Publisher – Open Access, China, Medicine & Life Sciences

About Sage

Sage is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement. Believing that research and education are critical in shaping society, Sage was founded in 1965. Today, we are controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining our independence and mission indefinitely.

About the role

Reporting to the Vice President and General Manager, China, the Publisher is responsible for Sage’s China Medicine and Life Science (MLS) journal portfolio, commercial performance against targets, and strategic growth plan. The role involves growing Sage’s MLS brand in China and building and managing relationships with partner institutions and external editors to develop a strong Medicine & Life Science open access journal launch program.

As we build that program, the Publisher will manage our China partner journals with external editors, learned societies, and editorial boards. The individual in this role will manage the China-based editorial team and grow that team in line with strategic growth plans. The Publisher will also educate the global editorial open access team on the dynamics of the Chinese research market, opportunities, and threats relevant to the wider portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Identify journal launch and local Chinese partnership opportunities to achieve targets, confidently advising and leading on activities for new business acquisitions to grow a strong portfolio of Medicine & Life Science partnership titles.
• Develop and execute editorial strategy on a significant portfolio of journals, actively managing and growing its quality, profile, market share, and financial performance in line with Sage's strategy.
• Build and maintain positive relationships across Sage and with external partners, including learned societies, journal editors, and boards.
• Oversee the successful negotiation and renewal of contracts, providing guidance on financial decisions and approving draft contracts in accordance with defined parameters.
• Prepare and review profit and loss statements accurately, analyzing them in the context of Sage’s commercial requirements and the competitive environment.
• Conduct and present an annual China-market review for our Medicine & Life Science program, identifying current and future market trends and recommending opportunities for growth as well as areas to manage potential risk.
• Provide resources to educate the wider editorial and marketing OA team on trends in the Chinese market, opportunities, and threats for their journals as we look to grow our publishing from the Chinese market across our global portfolio.
• Work with colleagues in the UK and globally to develop and implement projects to further Sage’s operational strategies and goals, ensuring successful delivery by agreed deadlines.
• Act as an ambassador for Sage within the STM industry in China, developing Sage’s status and reputation as an international publisher across our fields of strength in the Medicine & Life Sciences.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in journals publishing in China.
• Experience launching international Chinese partner journals in Medicine & Life Sciences.
• Financial acumen and sound commercial judgement, with a track record of profitable list development.
• Effective relationship management, communication, and interpersonal skills, including negotiation skills.
• Flexibility of thought and creativity to resolve complex problems, and an aptitude to drive new initiatives.
• Strategic awareness, including a detailed understanding of industry trends and best practice.
• Excellent project management and prioritisation skills.
• Proficient in standard IT packages, including Microsoft Office.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Sage, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that is representative of all sections of society and to sustaining a culture that celebrates difference, encourages authenticity, and creates a deep sense of belonging. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, disability, sex or gender identity, sexual orientation, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, or religion or belief.

As a business and organization with an increasingly agile workforce, we're open to flexible working arrangements where appropriate.