At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead editorial and production functions for a dynamic publishing portfolio.
- Company: Join the Biochemical Society, a leader in scientific publishing.
- Benefits: Flexible home-based role with a supportive and inclusive work culture.
- Other info: Part-time position with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the world of scientific publishing and drive innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in STM journal systems and strong knowledge of publishing practices.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Biochemical Society are seeking a Head of Journals, on a 2-year Fixed Term contract on a part time basis (0.6 FTE), to oversee the editorial and production functions across the Portland Press portfolio. The Head of Journals will support the Director of Content and Engagement on the delivery of the PPL strategy, growing the publishing portfolio based on strategy and community need to achieve agreed targets, year-on-year growth, increase usage and attract the best authorship.
You will also work closely with the Head of Sales and Licensing to ensure content and commercial strategies are aligned to drive growth and innovation. The post-holder will oversee all systems, processes, suppliers and partners are delivering to agreed standards, along with driving continuous improvements to KPIs within publishing processes to deliver high-quality, cost-effective end-to-end publishing service in line with business strategy and research need, and able to recommend improvements or innovative ways of working.
This role will contribute to growing and maintaining the international profile and reputation of Portland Press and the Biochemical Society to deliver a reliable and efficient service with internal and external stakeholders to generate new ideas. This position has management responsibility for the Publishing team, fostering a culture of conscientious working and continuous improvement to creatively grow the journals portfolio and ensure outstanding customer/research service across all publications.
Suitable candidates will have experience working in all areas of STM journal systems and processes, as well as demonstrate good knowledge of publishing policy, procedures and practices to drive performance and meet internal and external expectations.
Closing date: 3rd July 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please note that this role is home-based and as such interviews will be virtual. We are interested in every candidate who is eligible to work in the United Kingdom. However, we are not able to sponsor visas. Please send a CV and covering letter. It is important that you DO NOT include your Personal Information i.e. name and contact details in your CV or Cover Letter. This is because the Society is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.
The Society takes the security of your data seriously. It has internal policies and controls in place to ensure that your data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, misused or disclosed, and is not accessed except by our employees in the proper performance of their duties. Please note that due to limited resources it is not possible for the Society to acknowledge receipt of applications. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Head of Journals (2 year Fixed Term Contract) - 0.6 FTE in London employer: BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY
The Biochemical Society is an exceptional employer, offering a flexible home-based role as Head of Journals that promotes a culture of inclusivity and continuous improvement. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the Society provides a supportive environment where innovative ideas are encouraged, and staff can thrive while contributing to the advancement of scientific publishing. Our family-friendly policies and dedication to diversity make this an ideal workplace for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the field of academic publishing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Journals (2 year Fixed Term Contract) - 0.6 FTE in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the publishing industry! Attend webinars, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with STM journal systems and processes. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and met expectations in previous roles. We want to see your passion for publishing shine through!
✨Prepare for Virtual Interviews
Since this role is home-based, you’ll likely have virtual interviews. Make sure your tech is sorted – test your camera and microphone beforehand. Also, prepare to discuss how you can contribute to the growth and innovation of the journals portfolio. We’re looking for candidates who can think outside the box!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Journals (2 year Fixed Term Contract) - 0.6 FTE in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Journals role. Highlight your experience in STM journal systems and how it aligns with our goals at StudySmarter. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework!
Showcase Your Management Skills:Since this role involves managing a team, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've fostered a culture of improvement and collaboration in previous roles. We love to see how you can inspire others!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY
✨Know Your Journals Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the Portland Press portfolio and the current trends in STM publishing. Familiarise yourself with their journals, recent publications, and any strategic initiatives they’ve undertaken. This will show your genuine interest and help you speak confidently about how you can contribute.
✨Align with Their Vision
Understand the Biochemical Society's mission and how the Head of Journals role fits into their broader strategy. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals for growth and innovation in publishing. Highlight specific examples from your past that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and meet targets.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves management responsibility, be ready to share your leadership philosophy and experiences. Discuss how you foster a culture of continuous improvement within teams and how you’ve successfully managed projects or initiatives in the past. This will help them see you as a strong candidate for leading the Publishing team.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the role, team dynamics, and future challenges. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you. Ask about their expectations for the first few months and how success is measured in this role.
