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RENATA FORD
Production And Content Manager | Editor | Layout And Design | Editing And Proofreading | Digital Publishing | Copywriting
Pretoria
Summary
Experienced with content management, editorial processes, and quality assurance. Utilises strong project management skills to oversee publication timelines and maintain content integrity. Knowledge of advanced editing techniques and industry standards to ensure consistent, high-quality output.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Copywriter & Editor
Self-employed
Jan - Current
- Digital marketing: Copywriting for articles, emails, and social media posts; proofreading and picture curation.
- Write advertising copy for online content, ensuring alignment with clients' brand identity and personality.
- Research industry trends and customer preferences to inform copywriting efforts.
- Review and edited final copy for accuracy and to correct grammar errors.
- Provide editorial guidance to facilitate delivery of top-quality content.
National Production Editor
Independent Media
11.2016 - 12.2024
- Oversaw digital-first production for 10 newspaper titles (5 dailies and 5 weeklies) across a seven-day operation, ensuring efficient content delivery.
- Led a multidisciplinary team of sub-editors, designers, graphic artists, page makeup staff, and freelancers to produce high-quality content.
- Directed a team of content producers (lifestyle, sports, photography, motoring, and property) for nine months in 2024, while simultaneously managing production.
- Optimised workflows to meet print and digital deadlines consistently.
- Innovated by implementing digital-first strategies and overseeing multiple CMS migrations.
- Coordinated with departments such as operations, editorial leadership, IT, advertising, and press logistics.
- Ensured quality control by adhering to style guides and editorial standards.
Key Achievements
- Acted as editorial specialist for Independent Media print templates.
- Led successful CMS migration projects, including the transition from Atex (Prestige) to Naviga.
- Created and launched digital magazines during the pandemic.
- Developed top-performing digital business models within the company.
- Managed syndication contracts for text and photos effectively.
- Facilitated smooth communication between departments during project execution by serving as a liaison between editorial staff and other team members involved in publication production efforts.
Group Digital Production Editor
Independent Media
11.2014 - 10.2016
- Developed the Independent Online (IOL) app and implemented editorial systems at Independent Media.
- Implemented Baobab, InDesign, and OneView applications, streamlining digital publishing processes.
- Collaborated with IT and editorial teams for seamless integration and compliance with industry standards.
- Ensured editorial compliance for digital publishing, maintaining content quality and meeting regulations.
- Trained editorial team and migrated hundreds of print templates to new platforms successfully.
Sub-Editor, Assistant Chief Sub-Editor, & Deputy Chief Sub-Editor, Chief Sub-Editor
Independent Media
10.2002 - 10.2014
- Edited and designed diverse content, maintaining editorial standards and quality.
- Managed the sub-editing team, refining content in collaboration with editors.
- Led a team of production sub-editors at Independent Newspapers, overseeing editorial quality control and news page design.
- Collaborated with editors, reporters, and photographers to create engaging content.
- Applied colour correction and deep-etching techniques for visual enhancement.
Dark Room Assistant, Scanner Operator & Images Coordinator
Pretoria News
04.1994 - 09.2002
- Developed foundational photography experience and managed image workflows.
- Hand processed black and white film.
- Printed black and white photos.
- Collaborated with staff photographers.
- Archived negatives and transparencies.
- Assisted editorial staff with picture selection.
- Handled office administration: ordering film, photographic paper, and chemicals.
- Scanned black and white and colour photos (negatives, transparencies, and prints).
- Colour corrected images according to press specifications.
- Designed graphics and composite images.
- Applied deep-etching techniques.
- Utilised Adobe Photoshop, QuarkXPress, CorelDRAW, and Aldus FreeHand.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
UNISA
Pretoria 01.2003 - 12.2008
Skills
Digital & print publishing
Typography & style guidelines
Writing, editing, and proofreading
InDesign mastery (templates)
Project management
Deadline management
Content management
CMS experience
Problem-solving
Excellent communication
Time management
Team collaboration
Leadership qualities
Attention to detail
Adaptability
Key Competencies
- Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Demonstrates sharp editorial judgment and a solutions-focused approach.
- Attention to Detail: Maintains accuracy and quality across all production stages.
- Time Management: Consistently meets tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.
- Change Management: Leads successful transitions, including CMS migrations and digital-first strategies.
- Training & Development: Designs and delivers training programs for editorial staff.
- Collaboration: Effectively liaises across departments for cohesive results.
- Leadership: Fosters a motivated, deadline-focused team culture.
- Adaptability: Thrives in dynamic environments, quickly embracing new technologies and processes.
- Technical Expertise: Possesses deep knowledge of editorial systems and digital publishing tools.
- Innovation: Seeks opportunities to streamline workflows and enhance team efficiency.
- Relationship Building: Develops strong networks with stakeholders for seamless collaboration.
Certifications
- Adobe InDesign, 2015
- Digital Media Certificate (WAN-IFRA), 2018
- Grammar Course, 2018
- Psychology in Work (Coursera), 2019
- Developing New Managers, 2022
- LinkedIn Learning Certificates, Introduction to Generative AI, Social Media Marketing, Change Management, Onboarding in Hybrid Workplaces
Training in Progress
- TEFL
- WordPress for Beginners
- Counselling/Psychotherapy
Professional Strengths
- Writing, editing, and content curation.
- Sub-editing, headline writing, and page proofing.
- Picture management, layout design, and template development.
- Cross-platform publishing, SEO, and social media optimization.
- Proficient in InDesign, InCopy, Photoshop, Issuu, and digital tools (Cosmos, Adobe Acrobat), pre-press software Arkitex and Fotoware.
- Utilizes AI for copy editing and workflow efficiency.
- Expert in editorial technologies and CMS systems (Naviga, Prestige, NCSContent).
- Experienced in content migration, workflow optimization, and template development.
- Strong communicator with team leadership experience (30+ staff).
- Skilled in performance management, conflict resolution, and mentoring.
- Demonstrates ability to create a positive, solutions-driven team culture.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Slack, Asana and Google Suite.
Accomplishments
- Successfully implemented new editorial systems, enhancing workflow efficiency and editorial output.
- Trained and mentored editorial staff, fostering skill development and a collaborative work environment.
- Launched digital magazines during the pandemic, adapting to new challenges and expanding digital readership.
- Launched an online puzzles portal, increasing engagement and revenue opportunities.
- Developed and executed effective digital content strategies, driving audience growth and brand visibility across platforms.
- Consistently met deadlines while maintaining high-quality content, ensuring smooth operations and editorial standards.
- Built and managed high-performing teams, delivering exceptional results in both print and digital content production.
- Led the Digital First, Print Best redesign project, successfully aligning digital and print strategies for optimal user experience.
- Developed the My Independent app (later IOL), expanding digital offerings and improving user engagement.
Interests
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
It is never too late to be what you might have been.
George Eliot
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimePart TimeContract WorkGig WorkLocation Preference
RemoteHybridImportant To Me
Flexible work hoursWork-life balanceCompany CulturePersonal development programsPaid sick leaveStock Options / Equity / Profit SharingWork from home optionPaid time offHealthcare benefitsTimeline
National Production Editor
Independent Media
11.2016 - 12.2024
Group Digital Production Editor
Independent Media
11.2014 - 10.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
UNISA
01.2003 - 12.2008
Sub-Editor, Assistant Chief Sub-Editor, & Deputy Chief Sub-Editor, Chief Sub-Editor
Independent Media
10.2002 - 10.2014
Dark Room Assistant, Scanner Operator & Images Coordinator
Pretoria News
04.1994 - 09.2002
Copywriter & Editor
Self-employed
Jan - Current
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)