Intellectual Property Services Manager

Job Title: Intellectual Property Services Manager
Location: Midrand, Johannesburg (Hybrid)
Reporting to: HOD: Regional Publishing Services
Closing date: 18 April 2025

About Springer Nature Group

Springer Nature opens the doors to discovery for researchers, educators, clinicians and other professionals. Every day, around the globe, our imprints, books, journals, platforms and technology solutions reach millions of people. For over 175 years our brands and imprints have been a trusted source of knowledge to these communities and today, more than ever, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that fundamental knowledge can be found, verified, understood and used by our communities – enabling them to improve outcomes, make progress, and benefit the generations that follow.

About Macmillan Education

Macmillan Education (part of Springer Nature) is a world-class educational content and service provider. As a trusted publishing brand in Southern Africa, we support learners, teachers, and institutions throughout their educational journey by offering them engaging and flexible content formats. Our passion for learning and our commitment to elevating education in Southern Africa make us a leading partner in driving learner performance and assisting educators in delivering excellent results.

About the Role

Macmillan Education – South Africa is seeking a skilled Intellectual Property Services Manager to join our Regional Publishing Services team, based in Midrand. The incumbent will work closely with other departments to streamline processes and deliver quality services. Key responsibilities include defining service standards, mentoring and developing team members, handling escalations, and implementing best practices to enhance productivity.

Role Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and direction to the IP Services Team by creating a team vision and strategy that is aligned to the wider business, guiding and coaching team members, and making informed, timely and clear decisions to support objectives.
• Manages the team by recruiting top talent, managing performance, providing effective training opportunities and resolving any conflict in a timely and fair manner.
• Facilitates communication and collaboration across the wider team by communicating clearly and regularly with the right people, fostering a collaborative environment and building effective relationships.
• Manages operations effectively and efficiently by managing team resources, delivering projects to scope and mitigating risks that could impact team performance or business goals.
• Champions development and improvement by driving a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and development.
  

Experience, Skills & Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in publishing studies or other relevant field
• Management training/qualification (advantageous)
• At least 4 years’ experience in editorial/publishing department at a publishing house
• At least 2 years’ experience in a management role
• Have education sector knowledge (advantageous)
• Have experience in plagiarism and permissions clearance, and in project management of same, across a portfolio of subjects
• Have a working knowledge of contracts and rights management
• Have advanced computer skills, and a proven ability to use technology to enhance team productivity
• Have strong leadership skills
• Have compelling communication skills
• Have the ability to coach and mentor others
• Have problem-solving and decision-making skills (including data analysis)

Applications: Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their interest in the position.

If you have not been contacted within a two week period of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

NB: In terms of meeting the company’s goals with respect to Employment Equity, people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

At Springer Nature, we value the diversity of our teams and work to build an inclusive culture, where people are treated fairly and can bring their differences to work and thrive. We empower our colleagues and value their diverse perspectives as we strive to attract, nurture and develop the very best talent. Springer Nature was awarded Diversity Team of the Year at the 2022 British Diversity Awards. Find out more about our DEI work here. If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation.

Job Posting End Date: 18-04-2025