Senior Managing Editor

Senior Managing Editor

Job Summary

KGL is seeking an experienced Senior Managing Editor to lead editorial operations and client relationships for assigned scholarly publishing accounts. Reporting to an Editorial Director, this role oversees the delivery of high quality editorial and production services while leading a team that may include managing editors, editorial assistants, and production specialists.

As a member of KGL Editorial's leadership team, the Senior Managing Editor serves as both an operational leader and a trusted client partner. This position is responsible for ensuring high volume journal workflows meet established service levels, quality standards, and contractual requirements while identifying opportunities to improve processes, increase efficiency, and strengthen client partnerships.

The Senior Managing Editor may also support new client onboarding, business development efforts, workflow assessments, manuscript management system configuration, editorial transitions, and other strategic projects.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Editorial Operations

• Oversee editorial and production operations for assigned scholarly publishing accounts, ensuring high quality, timely, and cost effective service.
• Manage services in accordance with client contracts, established service levels, key performance indicators, and scholarly publishing best practices.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for client stakeholders and participate in regular client meetings and strategic discussions.
• Monitor journal workflows and proactively identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and service delivery.
• Compile operational data and prepare client reports highlighting productivity, performance, and key accomplishments.
• Maintain expert knowledge of one or more manuscript management systems, such as Editorial Manager, ScholarOne Manuscripts, or eJournalPress.
• Support technology initiatives, system configuration, and workflow improvements that enhance client operations.
• Stay current on scholarly publishing trends, technology, and editorial and production best practices.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop staff supporting assigned client accounts.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, expectations, and reporting relationships in partnership with the Editorial Director.
• Monitor employee performance and provide ongoing feedback, training, and professional development.
• Assess team structure and staffing needs as client requirements and business priorities evolve.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and service focused team culture.

Business & Financial Management

• Develop a strong understanding of client agreements and identify potential changes in scope or service requirements.
• Partner with the Editorial Director on budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance as needed.
• Prepare client invoices and support accurate account financial management.
• Identify opportunities to expand services with existing clients and contribute to new business development and professional networking.
• Participate in client onboarding, workflow assessments, editorial transitions, and other strategic projects as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive management experience in scholarly publishing .
• Significant hands on experience providing editorial services and managing large journal accounts or multiple journal titles.
• Demonstrated experience leading, developing, and motivating multiple staff members.
• Strong knowledge of scholarly publishing workflows, editorial operations, and industry best practices.
• Experience with manuscript management systems such as Editorial Manager, ScholarOne Manuscripts, eJournalPress, or similar platforms .
• Demonstrated experience analyzing and improving operational processes and workflows.
• Strong client relationship management and stakeholder communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a high volume environment.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate professionally with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Technical aptitude and the ability to learn and effectively utilize workflow, reporting, and collaboration technologies.
• Ability to maintain schedule flexibility to accommodate industry standard client needs.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and SharePoint.
• Experience supporting new client onboarding, workflow transitions, or manuscript management system configuration.
• Knowledge of emerging scholarly publishing trends, technologies, and competitive developments.

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel may be required.

KGL is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation to apply for employment, please contact the location HR Manager.