Social network you want to login/join with:
Job Title:
Head of Publishing Programmes
Contract:
Full-time / permanent
Location:
90 Whitfield Street, London W1T 4EZ (Hybrid)
Application Closing Date:
2nd July 2025
The Head of Publishing Programmes plays a critical role in driving the profitability of BMJ’s largest revenue stream while maintaining the quality and reputation of our brand.
This is a role for someone with a proven track record of delivering results. You will bring a strong understanding of the academic publishing landscape, sharp commercial instincts, and a relentless focus on performance. You will be a confident and strategic leader who can unite teams behind common goals, act decisively to maximise return on investment, and manage relationships with key partners.
Reporting to the Director of Customers and Markets Publishing and Events, you will:
1. Manage BMJ’s portfolio of 60+ speciality journals, ensuring commercial performance is continuously assessed and improved.
2. Make data-driven decisions on resource allocation, prioritising activities and titles with the highest return on investment.
3. Define and implement KPIs in collaboration with Editorial, Operations, and Growth teams to maintain quality and profitability.
4. Introduce a programmatic approach to journal development to boost visibility and impact within key Therapy Areas.
5. Ensure all publishing contracts are streamlined, and negotiate and renew existing contracts to optimise margins.
2. Editorial and Operational Effectiveness
* Collaborate with internal Editorial and external editorial boards to develop high-impact content strategies.
* Partner with Marketing and Growth teams to attract top-tier submissions and build a strong content pipeline.
* Monitor turnaround times and drive operational improvements.
* Set expectations for reduced complexity in the portfolio (e.g., standardised workflows and article types/lengths).
3. Partnerships and External Engagement
* Drive proactive, strategic relationship management to ensure contract renewals and deepen external partnerships (e.g., societies, institutions).
* Develop and execute a partnership engagement strategy with the Director of Partnerships to expand collaboration.
* Represent BMJ at industry events, staying ahead of market developments.
* Build trusted relationships with Editors and editorial boards to align with business objectives.
4. Commercial and Financial Leadership
* Set and deliver financial targets; monitor journal performance and mitigate risks early.
* Conduct deep dives into underperforming titles to identify root causes and apply successful models.
* Lead cost control and revenue optimisation efforts without compromising quality or service.
* Balance requests for custom solutions with portfolio standardisation and renewal processes.
5. Team Leadership and Organisational Alignment
* Lead a high-performing team of Publishers, fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and impact.
* Establish clear expectations and metrics for editorial board development, author retention, and succession planning.
* Ensure the operating model and team structure align with strategic and financial goals.
* Ensure partnership and alignment with internal stakeholders (Growth, Marketing, Product, Commercial, Operations).
Key Competencies and Experience
* Portfolio Management: Proven ability to manage a large, complex product portfolio with operational agility.
* Revenue Strategy: Track record of identifying growth opportunities and improving financial health of journals.
* Journal Development: Experience launching or revitalising journals, leading structured development plans.
* Deep Industry Knowledge: Understanding of the STM sector, trends, challenges, and opportunities.
* Financial Acumen: Skills in managing budgets, optimising margins, and data-driven financial decisions.
* Leadership Skills: Team building, talent development, guiding cross-functional teams.
* Negotiation & Relationship Building: Expertise in negotiating partnerships and maintaining long-term relationships.
* Global Perspective: Awareness of global academic publishing trends.
Why work for us
...
Flexible Work and Workplace Perks
Flexible work options: Remote first, Core hours, 9-day fortnight
Onsite gym and fitness classes discounts
Generous pension contribution up to 12%
Dental and travel insurance discounts
Salary life assurance and income protection
Gym membership, cycle-to-work, season ticket loans
Retail and leisure discounts through yourReward
Work-life balance and wellbeing
25 days holiday + bank holidays + a BMJ Day off. Additional days for long service, moving, volunteering, or marriage.
Concierge service Seniorcare by Lottie
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Core company priorities; committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applicants from under-represented communities and support employee networks.
Learning & Development
Career coaching and professional development opportunities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr