Workflow Operations Manager

About Springer Nature Group

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Job Title: Workflow Operations Manager

Location(s): London or Heidelberg - Hybrid Working Model

Closing date: 11th May 2024 

About the Role

The goal of the Publishing Performance and Intelligence Group (PP&I) is to help deliver next generation digital publishing at Springer Nature and as a result, grow the number of published articles, especially in open access (OA). Working closely with the Journals Group, Production, IT, Marketing and Customer Service we will support increasing the number of transfers of articles between journals, commissioning new collections and strengthening editor engagement. As well as supporting and enhancing the end-to-end publishing process.

The Centre of Excellence (CoE) team aims to create and drive continuous improvement with PP&I teams and their respective stakeholders including Operations, Technology, Customer Services, Research Sales & Marketing, Finance, and others. We align, agree, plan and drive the implementation of new/improved workflows, processes, systems, and tools within the end-to-end publishing process.

The Workflow Operations Manager will, as part of the CoE team, be responsible for ensuring that the tools, services and processes we provide supplement the journals teams throughout SN on performance targets including improvements in turnaround times and author satisfaction, mediating optimal solutions which take into account the requirements of authors, peer reviewers, and in-house and external editors, while maintaining the journal’s high standards. This role ensures the most effective and efficient use is being made of tools and services, and advising on opportunities for further improvement.

Role Responsibilities:

• Translate strategy into development actions and suggested improvements by prioritising journals for development and overseeing the setting and implementation of deployment plans accordingly
• Identifying and highlighting problems promptly and proposing improvements to process, assisting in the review and improvement of tools, services and workflows
• Report on relevant KPIs to ensure new system and workflow developments are measured for success
• Challenge and influence decisions; focusing on customer and business value
• Identify system and process blockers in journal publication routes and input to technical development work to circumvent these
• Support the adoption of new workflows for journal products ensuring collaboration with stakeholders where appropriate
• Complete gap analyses across products to identify and understand differences and recommend solutions
• Develop image as a trusted advisor to other departments, and work towards being seen as an expert within the company
• Speak as part of the role in regular high level meetings to communicate visions and strategies. Coordinate efforts across the team to ensure stakeholders are engaged
• Act as point of escalation for queries relating to workflows and services and triage as appropriate, understanding what needs to be a decision taken with the consultation of stakeholders in other departments
• Be responsible for the introduction and integration of new tools and editorial services, and support Journal teams as necessary to adopt new workflows and processes.
• Provide project management support for the implementation of a variety initiative across the journals publishing pipeline
• Provide project level reporting for the wider Journals business stream to ensure progress against initiatives is well communicated

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

• In-depth knowledge of STM journal workflows, manuscript submission systems and peer review processes
• Demonstrable experience in STM journals publishing, particularly peer review and Editorial Board management able to partner with different levels and units throughout the organisation
• Candidates should demonstrate excellent leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, communication skills and a desire to work in a high-energy, goal-oriented environment
• Sound knowledge and interest in science in general
• Thorough knowledge of the scientific community and its needs
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills using MS Office
• Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal
• Strong organisational and process/workflow management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders    
• Degree: minimum of BSc level or higher or significant working experience in a similar role
• Project Management certification (such as PRINCE 2, MSP, PPM, Scrum or any Agile methodology) is desirable #LI-CE1

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 https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion

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://careers.springernature.com/