Research Integrity Team Leader

Sage; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Bank holidays

Floating personal days

Hybrid working

Home working allowance

Life assurance

Travel insurance

Tuition scheme

Access to Sage books and journals

Office snacks

Wellness reimbursement

Company loans

Job summary

Sage is seeking a Research Integrity Team Leader to oversee a specialist team responsible for publication ethics and research integrity across our journals portfolio. You will combine expertise in integrity with people leadership to shape how Sage responds to complex ethical challenges while protecting the scholarly record.

You will drive operational excellence, support colleague development, and contribute to policy and process improvements that strengthen integrity across our publishing

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience managing complex research integrity and publication ethics cases.
• Proven track record leading specialist teams and managing workloads and escalations.
• Strong knowledge of international research integrity standards and journal publishing lifecycle.
• Credible relationship-building with diverse stakeholders and influence in sensitive situations.
• Excellent communication, data-driven decision making and problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Research Integrity Associates to deliver excellent outcomes.
• Oversee investigation and resolution of publication ethics cases in line with Sage policies.
• Act as escalation point for high-risk integrity issues with sound judgement and risk management.
• Build strong relationships with Editorial, Peer Review and Production teams for effective case management.
• Deliver reporting on case volumes, trends and emerging risks to drive improvements.
• Develop and maintain guidance and training resources to support consistent decision-making.
• Help shape policies and workflows to address changes in scholarly publishing.
• Monitor industry developments to ensure the team stays equipped to respond to new challenges.

Skills

Publication ethics

Research integrity

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Job description

Research Integrity Team Leader – (£57,840 - £63,260) – Perm

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

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, 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 Our Team

Our team operates within Sage’s global Journals Editorial Department and collaborates with colleagues across Editorial, Peer Review, Legal, and other publishing divisions. Together, we uphold the quality, credibility, and ethical standards of Sage’s journal portfolio. Trusted by editors, societies, reviewers, and authors, we examine publication ethics concerns, recommend appropriate guidelines, and refine processes that foster responsible research and transparent communication. Our work is cooperative, passionate about solutions, and key to sustaining Sage’s reputation for integrity and independence.

Could you be our new Research Integrity Team Leader? Are you someone who?

• *Has hands-on experience managing complex research integrity and publication ethics cases within academic or scholarly journals?
• *Has successfully led managed, coached and developed specialist teams, balancing workloads, priorities and escalated issues while supporting individual growth?
• *Demonstrates strong knowledge of international research integrity standards, publication ethics guidance and the journal publishing lifecycle?
• Builds credibility and trust with a wide range of stakeholders and can influence outcomes in sensitive, complex or challenging situations?
• Communicates complex issues clearly and confidently, adapting your approach for different audiences and maintaining professionalism in difficult conversations?
• Enjoys analysing information, identifying trends and using data and insight to improve processes, decision-making and operational performance?
• Takes a thoughtful, solutions-focused approach to problem solving and can effectively navigate situations involving conflicting priorities or differing viewpoints?
• Is passionate about protecting research quality, promoting ethical publishing practices and supporting the continued development of others?
• *These are our minimum criteria

Your New Role

We're looking for an experienced Research Integrity professional to lead a specialist team responsible for managing publication ethics and research integrity cases across our journals portfolio. This is an opportunity to combine your expertise in research integrity with inspirational people leadership, helping to shape how Sage responds to increasingly complex ethical challenges within scholarly publishing.

You'll oversee the successful resolution of research integrity cases, support the development of colleagues and contribute to the continuous improvement of policies, processes and training that strengthen integrity across our publishing operations. Working closely with the Associate Director and Research Integrity Manager, you'll play a key role in driving operational excellence while protecting the reputation of Sage and the academic record.

In This Role, You Will

• Lead, coach and develop a team of Research Integrity Associates, creating an inclusive environment where colleagues can grow their expertise and deliver excellent outcomes.
• Oversee the investigation and resolution of publication ethics cases, ensuring they are handled consistently, fairly and in line with Sage policies and industry standards.
• Act as a trusted escalation point for sensitive, complex or high-risk research integrity issues, exercising sound judgement and managing risk appropriately.
• Build strong relationships with Editorial, Peer Review and Production teams to ensure collaborative and effective case management.
• Deliver reporting and insights on case volumes, trends and emerging risks, recommending improvements that enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain guidance, training materials and operational resources that support consistent decision-making across the business.
• Help shape and evolve Sage's research integrity policies, workflows and processes to address changes within the scholarly publishing landscape.
• Monitor emerging threats, industry developments and best practices, ensuring the team remains equipped to respond confidently to new challenges.

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: Thursday 5th November.

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.

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