Executive Publisher

Executive Publisher

Are you a seasoned publisher ready to join a professional team?

Would you love to manage and develop a portfolio of Biochemistry titles?

About the Team

You’ll be part of a dedicated Biochemistry team within Life Sciences, consisting of publishers and scientific editors, to deliver portfolio strategy, drive performance, and explore new opportunities aligned with team and business priorities.

About the role

A successful Executive Publisher, with significant publishing experience, will oversee the strategic development and performance of an international Life Sciences portfolio spanning genetics and Research Elements journals, including Data in Brief and MethodsX. You will define and implement portfolio strategy and lead a team of scientific editors, and support and mentor publishers through matrix leadership. You will set clear objectives, monitor progress against agreed KPIs, and ensure delivery of results within budget.

As Executive Publisher, you will lead or join projects across the division and contribute to complex initiatives across Elsevier.

In parallel, you will act as China Strategy Lead for the Biochemistry team, supporting the wider Biochemistry team in strengthening connections with leading Chinese research institutes, editors, and partners. You will cultivate and maintain a strong network of senior internal and external stakeholders and represent Biochemistry team and Elsevier Life Sciences in high-level engagements.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced publishing professional to shape portfolio direction and China strategy, lead complex initiatives including launches and acquisitions, and contribute to cross-divisional projects and strategic programmes across Biochemistry team and Elsevier more broadly.

The role reports directly to the Publishing Director.

Responsibilities

Portfolio management and development

• Independently develop and implement strategic plans for an evolving international Life Sciences portfolio, ensuring alignment with PMG and broader organisational strategies.

• Manage a portfolio of proprietary and society journals, including Research Elements titles such as Data in Brief and MethodsX, driving content growth, quality, and impact.

• Lead journal-related change initiatives and proactively identify, develop, and implement new journal launches, acquisitions, and other growth opportunities, both internationally and within China.

• Collaborate closely with editors, editorial boards, authors, and internal teams to ensure effective journal operations, high editorial standards, and strong performance across key metrics.

• Monitor portfolio performance using data-driven insights and deliver results within agreed budgets, KPIs, and financial targets.

China strategy and stakeholder engagement

• Lead the development and implementation of the PMG China strategy in alignment with defined high-level China targets.

• Act as a China champion for PMG, supporting the wider PMG team in building connections with leading Chinese research institutes, universities, societies, and funding bodies.

• Support the recruitment, development, and succession planning of editors and editorial board members across PMG, with a focus on strengthening editorial leadership and representation from China.

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with key external stakeholders and translate market and customer insights into actionable portfolio and publishing strategies.

People leadership and matrix working

• Line manage and mentor a team of international scientific editors and contractors, setting clear goals, monitoring performance, and supporting professional development.

• Provide functional leadership and mentoring to China-based publishers in a matrix structure, supporting their delivery of portfolio and strategic objectives.

• Contribute to a collaborative team culture, acting as a role model and supporting cross-team and cross-functional initiatives as required.

• Participate in and lead projects across PMG and Elsevier

External representation

• Build and sustain a strong professional network within the Life Sciences research community in China and internationally.

• Represent Elsevier Life Sciences and PMG at conferences, industry forums, and senior-level meetings with institutes, societies, and other partners.

• Representing the Publishing Director and the team where appropriate.

Requirements

• Significant experience in STM journal publishing, at a level comparable to Executive Publisher roles within Elsevier or similar organisations.

• Demonstrated expertise in portfolio management and strategic journal development, including content growth, innovation, and performance improvement.

• Proven ability to lead complex initiatives, including journal launches and acquisitions, and to deliver results in a matrixed, international environment.

• Strong people management and mentoring skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively without direct line authority.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-management skills, with the credibility to operate effectively with senior internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated acumen in data-driven decision-making, financial awareness, and delivering results within agreed budgets.

• Fluency in English and Mandarin, written and verbal.

• PhD or MSc in Life Sciences preferred, or equivalent experience.

• Willingness to travel domestically within China and internationally as required.

Work in a way that works for you 

We promote a healthy work/life balance across the organization. We offer an appealing working prospect for our people. With numerous wellbeing initiatives, shared parental leave, study assistance and sabbaticals, we will help you meet your immediate responsibilities and your long-term goals.

Working for you

We know that your wellbeing and happiness are key to a long and successful career. These are some of the benefits we are delighted to offer:

Medical and Life Insurance: Coverage for Medical and life risk.

• Long-Service Award: Recognition for loyalty and dedication.

• Marriage and New Baby Gifts: Celebratory tokens for special life events.

• Festivals and Birthday Gifts: Spreading joy on occasions that matter.

• Annual Medical Check-up: Prioritizing employee well-being through regular health check-ups.

• Flexible Benefits via CIIC Platform: Personalized benefits accessible through a user-friendly platform.

• Paid Time Off: Annual Leave, Flex Family Care Leave, Birthday Leave, Marriage Leave, Compassionate Leave, Medical and Hospitalization Leave, Examination Leave Gazetted Public Holiday

• Family Care leave (Maternity/Paternity Leave and Adoption Leave)

About the Business

A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals' advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. Building on our publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice. At Elsevier, your work contributes to the world’s grand challenges and a more sustainable future. We harness innovative technologies to support science and healthcare to partner for a better world.

We know your well-being and happiness are key to a long and successful career. We are delighted to offer country specific benefits. Click here to access benefits specific to your location.

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