Vice President, Research Ecosystem Initiatives

Location: London, UK

Application Deadline: 10th July

About Springer Nature

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are pioneers in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world.

About the Role

This newly created Vice President role will provide strategic leadership for a portfolio of high-impact, multi-publisher initiatives that shape the future of trusted research communication, strengthen the global research ecosystem, and reinforce Springer Nature’s reputation for driving progress in access, trust, and the responsible use of research. You will define, mobilise and lead carefully targeted collective-action programmes in partnership with publishers, standards bodies, research institutions, and funders. These initiatives aim to improve the value, transparency, and trustworthiness of academic publishing for the global research community. The portfolio will evolve over time, requiring you to prioritise initiatives, establish governance frameworks, secure senior stakeholder alignment, and ensure delivery against key strategic milestones. You will work closely with Corporate Communications, Government Affairs, Academic Affairs and other senior stakeholders to ensure aligned messaging, strengthen external positioning, and maximise impact. This is a hybrid role based in London. This location supports effective collaboration with the team and aligns with business needs.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead and represent Springer Nature in multi-publisher strategic initiatives, driving vision and purpose across programmes.
• Provide strategic leadership, governance, and external representation across industry steering committees and working groups.
• Balance stakeholders across publishers, standards bodies, research institutions, funders, and global partners to align competing priorities and deliver collective outcomes.
• Communicate effectively and apply strong storytelling to translate complex initiatives into clear, compelling narratives that engage internal and external audiences and drive adoption.
• Demonstrate courage in influencing cross-industry decisions, advocating for shared standards, transparency, and long-term ecosystem benefit.
• Apply a strong global perspective to shape initiatives that operate across international markets, research communities, and regulatory environments.
• Strengthen Springer Nature’s reputation through brand management, ensuring initiatives enhance trust in both the organisation and the wider research publishing ecosystem.
• Build trust and credibility with senior external stakeholders, fostering long-term collaboration and sustained engagement across organisations.
• Leverage business insights to define and monitor programme KPIs, evaluate adoption and impact, and inform strategic decision-making.
• Oversee delivery of key multi-publisher initiatives.

Essential Experience, Skills & Qualifications

• Significant experience in scholarly publishing, research ecosystems, or a closely related field.
• Proven ability to operate effectively at a senior level in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and relationship management skills.
• Strong organisational capability with the ability to lead multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously.
• Demonstrated resilience, judgement, and tenacity in delivering long-term, collaborative outcomes.

Desirable Experience, Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with industry standards bodies (e.g. NISO, ORCID, COUNTER, COPE).
• Familiarity with research integrity, AI in publishing, or open science initiatives.
• Established network and credibility within the global scholarly publishing and research community.

DEI & Inclusion

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish. If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation.