Executive Managing Editor

Executive Managing Editor

Company:

Kgl

Department:

Kgl- Editorial

Reports To:

Director, Editorial

Date Updated:

26 January 2025

Job Summary

The Executive Managing Editor (EME) is an editorial leadership position responsible for managing editorial operations for a significant publication portfolio. This position reports to the Editorial Director and manages a team that may include Senior Managing Editors, Managing Editors, Associate/Assistant Managing Editors, and Editorial Assistants.

The EME is responsible for upholding editorial standards and quality control, leading the team to execute strategic initiatives effectively, and ensuring high-quality services for the client by the support staff adhering to the contracted statement of work (SOW) and the client's expectations. Additionally, the EME is responsible for client engagement, renewals, training/staff development, and financial performance and success of all accounts under their guidance.

Supervisory Duties:

• Manages a team that may include Senior Managing Editors, Managing Editors, Associate/Assistant Managing Editors and Editorial Assistants.

Duties/Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise and manage US-based (direct) and India-based (in matrix structure) editorial staff.
• Delegate all daily peer review work; set and monitor deadlines for the editorial team.
• Conduct regular team meetings, set performance goals, and provide feedback.
• Hire, train, and mentor editorial staff, fostering professional development.
• Collaborate with senior editorial leaders to define and implement strategies.
• Assist in managing the budget and ensuring the profitability of each assigned client.
• Monitor and report on productivity of individuals and teams.
• Ensure team members’ duties are aligned with role designations and client’s SOW.
• Work with the Associate Director, Learning and Development, Editorial to develop protocols and training resources.

Account Management

• Identify opportunities, develop, and implement strategic plans to grow accounts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and ensuring service excellence.
• Establish and optimize editorial workflows and best practices adhering to standard, rigorous research integrity best practices.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align service offerings with client expectations and industry trends.
• Monitor account performance, analyze data, and report on key metrics to senior management.
• Lead renewal negotiations for contracts and pricing with clients to maximize profitability.
• Identify new business opportunities with current and, as requested, new clients.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the team, fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance.
• Monitor and approve client invoices to ensure alignment with SOWs and work completed.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 10+ years’ experience in peer review management role/s for multiple STM journals
• Experience with one or more major commercial manuscript system
• Experience with training and quality control roles, with leadership experience preferred
• Knowledge of existing and emerging standards in peer review and relevant trends in scholarly publishing industry
• Strong understanding of client relationship management strategies
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to analyze data and adapt strategies and tactics accordingly
• Leadership and team management capabilities
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience reading and updating service agreements and statements of work desirable

Desired Skills and Abilities

• Experience working with and training colleagues in India is desirable
• Working knowledge of journal profit and loss statements for editorial services desirable

Physical Requirements

• General office environment with intensive computer work and extended use of the computer keyboard and mouse.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional travel for company, customer, and industry meetings.
• Willingness to work across multiple time zones (eg, US, UK, India)
• Willingness to travel to India on occasion.

KGL is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.