Senior Publisher

Location: London or New York – hybrid working model

Application Deadline: 22nd September

About Springer Nature

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world.

About The Brand

BMC has more than 25 years of experience in developing open access and provides high-quality, impactful research and a supportive publishing experience for authors. We are committed to publishing the best open access journals in our portfolio of over 250 titles and we strive to drive progress in biology, health sciences and medicine.

About the Role

The BMC Academic Journals group aims to support researchers in communicating and advancing discovery for a better world. We do this by providing a trusted environment in which researchers can quickly, easily and transparently share their discoveries, data and research stories. We are seeking a Senior Publisher to manage a portfolio of open access proprietary life sciences journals in our division, particularly within the Plant Sciences subject area. Reporting to an Executive Publisher, you will be responsible for the management, strategic development and success of the individual journals, liaising with internal staff, external journal Editors, and the scientific community. The position is offered on a full-time, permanent basis and can be based in our London or New York office on a hybrid working pattern.

Role responsibilities:

• Drive results through portfolio development and management and demonstrate accountability and financial acumen.
• Drive the growth and development of a group of open access journals, successfully devising and implementing annual development plans and explore opportunities for business development.
• Manage the annual targets for journal submission, publication and transfer volumes as well as target turnaround times.
• Deliver best-in-class author experience and foster maximum engagement from Editors-in-Chief (EiCs), Editorial Board Members (EBMs), and Societies.
• Demonstrate resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving environment, effectively managing changing priorities, navigating ambiguity, responding positively to challenges, and adjusting approaches to meet evolving business needs and objectives.
• Resolve pre- and post-publication issues raised by staff, EBMs and readers (e.g. authorship, scope, ethics and consent, misconduct, policies).
• Gather, evaluate, and synthesise information from diverse sources to support data-driven decision-making and strategic planning.
• Manage contract negotiations with external parties by using/developing a working knowledge of financial profit & loss statements and forecasting.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively, developing strong working relationships with colleagues, researchers, and external Editors, attend meetings where needed and balance stakeholders.
• Keep up to date with changes within the research community and publishing industry.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

Essential

• Educated to Bachelor's degree level or equivalent, preferably in a relevant field of study (life, biomedical or health sciences).
• Solid previous experience in journal academic publishing.
• A resourceful and proactive approach in dealing with problems and queries, and the ability to adapt quickly to change.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written). Persuasion and influencing skills including the ability to demonstrate diplomacy and assertiveness as appropriate.
• Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues at all levels and as part of a team.
• Ability to work on your own initiative and independently.
• Strong time management and organisational skills; including proven ability to take ownership of tasks and meet deadlines.
• Experience of developing and maintaining productive and friendly relations/partnerships with academic and industry-based researchers.
• Strong technical skills, with a sharp attention for detail.
• Willingness to travel for the role occasionally.

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish.