Associate Publisher

Job title: Associate Publisher

Locations: Beijing and Shanghai - Hybrid working model

Closing date: 24th May 2026

About Springer Nature

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and @SpringerNature. 

About the Brand

Springer is a leading global scientific, technical and medical portfolio, providing researchers in academia, scientific institutions and corporate R&D departments with quality content through innovative information, products and services. Springer has one of the strongest STM and HSS eBook collections and archives, as well as a comprehensive range of hybrid and open access journals. Springer is part of Springer Nature, a global publisher of robust and insightful science, supporting the development of new areas of research and making ideas and knowledge accessible around the world. As part of Springer Nature, Springer sits alongside other trusted brands like Nature Portfolio, BMC and Palgrave Macmillan. Visit springer.com and follow @SpringerNature.

About the Role

We are seeking an Associate Publisher to manage a portfolio of open access and hybrid journals in the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS), including Economics, Finance, and Management Science. Reporting to an Executive Publisher, you will be accountable for the strategic development, performance, and long‑term success of individual journals. This includes portfolio growth through editorial development and acquisitions, close collaboration with Editors‑in‑Chief and Editorial Boards, and cross‑functional partnership with colleagues across the business.

As the primary publishing contact for your journals, you will work with leading academics and internal teams spanning editorial, operations, production, and marketing, gaining exposure to the full lifecycle of scholarly journal publishing.

You will be part of the China Journals team, working alongside colleagues based in Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo.

Role Responsibilities

Journal Management & Performance

• Manage the strategic development and growth of a sub-portfolio of open access and hybrid journals.
• Own annual submission, publication, and performance targets; track progress and take corrective action as needed.
• Monitor and report on KPIs (e.g., workflow efficiency, turnaround times, usage, citation performance), ensuring targets are met.
• Contribute to journal positioning (scope, aims) and medium‑ to long‑term portfolio planning aligned with business priorities.

 Society & Editorial Partner Management

• