Senior Managing Editor

Senior Managing Editor

About the Role

KGL Editorial is seeking an experienced Senior Managing Editor to lead editorial and production services for assigned scholarly publishing clients. In this full-time, remote role, you'll oversee a team of editorial and production professionals, manage client relationships, and ensure the delivery of high-quality services.

Reporting to an Editorial Director, you'll play a key role on KGL Editorial's leadership team, combining strategic oversight, operational expertise, and a commitment to exceptional client service. We're looking for a collaborative leader who can manage complex workflows, develop talented teams, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and support business growth.

What You'll Do

Editorial Operations and Client Management

• Oversee editorial and production services for assigned client accounts, ensuring quality, efficiency, and compliance with contractual requirements and service level agreements.
• Manage high-volume workflows, ensuring projects meet established timelines, performance benchmarks, and the highest standards of scholarly publishing.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with client stakeholders through regular communication, meetings, and reporting.
• Monitor key performance indicators, prepare client management reports, and identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Leverage manuscript management systems, including Editorial Manager, ScholarOne Manuscripts, eJournal Press, or other relevant platforms, to support editorial workflows and reporting.
• Support technology improvements, process enhancements, and creative solutions that strengthen service delivery.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and supervise a team that may include managing editors, senior editorial assistants, editorial assistants, senior production specialists, and production specialists.
• Partner with the Editorial Director to develop organizational structures, define employee responsibilities, and establish reporting relationships and compensation aligned with business goals.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate team members to support professional development, operational goals, and a positive, productive work environment.
• Establish clear priorities, manage workloads, and ensure team members consistently deliver accurate, high-quality work on time and to specification.

Business Growth and Strategic Initiatives

• Identify opportunities to expand services with existing clients and contribute to new business development through outreach and professional networking.
• Collaborate with the Editorial Director on special projects, including new client onboarding, editor transitions, peer review management system configurations, and workflow assessments.
• Stay informed about scholarly publishing trends, industry best practices, and emerging technologies to help improve services and strengthen KGL Editorial's capabilities.
• Represent KGL Editorial professionally in client interactions, industry organizations, professional meetings, and other networking opportunities.

Financial and Contract Management

• Maintain familiarity with client agreements and communicate proposed changes or deviations to the Editorial Director.
• Assist with budget projections, reforecasting, and financial performance monitoring as requested.
• Prepare client invoices and support cost-effective management of account resources.

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of progressive management experience in scholarly publishing.
• Direct experience providing editorial services, including managing large journal accounts or multiple journal titles.
• Proven experience leading, motivating, and developing multiple staff members.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and improve operational processes and procedures.
• Strong technical skills and expert knowledge of manuscript management systems or other software used in scholarly publishing workflows.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of publishing.
• Ability to develop and deliver professional, effective presentations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, and deadlines.
• Bachelor's degree (BA) required.
• Flexibility to accommodate industry-standard client scheduling and availability needs.
• Ability to travel occasionally, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and SharePoint.
• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
• Awareness of industry trends, competitor activities, and changes in the scholarly publishing landscape.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Remote home office environment requiring intensive use of a high-end computer workstation for development and communication activities.
• Ability to grasp objects using manual dexterity, including hand and finger coordination.
• Ability to remain seated for prolonged periods.
• Occasional travel may be required.

ESG Statement: We strive to make our world better by utilizing ingenuity and technology to minimize our environmental impact, cultivating a business that recognizes the intrinsic value of diversity and inclusion, and requiring accountability, transparency, and integrity in everything we do.

KGL is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.