Portfolio

Neil Stead

Programme Manager | PMP-certified Ed-tech Product and Project Manager | Online & Offline language learning solutions | Conference Lead

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My Projects and Products

Screenshot of the project: Voice Recognition Engine testing

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
Screenshot of the project: myRead - Extensive Reading site

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
Screenshot of the project: G Style English - iOS study application

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
Screenshot of the project: myCards - vocabulary flashcard applications

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
Screenshot of the project: New Directions online conference

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
Screenshot of the project: WordGrowth - Language Learning App

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