Interim Director Peer Review Management

This job is with Springer Nature, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

Location: London or Pune - Hybrid working model.

Application deadline: 1st 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

Nature Portfolio's high-quality journals and services across research, clinical science and engineering help move science and society forward. Nature Portfolio is home to the leading, international weekly journal of science, Nature - founded in 1869. It is also home to the Nature research and Nature Reviews journals, the leading open access multidisciplinary journal Nature Communications, and open access journals including Scientific Reports. Together, these journals publish some of the world's most significant scientific discoveries.

About the Role

Nature Portfolio is seeking an experienced Director Peer Review Management to lead our editorial support operations and help shape the future of manuscript handling and peer review support across our journals. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence, enhancing the author and editor experience, and ensuring the delivery of best-in-class support services across a global portfolio of journals. Working closely with editorial, publishing, technology and operational stakeholders, you will play a key role in improving workflows, leveraging data and technology, and supporting the continued growth and success of Nature Portfolio. The successful candidate will lead a large international team and champion continuous improvement, innovation and high standards of service while maintaining Nature Portfolio's commitment to editorial quality and research integrity. The position is offered on a maternity cover contract basis. It can be based in our London or Pune offices on a hybrid working model.

Role responsibilities:

• Lead a global Peer Review Management organization serving Nature Portfolio journals, attracting, developing and retaining high-performing talent across the function.
• Oversee the delivery of a high-quality peer review support service for editors, authors and reviewers.
• Drive improvements in manuscript handling efficiency, service levels and operational performance, through publishing workflow expertise, process optimization and operational excellence.
• Partner with editorial, publishing and technology teams to implement system enhancements, workflow improvements and new operational processes.
• Act as a key stakeholder in the development and adoption of technology-enabled solutions, including AI-assisted tools and data-driven approaches.
• Apply strong decision quality, data analytics and quantitative skills to use operational data, performance metrics and industry insights to identify opportunities for optimization and service improvement.
• Demonstrate courage in leading the implementation of new policies, guidelines and support processes, driving change and addressing complex operational challenges.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders across the publishing ecosystem, applying conflict management skills to resolve issues and align competing priorities.
• Maintain effective budget management and resource planning.
• Support business continuity planning and operational resilience.
• Foster an inclusive, high-performing culture through coaching, mentoring and leadership development.

Experience, Skills, & Qualifications:

Essential

• Significant experience in scientific, scholarly or academic publishing.
• Proven experience leading large, geographically distributed teams.
• Strong operational leadership skills with a record of delivering service improvements and managing complex workflows.
• Experience managing change and leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data and metrics to inform decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
• Strong people leadership experience, including coaching, talent development and organizational leadership.
• Understanding of the research ecosystem and the needs of researchers, authors and editors.

Desirable

• Experience working with publishing technologies, workflow systems and process automation initiatives.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled operational solutions and data-driven service optimization.
• Experience managing budgets and operational planning within a complex organization.
• Understanding of peer review processes and research integrity standards.

To apply, please submit:

• A CV
• A cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role.

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.

If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation.

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://springernature.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SpringerNatureCareers/