Remote Vendor Manager - Publishing Operations

Public Library of Science; United States; Remote; USD 75,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

PLOS is a nonprofit Open Access publisher seeking a Publishing Operations Vendor Manager to coordinate a global network of external partners across the publishing lifecycle. You will lead vendor strategy, drive procurement, negotiate contracts, set SLAs, and ensure quality, risk management, and operational resilience.

The role requires cross-functional collaboration with editorial, production, and legal teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, focusing on continuous improvement and

Qualifications

• Experience in sourcing vendors and managing RFI/RFP processes and onboarding.
• Experience developing long-term relationships with vendors (editorial services, production partners, copyediting/typesetting).
• Experience drafting/enforcing SLAs and auditing vendor KPIs such as turnaround times, quality scores, and satisfaction.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple vendors across global time zones and high-volume portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Oversee vendor use in end-to-end workflows and promote cross-functional collaboration.
• Manage contract renewals and lead negotiations with suppliers and legal where needed.
• Lead RFP processes and coordinate with stakeholders to draft documentation and success criteria.
• Onboard new suppliers and establish onboarding best practices and templates.
• Develop KPIs, SLAs, and auditing framework; ensure monthly QA audits and remediation plans.

Skills

Vendor management

Procurement

Contract negotiations

SLA/KPI management

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Advanced degree in procurement/operations or related field

Tools

Tableau

Editorial Manager

Job description

PLOS is a nonprofit Open Access publisher seeking a Publishing Operations Vendor Manager to coordinate a global network of external partners across the publishing lifecycle. You will lead vendor strategy, drive procurement, negotiate contracts, set SLAs, and ensure quality, risk management, and operational resilience.

The role requires cross-functional collaboration with editorial, production, and legal teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, focusing on continuous improvement and