Operations & Data Manager, Circulation

Operations & Data Manager, Circulation

Full-Time 60000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Sage

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Circulation Operations team and ensure data integrity and billing accuracy.
  • Company: Join a mission-driven, independent publisher dedicated to empowering education and research.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and support for professional development.
  • Other info: We're committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a diverse team while shaping the future of academic publishing.
  • Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership and data governance is essential.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.

Operations & Data Manager, Circulation – Permanent - £60,000 - £70,000

Join us and be part of a mission-driven, independent publisher.

You’ll work with a diverse group of people who share a passion for empowering researchers, educators, and institutions to shape the future.

Operations & Data Manager, Circulation – Permanent - £60,000 - £70,000

Join us and be part of a mission-driven, independent publisher.

You’ll work with a diverse group of people who share a passion for empowering researchers, educators, and institutions to shape the future.

About Sage

Sage is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement.

Believing that research and education are critical in shaping society, Sara Miller Mc Cune founded Sage in 1965.

Today, we are controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining our independence and mission indefinitely.

  • Our Guaranteed Independence Means We’re Free To
  • Do more– supporting an equitable academic future, furthering disciplines that drive social change, and helping social and behavioural science make an impact
  • Work together– building lasting relationships, championing diverse perspectives, and co-creating resources to transform teaching and learning
  • Think long-term– experimenting, taking risks, and investing in new ideas
  • About Our Team

Our team plays a vital role in keeping product data, billing workflows, and operational processes running smoothly across Sage’s global publishing ecosystem.

We partner closely with colleagues in Product, Technology, Customer Experience, Finance, Data, and Commercial teams to ensure information is accurate, invoicing is reliable, and customer fulfilment is seamless.

We are a supportive, detail‑focused group who value collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.

We care deeply about creating a positive, inclusive experience for customers and internal partners and about building processes that help everyone do their best work.

Could you be our new Operations & Data Manager? Are you?

  • Experienced in operational leadership and comfortable guiding global teams in data‑intensive or technically complex environments.
  • Knowledgeable in data governance with an understanding of how strong data integrity supports fulfilment, revenue, tax, and reporting outcomes.
  • Confident using metrics to guide decisions and able to interpret dashboards, spot trends, and use evidence to strengthen performance.
  • Skilled in root cause analysis and able to investigate issues, collaborate across teams, and deliver timely resolution.
  • A supportive and accountable people leader who sets clear expectations, offers constructive feedback, and helps colleagues grow.
  • An effective communicator who can translate operational complexity into clear, accessible insight for senior partners.
  • Experienced in process governance and confident owning SOPs, controls, and exception frameworks in a quality‑focused environment.
  • Curious about automation and AI and familiar with tools such as SQL and Power Automate, and open to exploring new technologies that improve efficiency.
  • Your New Role

You will lead the daily performance, capability, and delivery of the Circulation Operations team.

You will ensure that product information, billing readiness, and invoice accuracy are consistently achieved across systems and channels.

You will provide hands‑on leadership, high‑level troubleshooting, and evidence‑based insight that strengthens operational practice and supports cross‑functional decision‑making.

  • Drive daily operational performance by prioritising workloads effectively and ensuring delivery meets agreed service expectations.
  • Manage SLA and quality standards by defining clear expectations, monitoring performance through data, and acting early when risks appear.
  • Provide hands‑on operational leadership by supporting the team with practical guidance and maintaining deep understanding of systems and processes.
  • Safeguard product data integrity by maintaining identifiers, metadata, hierarchy, pricing readiness, and visibility across CRM, ecommerce, fulfilment, tax, and reporting.
  • Ensure billing and invoicing accuracy by overseeing workflows that ensure orders can be invoiced correctly and that defects are triaged, resolved, and reviewed for root cause.
  • Lead complex issue resolution by acting as the escalation point, coordinating cross‑team solutions, and translating complexity into clear, evidence‑based insight.
  • Improve processes and controls by owning and enhancing SOPs, exception routes, and review mechanisms to ensure scalable, auditable, and efficient ways of working.
  • Deliver operational change by planning and embedding product‑data and invoicing‑related changes, assessing impacts, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring successful adoption.
  • Overview Of Benefits
  • 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with 2 additional floating personal days.
  • Hybrid working up to 2 days per week in office and a home working allowance.
  • Life assurance, income protection, and travel insurance.
  • Private medical cover and access to the company doctor.
  • Tuition scheme and support for pursuing professional qualifications, including access to Sage books and journals.
  • Variety of snacks and beverages available in the office.
  • Healthy lifestyle reimbursement and anniversary trips.
  • Access to Company loans (season ticket loan, rental deposit loan, cycle loan).

