems and worked with teams to develop solutions.
  • Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
  • Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge.

Publisher/Owner

The Bar Group
07.2017 - Current

Education

No Degree - Business Of Entertainment

New York University Tisch
Online (NYC)
02-2024

No Degree - Film|TV Industry Essentials

New York University
02-2023

GED -

City Varsity
Johannesburg
03-2011

High School Diploma -

New Forest High Schoo
Johannesburg, South Africa
01-2007

Skills

    Business management

    Labor relations

    Small business operations

    Business marketing

    KPI management

    Business planning

    Staff management

    Verbal and written communication

    Negotiation

    Strategic planning

    Partnership development

    Project management

    Crisis management

    Marketing tactics

    Hiring and staffing

    Key partnership cultivation

    Team leadership

Accomplishments

  • Supervised team of 32 staff members.
  • Achieved 2 through effectively helping with industry policy in recognising new genres in the TV industry.

Additional Information

As the CEO of The Bar Group, I oversee a dynamic portfolio of companies operating within the entertainment and media industry. With a strategic vision grounded in innovation and creative excellence, I have successfully led the organization in delivering award-winning, culturally relevant content that resonates with diverse audiences globally. My leadership has not only positioned The Bar Group as a key player in the industry but also as a trusted partner for brands seeking to leverage the power of storytelling through TV and film.

Throughout my career, I have earned five SAFTA nominations, winning two awards, and spearheaded campaigns across various industries by integrating strategic brand narratives with creative execution. One of my career milestones includes having a short film screened at the Short Film Corner at the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting my ability to create content that meets both artistic and commercial success.

My expertise lies in aligning creative vision with business strategy, ensuring operational efficiency while fostering innovation within teams. I am results-driven, with a proven track record of scaling businesses, optimizing resources, and delivering measurable impact. As a leader, I am passionate about driving growth through collaboration, cultivating talent, and expanding market opportunities to solidify The Bar Group’s position as a global force in entertainment.

With an unwavering commitment to innovation, I continuously seek to bridge the gap between art and commerce, inspiring confidence in stakeholders and delivering long-term value.

Runner, Golfer, Tennis

• Golf: Enjoy honing my strategic thinking and focus on the course, often participating in networking events and charity tournaments.

• Marathon Running: A passionate endurance runner, regularly competing in marathons that challenge my discipline, resilience, and goal-setting abilities. This year (2025), I will be running for the Canon Collins Foundation in the London Marathon, the first step in my journey to complete all six of the world’s major marathons.

• Table Tennis: Actively participate in table tennis as a way to maintain agility, quick decision-making, and a competitive spirit.

Timeline

Owner/Publisher (Destiny Magazine)

The Bar Group
03.2019 - Current

Publisher/Owner

The Bar Group
07.2017 - Current

CEO/Founder and Executive Producer

The Bar Group
02.2014 - Current

Content/Creative Producer

Don’t Look Down
02.2013 - 01.2014

Content Producer

Urban Brew Studios
01.2013 - 01.2014

Junior Producer

Urban Brew Studios
02.2011 - 01.2012

Production Assistant

Urban Brew Studios
02.2009 - 01.2010

Production Assistant

ENCA
01.2007 - 01.2007

No Degree - Business Of Entertainment

New York University Tisch

No Degree - Film|TV Industry Essentials

New York University

GED -

City Varsity

High School Diploma -

New Forest High Schoo
Nkululeko Legend Manqele TV Executive