Job Description

Senior Managing Editor

Company: KGL

Department: KGL- Editorial

Reports To: Director, KGL Editorial

Date Approved: 12/06/2024

Job Summary:

The Senior Managing Editor (SME) is a full-time position primarily servicing the assigned KGL Editorial client accounts’ editorial and production services. The position reports to an Editorial Director and supervises a staff that may include but is not limited to managing editors, senior editorial assistants, editorial assistants, senior production specialists, and production specialists.

As a member of KGL Editorial’s leadership team, the SME plays an essential role in furthering the company’s mission to provide the highest level of editorial services to its customers through a combination of sound strategic management and keen attention to the requirements of the partnership.

The SME is responsible for making sure that the highest standard of editorial service is maintained in the work they perform directly on the client account and through the work performed by the support staff assigned to the client account under the SME’s management. To support assigned KGL Editorial client accounts, the SME not only will ensure that the high-volume work moves through established processes to meet the service level agreements but will also offer creative solutions and drive efficiencies as appropriate.

In addition to managing regular assigned clients, the SME may be asked to oversee project work at the request of the Editorial Director; this may include but is not limited to outreach efforts to drive new business, helping to onboard new clients, and special projects such as editor transition support, peer review management systems configuration, or workflow assessments.

Strong leadership skills are required such as the ability to prioritize and manage work on time and to specification, to effectively lead staff, and to communicate both effectively and professionally, both in form and content. This is an inward- and outward-facing role, and our partners expect to interact with a polished professional who demonstrates leadership and oversees the consistent delivery of quality work product and participates actively as a member of various industry organizations. Technical acumen is of critical importance as many of the workflows as well as staff and task management rely on technical solutions.

Supervisory Duties:

The SME is responsible for making sure that the highest standard of editorial service is maintained in the work they perform directly on the client account and through the work performed by the support staff assigned to the client account under the SME’s management.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Timely, high-quality performance of assigned editorial or production activities as measured by the established key performance indicators and established benchmarks, and consistent, positive feedback from assigned KGL Editorial clients
• Generating ideas for improving quality, efficiencies, and cost-effectiveness for review by the Editorial Director and sharing with assigned KGL Editorial clients, as appropriate
• Knowledge of industry trends and editorial/production best practices related to job performance, with occasional travel to professional meetings or to client meetings

CUSTOMER SERVICE AND OPERATIONS

• Oversee operations of the assigned KGL Editorial client accounts to ensure quality service, process efficiency, and cost-effective management of their resources
• Participate in phone calls and meetings with assigned KGL Editorial client account stakeholders, KGL Editorial colleagues, or others
• Manage all services delivered to assigned KGL Editorial client accounts according to contractual requirements and in accordance with the highest standards of scholarly publishing
• Compile data and prepare periodic management reports for distribution to assigned KGL Editorial clients, highlighting productivity and other achievements
• Support technological growth and development, as appropriate, to serve the clients and underscore the company’s distinctive competencies
• Expert knowledge of one or more manuscript management systems (e.g. Editorial Manager, ScholarOne Manuscripts, eJournal Press, etc.) and/or other software or applications integral to assigned KGL Editorial client accounts’ workflows and reporting

TEAM BUILDING

• In conjunction with the Editorial Director, shape the organizational structure of assigned KGL Editorial client accounts as needs evolve to meet operational and business goals
• Define assigned KGL Editorial client accounts’ employee roles and responsibilities, position descriptions, reporting relationships, and compensation in line with business goals and with the approval of the Editorial Director
• Evaluate employee performance in complying with established policies and procedures that contribute to a congenial and productive work culture
• Proactively train and supervise direct reports to ensure understanding of, ability and capacity to achieve, and compliance with account objectives and goals to nurture employee development

CONTRACTUAL AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Familiarity with assigned KGL Editorial client accounts agreements, notifying Editorial Director of any deviations requested by clients or changes that may make sense given changing work practices
• Assist with projections for budgeting and reforecasting and monitor financial performance as requested
• Prepare client accounts invoices

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years of progressive management experience in scholarly publishing
• Direct experience providing editorial services, including management of large journal accounts or multiple journal titles
• Previous experience managing and motivating multiple staff members
• Working knowledge of Excel and SharePoint preferred
• Demonstrated experience in analyzing and re-engineering operations and procedures
• Ability to communicate and interact with individuals at all levels in publishing and to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
• Ability to develop and deliver highly professional and effective presentations
• Ability to manage several projects
• BA degree required
• Flexibility in work schedule to meet (industry-standard) client demands for availability
• Occasional travel may be required in the future

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• BS degree is a plus
• Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and changes in the industry landscape.

Physical Requirements:

• General remote office environment (home office) involving intensive use of a high-end computer workstation for development and communication activities.
• This position requires the incumbent to grasp objects utilizing manual dexterity including hand/finger coordination.
• This position requires the incumbent to experience periods of prolonged sitting.

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel may be required.