Publishing Director, The Lancet

Location: London

Are you an experienced publishing expert? Do you have proven experience working with senior academic, research or clinical stakeholders, including Editors‑in‑Chief and external opinion leaders?

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced individual to undertake the role of Publishing Director wherein they will provide leadership across a portfolio of broad‑scope hybrid and open access journals within The Lancet Group. This role combines strategic oversight, commercial leadership and people leadership, with a strong focus on supporting Editors‑in‑Chief and driving sustainable growth. As a member of The Lancet’s leadership team, you’ll help shape the future direction of the portfolio, identifying opportunities for innovation, new journal development and continued expansion of open access and hybrid journals, business development, and other publishing activities.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio and journal business management: Leadership, business development, and management of a group of broad scope hybrid and OA journals. Ensure revenue and content development strategies and plans are in place to meet our business objectives, driven by deep understanding of market trends and customer needs and effective coaching of the Editor‑in‑Chiefs.
• Content development: Overall responsibility for the journal product portfolio of broad scope Open Access and hybrid titles, with emphasis on strategies and plans to support development content/quality growth. Actively manage strategic content development with the Editor‑in‑Chiefs and drive innovation of content formats and content extensions and channels.
• Network and relationship management and development: Supporting Editor‑in‑Chiefs to make an immediate impact and build and maintain a strong network both with, and beyond, current advisory boards, authors and key opinion leaders; help editorial teams sustain a strong connection/affiliation with scientific and medical community and associated stakeholders. Can lead complex industry discussions with high level University/Research Industry/Governmental stakeholders.
• Strategic development of The Lancet Group: Function as part of the Lancet’s leadership team to develop future plans for The Lancet Group, including both development of new and existing journals plus active contribution to article growth numbers and continued expansion of the OA and hybrid publication program to build overall business success.
• Elsevier stakeholders: A PD is expected to build and maintain strong relationships with counterparts in topically related areas across STMJ, seek out opportunities for collaboration, and work together to promote overall business success.
• Leadership and people management: Lead, engage and develop a successful team based in multiple global locations. Grow talent within the business by identifying opportunities for developing and motivating employees. Demonstrate the ability to work with a team and key stakeholders in a matrixed environment. Drive strong employee engagement, satisfaction, and personal development and be a positive role model and successfully inspire and motivate colleagues in and beyond their specific team.

Requirements

• Significant experience in scholarly or scientific publishing, with a strong track record in journal or portfolio leadership and delivering against business objectives.
• Strong strategic and commercial acumen, with the ability to set direction, identify growth opportunities and translate strategy into sustainable results.
• Deep understanding of the evolving publishing landscape, including open access and hybrid models, and the implications for journals, authors and institutions.
• Proven experience working with senior academic, research, or clinical stakeholders, including Editors‑in‑Chief and external opinion leaders.
• Demonstrated leadership and people‑management capability, with experience developing, motivating, and inspiring teams in complex or matrixed environments.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and lead effectively across diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Undergraduate degree in a scientific area relevant to The Lancet.
• At least 10 years’ publishing experience.

If you are interested in the role, please apply with a cover letter and CV.

Benefits

• Work in a hybrid way from both the office and at home.
• Working flexible hours - flexing the times you work in the day.
• Generous holiday allowance with the option to buy additional days.
• Health screening, eye care vouchers and private medical benefits.
• Wellbeing programs.
• Life assurance.
• Access to a competitive contributory pension scheme.
• Long service awards.
• Save As You Earn share option scheme.
• Travel Season ticket loan.
• Maternity, paternity and shared parental leave.
• Access to emergency care for both the elderly and children.
• RE CARES days, giving you time to support the charities and causes that matter to you.
• Access to employee resource groups with dedicated time to volunteer.
• Access to extensive learning and development resources.
• Access to employee discounts via Perks at Work.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer: qualified applicants are considered for and treated during employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, disability status, protected veteran status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.