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- Tasks: Lead and optimise Society-owned journal operations while managing key stakeholder relationships.
- Company: Join Oxford University Press, a leader in academic publishing with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Hybrid working policy with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on journal publishing services and enhance partner satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in client relationship management and project delivery in a publishing environment.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced journals operations professional to take a lead role in managing and developing Oxford University Press’s portfolio of Society-owned titles. This role focuses on driving performance and service excellence across key Society accounts, developing and delivering clear strategies to optimise production outcomes, and resolving complex, cross-functional challenges.
Acting as a trusted partner to internal teams and external Society stakeholders, you will help ensure OUP delivers outstanding, transparent and responsive journal publishing services. As a senior operational lead and ‘right-hand’ to the Head of Journals Operations, you will operate with authority across teams and act as a management-level escalation point for high-risk or multifaceted issues.
You will represent production and editorial services in competitive tenders and contract renewals, shaping and presenting compelling service propositions, managing production-related contractual commitments and SLAs, and ensuring teams and suppliers are aligned with agreed requirements and performance targets. This role is central to OUP’s growth ambitions and commitment to exceptional service delivery.
You will lead initiatives to measure and improve Society partner satisfaction, develop frameworks for tracking and communicating performance improvement, and work closely with Editorial, Operations and external partners to understand evolving needs and enhance service delivery. Through strong relationship management, clear communication strategies and continuous improvement, you will help ensure OUP’s services are viewed as collaborative, high-quality and responsive to Society partners’ goals.
We operate a hybrid working policy that requires a minimum of 2 days per week in the Oxford office.
About You
- Experience of managing sensitive client relationships or complex stakeholder engagement.
- Experience of successfully managing multiple projects to completion.
- Experience of managing cross-functional projects or managing deliverables in a matrix environment.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Excellent presentation skills.
- Excellent inter-personal skills: able to persuade, negotiate, reassure and guide external stakeholders, often at a senior level, in high-pressure situations such as bids, strategy meetings, and meetings arranged to address performance issues.
- Experience of managing production of a significant number of products in a publishing environment is desirable.
- Experience of managing third-party and freelance vendors is desirable.
Benefits and Working Arrangements
We care about work/life balance here at OUP. With this in mind we offer 25 days’ holiday that rises with service, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure (3-days) and a 35-hour working week. We are open to discussing flexibility in respect to working patterns, dependent on role. We also have a great variety of active employee networks and societies.
We help make your money go further by contributing to your pension up to 12%, offering loans and savings schemes through our partnership with Salary Finance, in addition to travel to work schemes and access to a wide range of local discounts. This role comes with the added benefit of a discretionary annual payment. Please see our Rewards and Recognition page for more information.
Society Partnership Lead employer: Oxford University Press
Contact Detail:
Oxford University Press Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Society Partnership Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the publishing industry, especially those who might have insights into Society partnerships. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching OUP’s Society-owned titles and their current projects. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about what we do. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You’ll need to impress not just in interviews but also when representing production and editorial services. Get comfortable with presenting your ideas clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at OUP.
We think you need these skills to ace Society Partnership Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing sensitive client relationships and complex stakeholder engagement. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Society Partnership Lead!
Showcase Your Projects: Don’t forget to mention specific projects you've managed to completion, especially those in a publishing environment. We love seeing how you’ve tackled cross-functional challenges and delivered results!
Communicate Clearly: Your written communication should be clear and concise. Use examples that demonstrate your excellent presentation and interpersonal skills, as these are key for persuading and guiding stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at OUP!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford University Press
✨Know Your Stakeholders
Before the interview, research the key Society accounts and stakeholders you'll be working with. Understand their goals and challenges, and think about how you can help them achieve success. This will show your potential employer that you're proactive and ready to build strong relationships.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you navigated them, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to handle complex, cross-functional projects effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing your experience with sensitive client relationships or high-pressure situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for the interviewer to follow your thought process.
✨Prepare for Presentation Scenarios
Since excellent presentation skills are crucial for this role, consider preparing a short presentation on a relevant topic. This could be about improving service delivery or enhancing partner satisfaction. Practising this will not only boost your confidence but also showcase your ability to communicate effectively at a senior level.