At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Board to shape the future of scholarly publishing and navigate industry changes.
- Company: Portland Press Limited, a dynamic subsidiary of the Biochemical Society.
- Benefits: Earn £7,500 per annum with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to your success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in academic publishing while collaborating with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in scholarly publishing and business model innovation required.
The predicted salary is between 7500 - 7500 € per year.
Portland Press Limited – the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Biochemical Society – is seeking a Non-Executive Director to join its Board. The current Board is a dynamic forum comprising a mix of Biochemical Society Trustees and specialist Non-Executive Directors. This is a pivotal time for the organisation as it capitalises on links between Portland Press and the Society and continues to navigate open science and changes across the wider academic publishing landscape. Publishing is key to the research dissemination goals of the Group and vital to the financial viability of the Society.
We are looking for individuals who are excited about contributing to the Group’s endeavours over the coming three-year period. The successful candidates will have:
- Demonstrable recent experience in evolving scholarly publishing and content services to meet the changing needs of researchers across the globe.
- Deep knowledge of making business-model changes and sculpting/structuring new commercial offerings.
- Awareness of research-funder policy shifts, with ideas about how to navigate these changes.
In addition you should meet the eligibility requirements for company directors, be able to commit the time necessary to fulfil the duties of the role, and understand the associated legal responsibilities. This role offers a remuneration package of £7,500 per annum and will require the quarterly review of reporting in line with attendance at four board meetings per year.
It is intended that interviews will take place by the end of June 2026. The role will commence from January 2027 onwards, with a preceding period of shadowing (from September 2026). Closing date for applications is Friday 12th June 2026.
To apply follow the link and upload a CV and Cover letter addressed to Prof. Nigel Hooper via the button below. It is important that you DO NOT include your Personal Information i.e. name and contact details in your CV or Cover Letter. The Society reserves the right to close the vacancy prior to the stated closing date in the event that a high volume of applications are received.
The Society is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We offer a range of family-friendly, inclusive employment policies to support staff from different backgrounds. 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.
Non-Executive Director employer: BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY
Portland Press Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the evolving landscape of scholarly publishing while being part of a dynamic Board that values diverse perspectives. With a commitment to inclusivity and professional growth, employees can expect a supportive work culture that encourages innovative thinking and collaboration, all while playing a crucial role in advancing research dissemination goals. Located within the Biochemical Society, this role not only provides a competitive remuneration package but also allows for meaningful engagement with key stakeholders in the academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Non-Executive Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the academic publishing world and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments in the scholarly publishing landscape. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to the role. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around business-model changes and navigating research-funder policies. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and ready to make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Non-Executive Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Non-Executive Director role. Highlight your experience in scholarly publishing and any relevant business-model changes you've implemented. This shows us that you understand what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your awareness of research-funder policy shifts and how they impact the publishing landscape. We want to see your ideas on navigating these changes, so don’t hold back on sharing your insights!
Follow the Application Guidelines:Remember not to include your personal information in your CV or cover letter. Stick to the guidelines provided in the job description to ensure your application is considered. We appreciate attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your materials and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in scholarly publishing and content services. Familiarise yourself with how these changes impact researchers globally, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully navigated business-model changes or developed new commercial offerings. This will help demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to the Board.
✨Understand the Landscape
Stay updated on research-funder policy shifts and think about how these might affect the organisation. Being able to discuss these topics will highlight your strategic thinking and awareness of the broader academic publishing environment.
✨Commitment is Key
Be ready to discuss your availability and commitment to the role, including attending quarterly board meetings. Showing that you understand the legal responsibilities and time requirements will reflect your seriousness about the position.
