Commissioning Manager, Open Access

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 Director of Commissioning and Community Engagement.

• This role is responsible for overseeing the strategic development of the gold OA journals commissioning programme in China. The role will manage and oversee the strategy for a commissioning team and will work with the Director on the strategic vision for the commissioning team and is responsibly for the execution of the strategy within their team.

• The role will collaborate effectively with colleagues across the business to ensure the commissioning plans are optimized and executed, ensuring the programme is contributing to the overall aims of the gold OA portfolio while maintaining high quality of published content.

As Commissioning Manager, you will :

• Devise and lead content commissioning strategies, supporting and guiding a team of commissioning editors to follow these strategies.

• Lead the commissioning strategy within China to ensure year-on-year growth of submissions from Chinese researchers. 

• Manage a team of commissioning editors to deliver against their commissioning targets.

• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that journals publish high quality content consistently and in a timely manner. 

• Undertake to maintain strong subject knowledge within allocated journal fields, including via national and international conference attendance when required. 

• Take the lead of projects related to commissioning and content acquisition where appropriate.

• Build and maintain positive relationships across SAGE and with external partners, including journal editors and boards. 

• Maintain a strong understanding of the OA research publishing landscape in China, suggesting strategies to make the most of opportunities in the region.

• International travel to attend strategic meetings with internal and external collaborators.

Could you be our new Commissioning Manager?

• Strong verbal and written English.

• Educated to at least BSc level in a scientific or engineering area (or other area with experience working with publications in these areas); a firm grasp of the principles of research, and of correct trial design and reporting standards.

• Demonstrable experience of achieving with content acquisition/commissioning goals in Open Access publishing.

• Experience developing commissioning strategies for Open Access journals.

• Experience managing and leading projects.

• Experience leading a team in Open Access publishing desirable.

• Good commercial awareness.

• High level communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Strategic awareness, including a detailed understanding of industry trends and best practice. 

• Excellent prioritisation skills and a high level of adaptability. 

• 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 committed to Diversity and Inclusion and is an equal opportunities employer. We value individuality and therefore welcome all qualified applications from a diverse range of candidates.