Neil Stead
Programme Manager | PMP-certified Ed-tech Product and Project Manager | Online & Offline language learning solutions | Conference Lead
My Projects and Products

Voice Recognition Engine testing
Project Manager
As part of a larger partnership with NTT Data we embarked on a trial of a voice recognition engine which aimed to transcribe recorded speech, which was a ground-breaking technology at the time. We undertook a two stage trial and explored several use cases for the software.
- Articifial Intelligence
- NLP
- Agile delivery
- Date: 2017

myRead - Extensive Reading site
Product Manager
An extensive reading site for language learners providing daily content written to different levels to enable extensive reading.
- Custom CMS
- Word Profiler Software
- Date: 2014-18

G Style English - iOS study application
Product Manager
We developed and launched in the iOS app store a study application that leveraged the popularity of our award winnning iTunes English language learning podcast to provide a richer study experience for learners and generate revenue for the organisation. After a slow start the application payment model was revised significantly to increase revenue.
- iOS app store launch
- version upgrade
- Data analysis for upgrade
- backlog management
- Date: 2012-2018

myCards - vocabulary flashcard applications
Product Manager
Vocabulary flashcards using Spaced-repitition algotithm for recurring study.
- Android app store launch
- iOS app store launch
- Relational databases
- Data syncing
- Date: 2014-18

New Directions online conference
Project Manager
An online conference delivered on a improvised platform using CMS technology provided by Tata Consutancy Services to respond to the COVID pandemic by rapidly moving a face-to-face conference online.
- CMS
- Video streaming
- Rapid release
- Date: 2020

WordGrowth - Language Learning App
Personal Project
Mobile-first vocabulary trainer; built with python and flask
- Flask
- Python
- PostgreSQL
- Bootstrap v5
- Date: 2025-present
About Me
I combine technical knowhow and people skills to lead project and programme teams in the education industry and deliver results in both the private and public sector. I have experience leading both globally dispersed teams in cross-functional matrix environments and fixed departmental roles requiring strong relationship building skills across business units. I have worked in publishing, education and EdTech, and I offer a unique perspective and set of skills.
Whether launching flashcard apps, managing multilingual content pipelines, or leading product roadmaps for EdTech platforms, I use PMP rigor combined with agile approaches. My approach is grounded in research, driven by data, and shaped by user insight. I am skilled in navigating complex environmental factors and building strong internal stakeholder relationships and forging new external partnerships to deliver results.
Highlights: Transformed Japans largest private language school (20K+ learners) into a mobile-first EdTech leader (iOS, SaaS, Android). Increased revenue 400% on a failing iOS app using data-led product iteration. Revived and scaled an academic conference series, securing a partnership with a global tech leader and reaching 80K+ learners. Delivered a global online learning platform for 100K+ users in 100+ countries during the pandemic.
Find out more.
Employment history
2022 - present
Programme Manager - British Council
2019 - 2022
Project Manager - British Council
2018
Project Manager - Rakuten
2012 - 2018
Academic Development Section Manager - Gaba Corporation
2008 - 2012
Content Developer, Academic Development - Gaba Corporation