Head of Publishing - BMJ India

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About BMJ

BMJ is a global healthcare knowledge provider with a vision to create a healthier world. We share knowledge and expertise to improve healthcare outcomes, working with researchers, healthcare professionals, governments, and institutions worldwide.

In India, BMJ has a strong and growing presence across publishing, education, and digital health. With India now the third-largest producer of global research output, BMJ is committed to building a credible and competitive publishing program that reflects the strength of Indian science and contributes to our global portfolio.

The Role

We are looking for a senior publishing leader to spearhead BMJ’s journals strategy in India. This role will focus on acquiring, developing, and managing society-owned journals and institutional partnerships, while building a sustainable portfolio of India-origin titles aligned with BMJ’s global strategy.

The role also has a cross-functional dimension: relationships built with leading societies, institutions, and research leaders will not only strengthen BMJ’s publishing portfolio but can also open doors for education programs, digital health tools (BMJ Best Practice), and professional learning initiatives.

This is a unique opportunity to shape BMJ’s publishing footprint in one of the world’s most dynamic research ecosystems and to work at the intersection of science, publishing, and healthcare transformation.

Key Responsibilities

Publishing Strategy & Growth

• Lead BMJ’s India publishing agenda, identifying, acquiring, and developing new journals in partnership with societies and institutions.
• Align local acquisitions with BMJ’s global portfolio strategy and ONOS (One Nation One Subscription).
• Ensure new titles meet editorial quality, indexing, and sustainability standards.

Business Development & Partnerships

• Negotiate publishing agreements with societies, universities, and associations.
• Build and nurture senior-level relationships within India’s academic and research community.
• Leverage relationships for potential cross-BMJ opportunities (education, digital health, professional learning)

Portfolio & Commercial Management

• Oversee P&L for India-origin journals, driving sustainable growth.
• Monitor and evaluate portfolio performance, providing regular reporting to leadership.
• Assess editorial viability and market relevance of potential partnerships.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent BMJ at academic, industry, and policy forums.
• Collaborate with internal publishing, editorial, operations, and commercial teams to deliver excellence.
• Act as an ambassador for BMJ’s mission in India.

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Background

• 12+ years in academic publishing, with a track record in journal acquisitions, society partnerships, or portfolio development.
• Strong commercial orientation with experience managing publishing P&Ls.
• Deep understanding of scholarly publishing trends, ideally with India/Asia market knowledge.
• Established network with Indian medical societies, academic institutions, and/or research leaders.

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong execution skills.
• Exceptional relationship-building and negotiation capabilities.
• Editorial judgement and knowledge of publishing operations.
• Ability to work across functions and unlock synergies for wider BMJ business areas.
• Gravitas and credibility to engage senior stakeholders in academia and medicine.

Why Join Us?

• Play a pivotal role in shaping BMJ’s India publishing footprint.
• Work at the intersection of publishing, healthcare, and education.
• Be part of a global brand with a 180-year publishing heritage and a bold vision for the future.
• Opportunity to work with senior leaders across India and the UK, influencing not just publishing but broader BMJ initiatives.