We’re a Disability Confident Employer (Level 1). If you’d like to apply under this scheme, please let us know in your application.

We’re committed to making our recruitment process accessible and inclusive.

If you’d like to request reasonable adjustments, please email humanresources@sagepub. co. uk.

Please note we only accept applications via email if an adjustment has been agreed.

Closing date for applications

Sunday 23rd August 2026.

To ensure we can give each application the attention it deserves, we may consider bringing the closing date forward.

Therefore, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure it is considered.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Sage, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and to sustaining a culture that celebrates diversity, encourages authenticity, and builds a deep sense of belonging.

We encourage applications from all members of society irrespective of age, disability, sex or gender identity, sexual orientation, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, or belief as crafting value through diversity is what makes us strong.

Sage is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement.

Our mission is building bridges to knowledge — supporting the development of ideas through the research process to scholarship that is certified, taught, and applied.

Learn about Sage | About our companies | Open editor positions

Sage is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified applicants. Accommodations will be made for any part of the interview process.

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Operations & Data Manager, Circulation employer: Sage

At Sage, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters innovation and growth. Our high-performing culture encourages creativity and collaboration, providing graduates with structured training, mentorship from industry experts, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact through initiatives like the Sage Foundation. With a commitment to employee well-being and a hybrid work model, you'll thrive in an environment that values your contributions and supports your career journey from day one.

Sage

Contact Details:

Sage Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations & Data Manager, Circulation

Dive Into the Publishing Community

Get involved with local or online publishing communities. Join forums, attend literary festivals, or participate in panel discussions. This can be a goldmine for meeting industry professionals and hearing about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.

Stay Updated with Industry Trends

Follow leading publishing media channels on social media, like Twitter and Instagram. See what tactics and content formats are currently trending. This knowledge can help you tailor your discussions when you're networking or at interviews with companies like Sage.

Make Your Passion Visible

If you have a blog or a social media presence focused on books or publishing, use it! Share your thoughts on recent publications, trends in the industry, or interviews with authors. This can showcase your passion and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate.

Hunt for Opportunities on Company Websites

While job boards are useful, don’t forget to go directly to company websites, like Sage. They often post openings there first. Plus, you might find job descriptions that give insight into what skills they really value, which can help you ace that interview.

We think you need these skills to ace Operations & Data Manager, Circulation

Operational Leadership
Data Governance
Data Integrity
Metrics Analysis
Root Cause Analysis
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Process Governance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Writing Style:In the publishing-media world, your writing style is your signature. Make sure your CV highlights relevant writing experiences, whether that's published articles, blog posts, or even social media content. Give us a glimpse of your voice and flair for storytelling right from the start!

Include Relevant Projects:Don’t just list your roles; include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills in editing, research, or content creation. If you've contributed to a magazine or worked on a publication, make that front and centre! It shows you've got hands-on experience in the industry, which we absolutely love.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Let’s be honest: a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity. Take the time to craft a letter that speaks to why you’re passionate about this role at Sage. Mention what excites you about the publishing-media industry and how your skills align with the job description. We want to see that enthusiasm!

Format Matters!:In the publishing-media sector, presentation is key. Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-organised and visually appealing. Use headings, bullet points, and a clean layout. This isn't just about aesthetics — it shows your attention to detail and professionalism, which we really appreciate at Sage.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sage

Know Your Stuff: Be Ready on Industry Trends

Get yourself clued up on the latest trends in the publishing-media world. Think about how digital transformation is impacting the industry, and be ready to chat about relevant examples. This shows you're not just passionate but also informed!

Showcase Your Creativity with a Portfolio

Bring along a portfolio that showcases your writing, editing, or design work. Since it’s a full-time role, they’ll want to see how your style fits their brand at Sage. Tailor your presentation to their projects for maximum impact.

Brush Up on Editing Techniques

Expect some technical questions about editing styles, proofing techniques, and style guides. They might ask you to solve a practical problem or provide feedback on a piece—know the tools and software commonly used in the industry, and be prepared to discuss them!

Express Your Passion for Storytelling

In the publishing-media field, storytelling is key. Be ready to discuss what stories inspire you and why you want to join the team at Sage. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!