Peer Review Associate

Job Purpose

The Peer Review Associate is responsible for managing and supporting the end-to-end peer review workflow for assigned journals through Sage Track. The role ensures that manuscripts progress efficiently from submission to production while maintaining quality standards, stakeholder satisfaction, and compliance with journal and publisher requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Review newly submitted manuscripts in Sage Track to ensure compliance with journal submission guidelines and readiness for peer review.

2. Manage the reviewer assignment process by inviting, assigning, and supporting reviewers throughout the review cycle.

3. Monitor manuscript workflows and proactively follow up with editors, associate editors, reviewers, and authors to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks and adherence to defined deadlines.

4. Ensure authors of accepted manuscripts complete and submit all required documentation, including electronic contributor forms, through Sage Track.

5. Conduct comprehensive quality checks on accepted manuscripts prior to production export, ensuring:

   • Author and contact information is accurate and up to date.

   • All manuscript files are editable and production-ready.

   • Required permissions for copyrighted materials have been obtained.

   • References comply with the journal’s designated citation style (APA, Chicago, ASA, AMA, CSE, etc.).

   • All required submission components are complete and available.

6. Export accepted manuscripts to the Sage Production team within established production timelines and article deadlines.

7. Serve as a primary point of contact for editors, associate editors, authors, reviewers, and Sage staff, providing timely and professional resolution of queries.

8. Maintain and update Sage Track email templates to align with journal-specific requirements and communication best practices.

9. Oversee the overall peer review health of journals supported by Editorial Assistants by:

   • Monitoring workflow efficiency and manuscript progression.

   • Managing editor and associate editor relationships.

   • Providing guidance and support to Editorial Assistants.

   • Acting as the first escalation point for journal-related queries and operational issues.

10. Maintain accurate daily tracking records of all assigned activities and deliverables.

11. Generate and distribute weekly PRA performance reports to the Peer Review Supervisor and US Manager.

12. Run and analyze Sage Track reports as required to monitor journal performance and workflow status.

13. Ensure overdue task reports are reviewed and updated with journal-specific comments prior to scheduled review meetings.

14. Troubleshoot system and workflow issues to ensure Sage Track sites operate effectively and efficiently.

15. Keep Sage Track sites updated and aligned with global publishing standards, policies, and strategic initiatives.

16. Collaborate with UK and US stakeholders to support the implementation and launch of new Sage Track journal sites.

Key Accountabilities

Productivity & Service Standards

• Manage manuscript volumes in accordance with annual workload allocation plans (WAP) following successful training and phased transition.

• Respond to inquiries from editors, associate editors, authors, reviewers, and internal stakeholders within 24 hours (excluding weekends and public holidays).

• Liaise with ScholarOne support teams, as required, to resolve technical or system-related issues.

• Support journal editors and Sage teams with special projects, process improvements, and strategic initiatives.

• Act as a liaison between journal editorial teams and Sage, ensuring clear communication regarding peer review progress, updates, and operational matters.

• Communicate Editorial Board changes and updates to the relevant Publishing Editor and Production Editor.

• Adhere to all policies, procedures, and best practices outlined in the Journal Editor’s Guide.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain professional relationships with editors, associate editors, authors, reviewers, and internal stakeholders.

• Proactively identify and resolve workflow challenges and journal-related issues.

• Closely monitor manuscript progress and ensure efficient movement through each stage of the peer review process.

• Escalate sensitive, complex, or potentially volatile communications to the supervisor in a timely manner, while also sharing positive feedback received from journal stakeholders.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a professional and customer-focused approach.

• Excellent organizational, time-management, and multitasking abilities.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.

• Ability to analyze issues, troubleshoot problems, and implement effective solutions.

• Collaborative team player with the ability to support colleagues and contribute to team success.

• Ability to provide constructive feedback and contribute ideas for process improvement.

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

• Proficiency in manuscript management systems and Microsoft Office applications.

• Commitment to continuous learning and supporting organizational goals and initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in any discipline.

• 1–2 years of experience in academic publishing, scholarly communications, peer review operations, editorial management, or a related field.

• Experience with manuscript tracking systems (e.g., Sage Track, ScholarOne, Editorial Manager) is preferred.

• Strong understanding of peer review workflows and publishing standards is an advantage.

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.