Associate Optimization Manager

The Associate Optimization Manager is responsible for leading workflow and process improvements within the Global Peer Review Team, with a primary focus on increasing team productivity to optimize Sage’s Peer Review processes and support the Peer Review Team’s involvement in wider departmental strategic projects and initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Support on cross-functional initiatives to drive process improvements aimed at decreasing time to publish and increasing productivity for Sage’s Peer Review Team.
• Work with global team members to effectively implement identified improvements to process and workflow using change management methodologies.
• Collaborate with the global Research Pillar teams to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement in the peer review process and systems.
• Consult with the global technology teams to identify potential solutions to automate and simplify manual processes.
• Persuade and influence key stakeholders on the value of process and workflow optimization to enable delivery of team strategy, using analysis and impact metrics to support your position.
• Monitor and analyze key performance metrics related to peer review times.
• Improve and refine metrics and reporting used to monitor progress.
• Constantly seek user feedback and use cases from inside the organization to boost and refine the utility and effectiveness of the global peer review team.
• Collaborate with other roles within optimization & change management to represent the peer review team perspective.
• Create and deliver guidance and training to realize the benefits of optimization and process improvement, using change management methodologies to ensure change is embedded within the organization and associated return on investment is realized.

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

• Extensive knowledge of and experience in the journals publishing industry, ideally with a deep understanding of peer review and the systems used to conduct it.
• Proven track record of success in leading on and delivering successful continuous improvement across complex editorial functions.
• Proven ability to turn ambiguous information into informed decision making.
• A strong sense of accountability with proven problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Resourceful, inquisitive and possessing a Lean continuous improvement mindset.
• Certification in Project Management preferred.
• Strong understanding of continuous improvement and change management principals and tools, such as Lean and ADKAR, with demonstrated ability to apply these to complex editorial functions.
• Expert listening, verbal and written communication skills with an ability to simplify the complicated.
• Excellent relationship management skills and confidence in dealing with people at all levels of the business, including senior level stakeholders.
• Strong and proven influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to build trust quickly to work effectively with stakeholders in other departments with competing priorities and resources.
• Ability to work independently and achieve a high quality, accurate output in a fast-paced, deadline-conscious environment with rapidly changing priorities.
• Highly proficient in the use of the Microsoft 365 and Atlassian suite of tools, in particular Excel, SharePoint, Power BI, Planner, PowerPoint and Confluence.

If you have a disability and you need any support during the application process, please contact hr.resume@sagepub.com. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Pay Transparency & Benefits Package:

Sage Publishing is committed to being an inclusive employer where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect. Sage is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.

Compensation at Sage is influenced by several factors, including but not limited to skill set, nature and level of experience, qualifications, and other relevant considerations.  Please note that the compensation details listed in U.S. role postings reflect the base salary only and do not include bonuses or benefits. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range and additional aspects of the compensation/benefits package for this position during the hiring process. If your desired salary falls outside of this range, we hope you'll still apply as there may be other positions that better align.

In addition to compensation, Sage offers a highly competitive and comprehensive PPO medical, dental, and vision care benefits package with SAGE covering most of the premium costs. Unique program benefits that support a healthy life, a company-sponsored anniversary trip every 5 years, a 401(k)-matching program of 100% up to 5% of pay, and other significant meaningful benefits. In alignment with our value for education, Sage offers financial support for bachelor's and graduate-level degree programs as well as learning for personal interest.

Sage offers freedom and autonomy in your day-to-day with hybrid or remote work, depending on the role. Join the nearly 2,000 Sage employees worldwide who deliver products and services that serve to fulfill our noble goal of education and dissemination of knowledge globally. We’d love to meet you!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Sage Publishing is committed to being an inclusive employer where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and partnership status, pregnancy and parental responsibilities, race, religion and belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We believe that diversity is a cornerstone of a vibrant culture. We want Sage to be an organization where the most talented staff and high-potential staff are recruited, have the opportunity to grow, and want to work. We strive to achieve a better representation of diverse talent at all levels, including leadership, across our workforce.