Locum Head of Open Access Operations m/f/d, Springer Nature

Job Description

Locum Head of Open Access Operations (m/f/d)Fixed Term contractLocation: Heidelberg, LondonClosing date: 30th June 2021The Strategic Operations Open Access team is responsible for the end-to-end management of the Open Access (OA) publishing services workflow.As a Head of Open Access Operations you will focus on ensuring contracted OA service standards are met and new business models are accommodated by working closely with IT as well as commercial teams with close customer interactions.This is a great opportunityfor a dedicated individual to be part of a strategically relevant team and contribute to the development of best-in-class and scalable workflows in a rapidly evolving OA publishing landscape. You will contribute to the implementation of cutting edge businessmodels. Springer Nature is the worlds most significant open access publisher, making research freely available and pushing forward industry standards. The Strategic Operations Open Access team sits within Springer Natures Sales Operations Team, part of thewider commercial group.Responsibilities: Strategic planning of Open Access (OA) Publishing Services: i.e. this entails setting up new processes as well as identifying, compiling and defining new development requirements/ problem statements, based on businessneeds, customer input and industry developments, for IT teams Ensure that contractual OA Publishing Services standards are met: timely implementation of OA Publishing Services for new agreements and business models Works on continuous improvement and efficienciesacross the products, systems and processes Quality Monitoring: Define and work on reporting framework monitoring system behavior to ensure contracted OA Publishing Service obligations are delivered. Oversee reporting scheme (KPIs, benchmarks) and routine tocontinuously measure and monitor compliance. Identify and trigger actions and next steps in case standards are not met: Identify improvement areas - implementing continuous improvement activities and process to optimize efficiencies and improve quality ofdelivery in line with quality standards, business and customer requirements. Works with SN legal counsel, licensing control and business creating new (alternative) OA product term clauses following new business requirements or market demand Develop and maintainstrong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance. Work collaboratively, negotiate and engage with key stakeholders to facilitate delivery Communicate and present OA Publishing Services internally and externally Communicate,present and explain OA product term clauses standards to customers, discuss alternatives if applicable Workflow policies, process documentation of OA Publishing Services for OA agreements Lead, motivate and develop team of Open Access Coordinators Day-to-daymanagementExperience, Skills & Qualifications:Essential: Educated to degree level or equivalent experience Team management experience for minimum 2 years Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English for handling projects with cross-departmentalscope Knowledge of academic (STM) publishing in general and Open Access publishing in particular Strong organizational and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail Ability to pinpoint problems, take initiative, and make meaning out of the resultsbased on calculated methods Ability to quickly understand different workflows, systems, their dependencies and interaction Strong competency in problem solving, planning and decision making Ability to explain complex issues in a clear and concise way Solidorganizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills Flexibility to respond to non-routine circumstances Experience in process optimization Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues at all levelsDesirable: Fluency in an additionallanguage Experience in lean methodologiesTo apply for the position, please submit a CV and a cover letter outlining your key ambitions in the role, including your salary expectations and notice period.