Publisher/Senior Publisher, BMC Academic Journals

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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 Publisher or Senior Publisher to manage a portfolio of open access journals in our division that includes both society and proprietary journals. 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.

Responsibilities:

• Develop journals to deliver a best-in-class author experience and foster maximum engagement from the Societies, Editors-in-Chief (EiCs) 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 key performance indicators (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, 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.

Experience, skills and qualifications:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent, preferably in a relevant field of study (life or biomedical sciences)
• 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 organisational 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 occasionally

Need to be capable of:

Technical Capability

Uses technical/job knowledge and experience to meet and exceed job requirements / customer expectations. Efficiently manages workload and projects within set timelines and to agreed budget, achieving set objectives.

Relationship Building/Teamwork (incorporating Communication, Influencing and Trust)

Builds effective relationships through positive communication that motivates and influences others. Honest and trustworthy; a valued team member, actively involved in achieving team objectives. Works cooperatively and flexibly with other members of the team.

Problem Solving

Takes initiative to identify current and potential problems and determines the best solution. Identifies the cause of problems and key issues through investigation; identifies effective, logical and practical solutions.

Personal Effectiveness (incorporating results focused, productivity, ownership, delegation)

Produces outstanding results both professionally and personally by being proactive and committed. Continually focuses on achieving positive results contributing to the overall success of the business.

Goal Setting/Short-term Planning (incorporating decision making, planning and organisation, and tenacity)

Achieves results by setting goals using quality planning, analysis and decision-making skills. Sets very structured plans and thinks through all possible contingencies.

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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/