Associate Publisher/Publisher, OA Journals

Associate Publisher/Publisher, Open Access Journals

Location(s): Dordrecht, Nanjing

Closing date: 3rd April 2023

The Springer Nature 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 an Associate Publisher/Publisher to manage a portfolio of proprietary and society open access journals in our division that includes journals in the physical and applied sciences. 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 responsibilities include:

• Develop journals to deliver a best-in-class author experience and foster maximum engagement from the Societies, Editors-in-Chief and Editorial Board Members (EBMs) on whom we rely
• Drive the growth and development of a group of open access journals as part of a strategically defined overall portfolio within the Journals group
• Manage the complexities of the relationships with partner societies, including contract negotiations
• Develop strong working relationships with colleagues in production, IT and other departments to ensure that any problems encountered with your journal, and particularly by authors, editors and peer reviewers, can be swiftly and effectively resolved
• Understand and manage the annual targets for journal submission, publication and transfer volumes as well as target turnaround times
• Ensure that all KPIs are regularly monitored, reported and met, and that action is taken as needed
• Manage annual Journal Development/Improvement Plans and oversee their implementation and successful conclusion
• Resolve pre- and post-publication issues raised by staff, Editorial Board Members (EBMs) and readers (e.g. authorship, scope, ethics and consent, misconduct, policies)
• Attend external meetings (in-person or virtual) to build close working relationships with external EiCs, EBMs, society partners, and the wider research community
• Understand the trends and changes in the communities you serve to ensure that Springer Nature can respond appropriately
• Develop and maintain relationships with a network of researchers
• Be aware of changes within the research community and publishing industry, and translate these into proposals for successful (new) products and services
• Take part in cross-departmental projects and/or company-wide task forces and working groups
• Review new journal and commercial opportunities in consultation with the Senior Management and contribute to journal proposals
• Represent the team in projects with Production, Sales, Marketing, Finance and other Editorial colleagues

To be considered for the position, you will have:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent, preferably in a relevant field of study; Background in Enviornment Sciences is preferred;
• Previous experience in academic publishing
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• IT systems-literate, with a sharp eye for detail
• Positive and proactive approach to problem solving, taking ownership to drive and complete tasks
• Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues at all levels and as part of a team
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Ability to work on your own initiative and independently within a (virtual) team environment
• Experience of developing and maintaining productive and friendly relations/partnerships with academic and industry-based researchers
• Strong time management and organizational skills; including proven ability to take ownership to drive and complete tasks, to consistently meet deadlines, and to adapt quickly to change
• Demonstrate diplomacy and assertiveness
• Be resourceful and proactive in dealing with problems and queries
• Active, supportive team player
• Ability to travel on a frequent basis

This role can be located in our Dordrecht or Nanjing office (hybrid working available). The position is offered on a full-time, permanent basis.

Applicants should include a CV, and a cover letter explaining their interest in the post and their preferred office of employment. Closing date: 3rd April 2023.

At Springer Nature, we are committed to creating a great working environment which includes the benefits you receive, opportunities for you to develop your skills and ways to get to know your colleagues. Some of these include:

·       Support networks that focus on fostering dialogue around diversity, community building, advice and advocacy

·       Wellbeing initiatives to support in maintaining a healthy work life balance

·       24-hour access to our learning and development platform Leap and LinkedIn Learning to help develop your skills

Further details regarding benefits and hybrid working in your preference of location will be discussed during the interview process.

Note for candidates in the Netherlands: As per our local policy, please be aware that this role will be open only for internal candidates within the first 2 weeks. Afterwards, external applications will be progressed.

At Springer Nature, we value the diversity of our teams and work to build an inclusive culture, where people are treated fairly and can bring their differences to work and thrive. We empower our colleagues and value their diverse perspectives as we strive to attract, nurture and develop the very best talent.

Springer Nature was awarded Diversity Team of the Year at the 2022 British Diversity Awards. Find out more about our DEI work here.

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