Publisher – Open Access, China, Medicine & Life Sciences

Sage; Shanghai (VA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Sage is seeking a Publisher to lead its Medicine & Life Sciences portfolio in China, driving growth in MLS journals and managing partnerships with external editors and institutions. The role involves building a China-focused OA program, guiding editorial strategy, and expanding the team in line with strategic plans and market opportunities.

As a key representative for Sage in China, you will mentor the editorial team, coordinate with global colleagues, and shape commercial strategies to maximize

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading journals publishing in China.
• Proven track record launching Chinese partner journals in Medicine & Life Sciences.
• Strong financial acumen and profitability track record.
• Excellent relationship management and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify journal launch and local Chinese partnership opportunities to achieve targets and grow OA portfolio.
• Develop and execute editorial strategy for a significant portfolio of journals.
• Build and maintain relationships with learned societies, editors and boards.
• Oversee contract negotiations and renewals, guiding financial decisions.
• Prepare and review profit and loss statements in line with Sage's commercial goals.

Skills

Journals publishing in China

Open access publishing

Partnership development

Editorial leadership

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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

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

Your New Role

• Report to Vice President and General Manager, China.
• The Publisher has responsibility for our China Medicine and Life Science (MLS) journal portfolio, commercial performance against targets and strategic growth plan.
• The role involves growing Sage’s MLS brand in China and building and managing relationships with partner institutions and external editors to grow a strong Medicine & Life Science open access journal launch program.
• As we build that program the Publisher will be responsible for effective ongoing management of our China partner journals with external editors, learned societies and editorial boards. The individual in this role will manage the China-based editorial team and will grow that team in line with strategic growth plans agreed with the Open Access Strategy group.
• The Publisher will also play a role in educating the global editorial open access team in the dynamics of the Chinese research market, opportunities and threats to be aware of in the development and growth of the wider portfolio.

As Publisher, You Will

• Identify journal launch and local Chinese partnership opportunities to achieve targets, confidently advising and leading on activities for new business acquisitions to grow a strong portfolio of Medicine & Life Science partnership titles.
• Develop and execute editorial strategy on a significant portfolio of journals within the department, actively managing and growing its quality, profile, market share and financial performance in line with Sage's strategy. This may include managing others in the team or being responsible for a significant subset of the journals program.
• Build and maintain positive relationships across Sage and with external partners, including learned societies, journal editors and boards.
• Oversee the successful negotiation and renewal of contracts, providing guidance on financial decisions and approving draft contracts, in accordance with defined parameters.
• Prepare and review profit and loss statements accurately, analysing them in the context of Sage’s commercial requirements and the competitive environment.
• Conduct and present an annual China-market review for our Medicine & Life science program, identifying current and future market trends and recommending opportunities for growth as well as areas to manage potential risk.
• Provide resources to educate the wider editorial and marketing OA team on trends in the Chinese market, opportunities and threats for their journals as we look to grow our publishing from the Chinese market across our global portfolio of titles.
• Work with colleagues in the UK and globally to develop and implement projects to further Sage’s operational strategies and goals, ensuring successful delivery by agreed deadlines.
• Act as an ambassador for Sage within the STM industry in China, develop Sage’s status and reputation as an international publisher across our fields of strength in the Medicine & Life Sciences.

Could you be our new Publisher?

• Extensive experience in journals publishing in China.
• Experience launching international Chinese partner journals in Medicine & Life Sciences.
• Financial acumen and sound commercial judgement, with a track record of profitable list development.
• Effective relationship management, communication and interpersonal skills, including negotiation skills.
• Flexibility of thought and creativity to resolve complex problems, and an aptitude to drive new initiatives.
• Strategic awareness, including a detailed understanding of industry trends and best practice.
• Excellent project management and prioritisation skills.
• Proficient in standard IT packages, including Microsoft Office.

A cover letter is important to us, this offers the hiring manager valuable insights into how your skill set aligns with the role, what unique contributions you can bring to the team and why you are interested in this position. Therefore, when applying for this role online, please upload your cover letter and CV as one document. Applications without a cover letter may regrettably not be reviewed.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Sage we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that is representative of all sections of society and to sustaining a culture that celebrates difference, encourages authenticity, and creates a deep sense of belonging. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, disability, sex or gender identity, sexual orientation, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief as creating value through diversity is what makes us strong.As a business and as an organization with an increasingly agile workforce, we're open to flexible working arrangements where appropriate.

Company Acknowledgement

This job description is not contractual. To perform this role successfully, you must perform each of the key accountabilities satisfactorily. To meet changes in business operational, procedural or technical requirements Sage may add, remove or amend/change the accountabilities for this position and you should be aware that you may be asked to undertake reasonable tasks and activities outside those for which you are primarily employed.

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.