Managing Editor

Sage; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days leave

Hybrid work

Life assurance

Private medical cover

Tuition support

Job summary

Sage seeks a Managing Editor to lead the development and growth of biomedical open access journals. You will be responsible for journal performance, editorial quality, and financial outcomes, while driving commissioning strategies and maintaining strong ethics and publishing standards.

In collaboration with authors, editors, and Sage teams, you will ensure efficient publication, a high‑quality author experience, and sustainable growth within a hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• Experience managing editorial and peer review workflows for academic journals.
• Strong understanding of journal publishing systems, publishing ethics, publishing trends, and industry standards.
• Commercial awareness and interest in journal performance and development.

Responsibilities

• Own the development of biomedical open access journals, with responsibility for journal performance, content growth, editorial quality, and financial outcomes.
• Develop and deliver commissioning strategies, including Special Collections, to support journal growth and subject area development.
• Manage peer review activities, including manuscript assessment, editorial decision‑making, ethical oversight, and resolution of complex publishing issues.
• Work closely with authors, editors, editorial boards, and internal Sage teams to ensure efficient publication and a high‑quality author experience.
• Recruit, develop, and maintain editorial boards and key community partnerships that advance journal objectives.
• Build and maintain strong subject knowledge across journal fields, including through conference attendance.

Skills

Editorial management

Peer review

Publishing systems

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

PhD or MD or equivalent

Job description

49,520 Join us and be part of a mission-driven, independent publisher. You’ll work with a diverse group of people who share a passion for empowering researchers, educators, and institutions to shape the future.

Managing Editor – Permanent - £49,520

Join us and be part of a mission-driven, independent publisher. You’ll work with a diverse group of people who share a passion for empowering researchers, educators, and institutions to shape the future.

About Sage

Sageis 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, Sara Miller McCune founded Sage in 1965. Today, we are controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining our independence and mission indefinitely.

Our Guaranteed Independence Means We’re Free To

• Do more– supporting an equitable academic future, furthering disciplines that drive social change, and helping social and behavioural science make an impact
• Work together– building lasting relationships, championing diverse perspectives, and co-creating resources to transform teaching and learning
• Think long-term– experimenting, taking risks, and investing in new ideas

About The Team

The Journals Open Access team manages a diverse portfolio of journals and is responsible for journal performance, editorial quality, author experience, and sustainable growth. The team works closely with editors, reviewers, authors, societies, and internal colleagues to develop journals and publish high‑quality research. Working in a fast‑paced and evolving environment, the team is advancing research and delivering impact across the global research community.

Could you be our new Managing Editor?

• PhD, MD, or equivalent in a biomedical or clinical subject area
• Experience managing editorial and peer review workflows for academic journals
• Strong understanding of journal publishing systems, publishing ethics, publishing trends, and industry standards
• Commercial awareness and interest in journal performance and development
• Strong communication and analytical skills
• Excellent prioritisation skills and adaptability, with ability to manage multiple priorities and work with a range of internal and external partners

Your New Role

• Own the development of biomedical open access journals, with responsibility for journal performance, content growth, editorial quality, and financial outcomes
• Develop and deliver commissioning strategies, including Special Collections, to support journal growth and subject area development
• Manage peer review activities, including manuscript assessment, editorial decision‑making, ethical oversight, and resolution of complex publishing issues
• Work closely with authors, editors, editorial boards, and internal Sage teams to ensure efficient publication and a high‑quality author experience
• Recruit, develop, and maintain editorial boards and key community partnerships that advance journal objectives
• Build and maintain strong subject knowledge across journal fields, including through conference attendance
• Contribute to journal business planning, editor management, financial oversight, and cross‑functional projects

Overview Of Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with 2 additional floating personal days.
• Hybrid working up to 2 days per week in office and a home working allowance.
• Life assurance, income protection, and travel insurance.
• Private medical cover and access to the company doctor.
• Tuition scheme and support for pursuing professional qualifications, including access to Sage books and journals.
• Variety of snacks and beverages available in the office.
• Healthy lifestyle reimbursement and anniversary trips.
• Access to Company loans (season ticket loan, rental deposit loan, cycle loan).

We’re a Disability Confident Employer (Level 1). If you’d like to apply under this scheme, please let us know in your application.

We’re committed to making our recruitment process accessible and inclusive. If you’d like to request reasonable adjustments, please email [e-mail]. Please note we only accept applications via email if an adjustment has been agreed.

Closing date for applications: October 14, 2026

To ensure we can give each application the attention it deserves, we may consider bringing the closing date forward. Therefore, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure it is considered.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Sage, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and to sustaining a culture that celebrates diversity, encourages authenticity, and builds a deep sense of belonging. We encourage applications from all members of society irrespective of age, disability, sex or gender identity, sexual orientation, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, or belief as crafting value through diversity is what makes us strong.

Sage is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement. Our mission is building bridges to knowledge — supporting the development of ideas through the research process to scholarship that is certified, taught, and applied.

Learn about Sage | About our companies | Open editor positions

Sage is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified applicants. Accommodations will be made for any part of the interview process.