Head of Editorial

Head of Editorial

Exeter Full-Time 64000 - 66000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead editorial operations and manage a high-performing team to deliver quality healthcare publications.
  • Company: Cochrane is a respected not-for-profit leader in evidence-based healthcare publishing.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a fully remote role with a competitive salary and the chance to make a global impact.
  • Why this job: Join a transformative mission in healthcare publishing and drive innovation in editorial processes.
  • Qualifications: Significant editorial leadership experience, strong project management skills, and familiarity with digital publishing tools.
  • Other info: This is a 24-month contract, perfect for those passionate about global health improvement.

The predicted salary is between 64000 - 66000 £ per year.

Inspired is proud to be the exclusive recruitment partner of Cochrane, a globally respected not-for-profit leader in evidence-based healthcare publishing. Cochrane is seeking an Interim Head of Editorial to lead its editorial operations during a critical and transformative period, in an initial contract of 24 months. This role is central to the strategic and operational delivery of high-quality systematic reviews, ensuring clarity, quality, and efficiency across the editorial workflow.

This is a fully remote position and can be based in the UK, Germany, or Denmark.

Details:

Salary: £64,000-£66,000

Contract: 24 months

Location: Home-based within the UK, Germany or Denmark

About the Role

Reporting to the Deputy for Editorial Operations and working closely with the Editor in Chief, you will serve as the executive lead for daily editorial operations within Cochrane’s Central Editorial Service (CES). This includes managing people, processes, and systems to deliver timely, high-quality editorial outcomes. You\’ll play a pivotal role in driving operational improvements, implementing Cochrane editorial policy, and advising on strategic decisions related to the development and delivery of Cochrane’s publication outputs.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Cochrane’s mission and ensure its editorial infrastructure supports its vision for the future.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and mentor a high-performing editorial team (4-6 direct reports, and around 20 indirect reports), ensuring equitable task allocation and professional development
  • Own and optimise editorial workflows and processes, ensuring they are robust, efficient, and aligned with Cochrane’s policies
  • Champion innovation and continuous improvement across editorial operations
  • Oversee quality control of Cochrane’s published content, including high-profile or complex reviews
  • Manage configuration and reporting needs within Editorial Manager, Cochrane’s editorial workflow system
  • Collaborate across Cochrane to contribute operational expertise to strategic planning, including new journal products and expanded content types
  • Advocate for the Central Editorial Service across internal and external stakeholders, fostering communication and transparency
  • Represent the editorial function in strategic forums, including as part of the Editor in Chief’s core team

What We’re Looking For

  • Significant experience in editorial leadership, ideally within STM journals publishing or evidence synthesis
  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams, implement change, and manage editorial workflows at scale
  • Strong project management and communication skills; comfortable working across cultures and disciplines
  • Familiarity with editorial systems (ideally Editorial Manager) and digital publishing tools
  • A proactive, strategic mindset and the ability to contribute to high-level planning
  • Experience in the healthcare, academic, or charity sectors is highly desirable
  • Knowledge of Cochrane’s editorial standards and methods (e.g., MECIR, GRADE) is a plus, but not essential

This role is ideal for an editorial leader with a passion for improving processes and supporting global health impact. If you\’re ready to play a key part in shaping the future of evidence-based healthcare publishing, we’d love to hear from you.

Head of Editorial employer: Inspired Selection

Cochrane is an exceptional employer, offering a fully remote role that allows you to work from the comfort of your home in the UK, Germany, or Denmark. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, Cochrane fosters innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact in evidence-based healthcare publishing while leading a talented editorial team. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation that values clarity, quality, and efficiency in its operations.
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Contact Detail:

Inspired Selection Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Editorial

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Cochrane's editorial standards and methods, such as MECIR and GRADE. Understanding these frameworks will not only help you align with their expectations but also demonstrate your commitment to their mission during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the STM publishing field, especially those who have experience with evidence synthesis. Engaging with industry peers can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to valuable referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed editorial teams and improved workflows in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

✨Tip Number 4

Research current trends in digital publishing and editorial systems, particularly those relevant to healthcare. Being knowledgeable about the latest tools and technologies will position you as a forward-thinking candidate who can drive innovation at Cochrane.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Editorial

Editorial Leadership
Team Management
Project Management
Process Optimisation
Quality Control
Communication Skills
Strategic Planning
Familiarity with Editorial Systems
Digital Publishing Tools
Change Management
Cross-Cultural Collaboration
Knowledge of Evidence Synthesis
Understanding of Healthcare Publishing
Passion for Global Health Impact

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Editorial position at Cochrane. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in editorial leadership, project management, and any familiarity with editorial systems. Make sure to emphasise your achievements in previous roles that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and improve processes.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for evidence-based healthcare publishing. Mention specific examples of how you have successfully managed editorial workflows or led teams in the past.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for an editorial role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Inspired Selection

✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience

As the Head of Editorial, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles, focusing on how you've mentored teams and managed workflows effectively. Highlight specific examples where your leadership made a significant impact.

✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Editorial Standards

Familiarity with Cochrane’s editorial standards and methods can set you apart. Even if you’re not an expert, showing that you’ve researched MECIR and GRADE will demonstrate your commitment to understanding their processes and values.

✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions

This role involves contributing to high-level planning and operational improvements. Be ready to discuss your strategic mindset and provide examples of how you've implemented change in previous roles, particularly in editorial workflows.

✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills

Given the collaborative nature of this position, strong communication skills are essential. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully communicated across cultures and disciplines, and how you fostered transparency within your teams.

Head of Editorial
Inspired Selection
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  • Head of Editorial

    Exeter
    Full-Time
    64000 - 66000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-30

  • I

    Inspired Selection

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