Associate Managing Editor

Associate Managing Editor

Job Purpose

The Associate Managing Editor is responsible for the end-to-end management and development of assigned journals, ensuring timely publication, operational excellence, and strong stakeholder engagement. The role works closely with editors, authors, reviewers, societies, and internal teams to support journal growth, publication quality, indexing objectives, and overall portfolio performance.

Key Responsibilities

Journal & Portfolio Management

• Manage the end-to-end publication process for assigned journals, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of issues.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for journal-related operational matters and escalations.

• Coordinate closely with editors, editorial boards, authors, reviewers, and internal stakeholders to ensure efficient journal operations.

• Ensure a seamless transition of newly acquired journals from the acquisitions stage to editorial management.

• Monitor publishing schedules and proactively address delays to maintain publication timelines.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with journal editors, authors, reviewers, society partners, and internal teams.

• Liaise regularly with Sage India, UK, and US colleagues to address editorial, production, and operational requirements.

• Provide high-quality service and support to editors, societies, and contributors.

Journal Development & Performance

• Identify opportunities to enhance journal performance, visibility, and impact.

• Work closely with editors on manuscript flow, turnaround times, editorial planning, and publication strategies.

• Drive initiatives related to journal indexing, abstracting, Impact Factor acquisition, and overall portfolio growth.

• Educate and guide editors on indexing criteria, citation performance, and Impact Factor improvement strategies.

• Identify and implement journal-specific development plans to improve performance and reach.

Marketing & Promotion

• Collaborate with the Marketing team to develop and execute journal-specific promotional activities, including:

  • Call for Papers campaigns

  • Impact Factor announcements

  • Special Issue promotions

  • Article-level marketing initiatives

  • Conference and event promotional support

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and present journal performance reports and publisher reports for internal and external stakeholders.

• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics.

• Maintain accurate journal records, reports, and portfolio documentation.

• Prepare personal performance reports aligned with departmental objectives.

Contract & Business Management

• Support drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing journal contract renewals and addenda.

• Develop an understanding of publishing business models and contractual frameworks.

• Support onboarding, maintenance, and renewal of new publishing products and content solutions.

Continuous Improvement

• Stay updated on industry developments, publishing trends, and emerging technologies.

• Contribute to process improvements and operational excellence initiatives.

• Work independently to achieve departmental objectives while escalating issues appropriately when required.

Key Accountabilities

• Effective management of assigned journal portfolios.

• Delivery of publication schedules and service-level commitments.

• Enhanced journal visibility through indexing and abstracting achievements.

• Strong stakeholder satisfaction and relationship management.

• Accurate reporting and performance tracking.

• Successful implementation of journal development initiatives.

• Compliance with publishing standards, contracts, and internal policies.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Essential Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Publishing, or a related discipline.

Experience

• 2-3 years of experience in scholarly journal publishing within an editorial or journal management environment.

• Experience managing journals throughout the publication lifecycle.

• Hands-on experience with journal development activities, indexing applications, and editorial workflows.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of:

  • Scholarly publishing processes

  • Peer review management

  • Journal management and development

  • Publishing contracts and business models

  • Abstracting and Indexing (A&I) databases

  • Impact Factor and journal performance metrics

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly:

  • Excel

  • PowerPoint

  • Outlook

  • Teams

  • SharePoint

• Experience with peer review management systems is preferred.

Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.

• Analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• High attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced publishing environment.

Success Measures

• Timely publication of assigned journals.

• Improved journal performance and indexing outcomes.

• High editor, author, reviewer, and society satisfaction.

• Achievement of departmental and individual KPIs.

• Effective management of journal portfolios and stakeholder relationships.

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.