Head of Publishing – 12 Month Maternity Contract

JR United Kingdom; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Head of Publishing to lead their publishing strategy for international journals and entomological books. This 12-month maternity cover offers remote working opportunities and involves key responsibilities in managing journal portfolios, ensuring high-quality publications, and contributing to strategic leadership. Candidates should ideally have significant STM publishing experience, particularly in Open Access.

Qualifications

• Experience in STM or academic journal publishing is essential.
• Demonstrable strategy and project management experience required.
• Strong digital skills and understanding of publishing sector trends.

Responsibilities

• Managing the journal portfolio including subscriptions and marketing.
• Developing publishing strategies for journals and books.
• Line managing editorial and library teams.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Digital Skills

Publishing Strategy Development

Education

Degree in a relevant field

Tools

ScholarOne

MS Office

Job description

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Head of Publishing – 12 Month Maternity Contract, cheltenham

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Client:

Redwood Publishing Recruitment

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Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

4

Posted:

26.06.2025

Expiry Date:

10.08.2025

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Job Description:

Redwood Publishing Recruitment is very excited to be partnering with The Royal Entomological Society on an exclusive basis, to recruit an outstanding and dynamic Head of Publishing, to lead their publishing strategy for seven international journals, a handbook series and general interest entomology books. This position will also play an active role in their quarterly membership magazine ‘Antenna’. This role is a 12-month fixed term maternity contract and is an exciting position which will ensure the high quality of the Society’s publications and will oversee their planned, sustainable growth. The post is full-time based on 37.5 hours per week but will offer some flexibility on the working pattern. This role can be worked on a remote basis, with occasional visits to the office.

Reporting to the CEO, responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Managing the RES journal portfolio including subscriptions, marketing, and strategy for growth.
• Optimising opportunities for maximum impact and revenue
• Working with the Editors-in Chief, Associate Editors and Editorial Boards of each journal
• With the CEO and Chair of Publications Committee, developing a strategic plan for RES publishing over the next 3 years
• Line managing the Managing Editor and Editorial Coordinator and other Society staff as required
• Leading the development, review and implantation of publishing strategy for journals, books and the RES membership magazine
• Ensuring the RES is represented at key conferences and events (including international)
• Progress the Society journals towards Open Access and identifying new opportunities
• Taking responsibility for budget setting and management around publishing each year
• Keeping up-to-date with the fast-moving publishing sector – including open access, transitional deals and institutional subscriptions
• Leading a review of the current library and developing a strategy to increase accessibility with the Librarian and other staff

While an understanding of Society publishing is required, significant experience in STM or academic journal publishing is essential, particularly with Open Access agenda and Plan S. You will have demonstrable strategy and project management experience and the effective leadership skills necessary to lead a diverse team. The Society additionally maintains an entomological library and this role will also have line management responsibility for the library team. Experience of working with partners, including publishers, designers and printers is required, as are strong digital skills e.g. an understanding of ScholarOne and MS office packages.

As part of the Strategic Leadership Team, you will also contribute to the annual development of the business plan, supporting delivery of the strategic plan. This is an exciting time to join the Royal Entomological Society as it embarks on a new strategy and a fantastic opportunity for an STM professional to take up a new leadership position of Head of Publishing.

If you are looking to join an organisation which is looking to develop publications to increase impact, ensuring insect science remains relevant, please do get in touch. For further details please send your CV and covering letter outlining your interest to: [emailprotected]

For a confidential call, please get in touch on 0207 048 6223.

To be considered for this post all applications must be submitted through Redwood Publishing Recruitment