Associate Optimization Manager - Peer Review

The Associate Optimization Manager is responsible for leading workflow and process improvements within the Global Peer Review Team, with a primary focus on increasing team productivity to optimize Sage’s Peer Review processes and support the Peer Review Team’s involvement in wider departmental strategic projects and initiatives.

Responsibilities:

· Support on cross-functional initiatives to drive process improvements aimed at decreasing time to publish and increasing productivity for Sage’s Peer Review Team.

· Work with global team members to effectively implement identified improvements to process and workflow using change management methodologies.

· Collaborate with the global Research Pillar teams to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement in the peer review process and systems.

· Consult with the global technology teams to identify potential solutions to automate and simplify manual processes.

· Persuade and influence key stakeholders on the value of process and workflow optimization to enable delivery of team strategy, using analysis and impact metrics to support your position.

· Monitor and analyze key performance metrics related to peer review times.

· Improve and refine metrics and reporting used to monitor progress.

· Constantly seek user feedback and use cases from inside the organization to boost and refine the utility and effectiveness of the global peer review team.

· Collaborate with other roles within optimization & change management to represent the peer review team perspective.

· Create and deliver guidance and training to realize the benefits of optimization and process improvement, using change management methodologies to ensure change is embedded within the organization and associated return on investment is realized.

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience:

· Extensive knowledge of and experience in the journals publishing industry, ideally with a deep understanding of peer review and the systems used to conduct it.

· Proven track record of success in leading on and delivering successful continuous improvement across complex editorial functions.

· Proven ability to turn ambiguous information into informed decision making.

· A strong sense of accountability with proven problem-solving and decision-making skills.

· Resourceful, inquisitive and possessing a Lean continuous improvement mindset.

· Certification in Project Management preferred.

· Strong understanding of continuous improvement and change management principals and tools, such as Lean and ADKAR, with demonstrated ability to apply these to complex editorial functions.

· Expert listening, verbal and written communication skills with an ability to simplify the complicated.

· Excellent relationship management skills and confidence in dealing with people at all levels of the business, including senior level stakeholders.

· Strong and proven influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to build trust quickly to work effectively with stakeholders in other departments with competing priorities and resources.

· Ability to work independently and achieve a high quality, accurate output in a fast-paced, deadline-conscious environment with rapidly changing priorities.

· Highly proficient in the use of the Microsoft 365 and Atlassian suite of tools, in particular Excel, SharePoint, Power BI, Planner, PowerPoint and Confluence.

If you have a disability and need any support during the application process, please contact humanresources@sagepub.co.uk. We will respond to any requests for support in a timely manner. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

A cover letter is important to us, this offers the hiring manager valuable insights into how your skill set aligns with the role, what unique contributions you can bring to the team and why you are interested in this position. Therefore, when applying for this role online, please upload your cover letter and CV as one document.

Applications without a cover letter may regrettably not be reviewed.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Sage we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that is representative of all sections of society and to sustaining a culture that celebrates difference, encourages authenticity, and creates a deep sense of belonging. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, disability, sex or gender identity, sexual orientation, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief as creating value through diversity is what makes us strong.  As a business and as an organisation with an increasingly agile workforce, we're open to flexible working arrangements where appropriate.