At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global peer review operations and enhance manuscript handling across journals.
- Company: Join Springer Nature, a leading publisher in research and innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of academic publishing and drive impactful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in scholarly publishing and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Location: London or Pune - Hybrid working model.
Application deadline: 1st September
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 a pioneer 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.
About the Brand
Nature Portfolio's high-quality journals and services across research, clinical science and engineering help move science and society forward. Nature Portfolio is home to the leading, international weekly journal of science, Nature - founded in 1869. It is also home to the Nature research and Nature Reviews journals, the leading open access multidisciplinary journal Nature Communications, and open access journals including Scientific Reports.
About the Role
Nature Portfolio is seeking an experienced Director Peer Review Management to lead our editorial support operations and help shape the future of manuscript handling and peer review support across our journals. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence, enhancing the author and editor experience, and ensuring the delivery of best-in-class support services across a global portfolio of journals.
Role responsibilities
- Lead a global Peer Review Management organization serving Nature Portfolio journals, attracting, developing and retaining high-performing talent across the function.
- Oversee the delivery of a high-quality peer review support service for editors, authors and reviewers.
- Drive improvements in manuscript handling efficiency, service levels and operational performance, through publishing workflow expertise, process optimization and operational excellence.
- Partner with editorial, publishing and technology teams to implement system enhancements, workflow improvements and new operational processes.
- Act as a key stakeholder in the development and adoption of technology-enabled solutions, including AI-assisted tools and data-driven approaches.
- Apply strong decision quality, data analytics and quantitative skills to use operational data, performance metrics and industry insights to identify opportunities for optimization and service improvement.
- Demonstrate courage in leading the implementation of new policies, guidelines and support processes, driving change and addressing complex operational challenges.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders across the publishing ecosystem, applying conflict management skills to resolve issues and align competing priorities.
- Maintain effective budget management and resource planning.
- Support business continuity planning and operational resilience.
- Foster an inclusive, high-performing culture through coaching, mentoring and leadership development.
Experience, Skills, & Qualifications
Essential
- Significant experience in scientific, scholarly or academic publishing.
- Proven experience leading large, geographically distributed teams.
- Strong operational leadership skills with a record of delivering service improvements and managing complex workflows.
- Experience managing change and leading cross-functional initiatives.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data and metrics to inform decisions.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
- Strong people leadership experience, including coaching, talent development and organizational leadership.
- Understanding of the research ecosystem and the needs of researchers, authors and editors.
Desirable
- Experience working with publishing technologies, workflow systems and process automation initiatives.
- Familiarity with AI-enabled operational solutions and data-driven service optimization.
- Experience managing budgets and operational planning within a complex organization.
- Understanding of peer review processes and research integrity standards.
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.
Job Posting End Date: 2-09-2026
Interim Director Peer Review Management employer: 1291 Springer Nature America, Inc.
Springer Nature is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters curiosity and innovation. With opportunities for professional growth and development, employees are empowered to lead impactful projects in a global environment, whether based in London or Pune. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside its rich heritage in research publishing, makes it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful careers in the academic and scientific community.
Contact Details:
1291 Springer Nature America, Inc. Recruitment Team
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