Senior Publisher, BMC Journals, SPRINGER NATURE

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world, publishing the largest number of journals and books and pioneering open research. Through trusted brands with over 180 years of history, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms, and services that help researchers, health professionals, and educators advance discovery and learning.

About The Brand

BMC has over 25 years of experience in open access publishing, offering high-quality, impactful research and a supportive publishing experience for authors. Committed to publishing the best open access journals, BMC manages a portfolio of over 250 titles and drives progress in biology, health sciences, and medicine.

About the Role

The BMC Academic Journals group supports researchers in communicating and advancing discovery through a trusted environment for sharing discoveries, data, and research stories. As Senior Publisher, you will manage a portfolio of open access proprietary life sciences journals, particularly within the Agriculture field. Reporting to an Executive Publisher, you will oversee the strategic development and success of individual journals, liaising with internal staff, external journal Editors, and the scientific community. This is a full-time, maternity cover position based in London or New York with a hybrid working model.

Responsibilities

• Drive the growth and development of a group of open access journals by devising and implementing annual development plans and exploring business opportunities.
• Manage annual targets for journal submission, publication, and transfer volumes, as well as target turnaround times.
• Deliver a best-in-class author experience and foster engagement from Editors-in-Chief (EiCs), Editorial Board Members (EBMs), and Societies.
• Demonstrate resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment, managing changing priorities and navigating ambiguity.
• Resolve pre- and post-publication issues (e.g., authorship, scope, ethics, misconduct, policies) raised by staff, EBMs, and readers.
• Gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from diverse sources to support data-driven decision-making and strategic planning.
• Manage contract negotiations with external parties using financial profit & loss statements and forecasting.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues, researchers, and external Editors, balancing stakeholder needs.
• Maintain market intelligence by staying updated on changes within the research community and publishing industry.
• Occasional travel may be required for the role.

Requirements

• Educated to Bachelor’s degree level or equivalent, preferably in a relevant field (life, biomedical, or health sciences).
• Solid previous experience in academic journal publishing.
• A resourceful and proactive approach to problem-solving and adaptability to change.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), persuasion, and influencing skills, with diplomacy and assertiveness as needed.
• Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues at all levels and independently.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Experience developing and maintaining productive relationships with academic and industry-based researchers.
• Strong technical skills and sharp attention to detail.