Head, Editorial and Production Services

The Head, Editorial and Production Services will lead Thieme India’s business unit that provides contracted editorial/production services on journals and related products to global Group affiliates.

This senior-level position will involve the management of overall performance, TAT and quality in services (including departmental budget/P&L targets), while working in close collaboration with Thieme global stakeholders and, as needed, liaising with vendor partners in cohesion with Thieme’s central vendor management function. A significant part of the role will involve leading transformation and lean practice in the team with a practical focus on efficiency, productivity and automation.

This role will report to the Managing Director (Country Head), India and will also have the potential to support the local business operationally, particularly driving gains through standardization and process improvement in suitable areas.

• Direct overall performance of contracted services (journals production, project management, editorial office services, copy editing, etc.) provided to Thieme Group entities.
• Apply lean methods for process improvement; identify opportunities for process automation and digitalization to enhance operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and reduce manual effort.
• Offer authority and guidance, in line with Thieme’s leadership culture principles, to line managers and individual contributors within the team.
• Lead implementation of transparent, end-to-end workflows and frameworks; monitor all phases of the content publishing process (end to end, from acceptance to production) based on defined key performance indicators (KPIs) around TAT, quality and pricing.
• Accountable for: departmental budget/P&L and pricing of services; annual volume/workflow plans, made in liaison with global stakeholders; adherence to SLAs; staffing, resourcing and skilling plans.
• Conduct a systematic review of performance with headquarters to enhance overall effectiveness and better compliance with processes and workflow (in line with targets, KPIs, and specified deadlines and costs).
• Create a communication framework with pertinent stakeholders across the global matrix

Skills profile

• Highly proficient in the processing of science journal articles
• Six-Sigma-trained lean practitioner with data-driven approach
• Proficiency and willingness to engage in intercultural cooperation
• Strong communication and reasoning skills
• Understanding of priorities and requirements related to OA publishing
• Knowledge of latest publishing tools and systems
• People-first approach, ability to delegate and develop team members

Desired work experience

• Significant experience, including at a managerial role in mid- to large-sized teams, in academic publishing or publishing services, preferably within a global matrix structure
• Demonstrable track record of continuous improvement approach
• Demonstrable experience in lean and automation projects in publishing or publishing services (project leadership experience desirable).
• Prior role/s involving hands-on experience in journals production management in a fast-paced environment
• Understanding of emerging trends and requirements in STM publishing in areas like project management, open access, TAT reduction, editorial office functions, peer review, research integrity, etc.
• Experience in client or account management at individual or contributory level.
• Experience in wider business or administrative operations an added advantage.

• Hybrid Working Model
• Gratuity
• Mediclaim for the self, spouse, and up to three children
• Accidental insurance with a sum insured of INR 15 lakhs
• Term Life Insurance
• Five-day working week
• Performance-based Bonus
• Paid parental leave