Editorial Operations Director in Milton Keynes

Job DescriptionWe're looking for an Editorial Operations Director (Books) to provide visionary leadership across our editorial operations, leading a team of four Editorial Workflow Managers. This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives on shaping strategy, driving transformation, and ensuring editorial operations deliver real, sustainable advantage for the business.You'll be a key voice at the leadership table, translating big-picture strategy into actionable plans, championing innovation, and building a culture where people and processes can genuinely excel.What you'll be doing:Leadership & Team DevelopmentLead, coach, and develop a team of four Editorial Workflow ManagersBuild organizational capability and strengthen the leadership pipeline beneath youChampion succession planning and talent development at senior levelsFoster a culture of innovation and excellence across editorial operationsStrategic Vision & PlanningShape multi-year strategic plans aligned with wider business objectivesPartner closely with Publishing Directors to bring editorial strategy and vision to lifeLead initiatives that drive genuine competitive advantageTurn organizational strategy into clear, actionable roadmapsOperational PerformanceEstablish enterprise-wide KPIs and performance frameworksOversee portfolio performance and profitability across business unitsDrive process improvements that scale with the businessKeep a close eye on the competitive landscape to inform decision-makingPartner with teams across the matrix to ensure delivery and achievement of key operational metricsStakeholder EngagementRepresent editorial operations in executive forums and strategic sessionsBuild strong relationships with senior leaders across the organizationInfluence strategy and advocate for editorial operations enterprise-wideDigital Transformation & InnovationDrive the digital transformation strategy for editorial operationsChampion emerging technologies and smarter ways of workingLead the evaluation and rollout of enterprise-level systemsKeep editorial operations at the leading edge of industry innovationFinancial & Resource StrategyOwn and manage the editorial operations budget across portfoliosMake strategic calls on investment in technology, people, and infrastructureOptimize resources to maximize return on investmentPresent financial performance and investment proposals to senior leadershipQualificationsWhat We're Looking ForEssentialSignificant experience leading leaders/managers at an executive levelA proven track record in strategic planning and organizational transformationDeep knowledge of academic publishing and its industry dynamicsStrong financial acumen, including P&L management experienceA track record of influencing senior executives effectivelyThe ability to develop talent, build vision, and navigate complex stakeholder landscapesStrong strategic and business acumen, including comfort making high-stakes decisions with incomplete informationConfident, credible communication with board-level and C-suite audiencesLeads with vision, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to our valuesShows courage in tough decisions and resilience under pressureTakes full accountability for outcomes and leads cultural change by exampleDesirableExtensive, progressive leadership experience within academic publishingInternational or multi-market experienceModels continuous learning, intellectual humility, and openness to feedbackChampions diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core priorityAdditional InformationClosing Date: 10th November 2026The successful candidate will be able to utilise our balanced working model. We ask that candidates live within a commutable distance of our offices to ensure that as a balanced worker they can make it to our office locations to collaborate as required. There is an expectation for a minimum of 3 days per week in-person time, with those 3 days a week spent in our office in Milton Park, Oxfordshire.Please note that our Milton Park office will be relocating to Oxford city centre in late 2027 / early 2028, offering an exciting new workplace in the heart of the city.
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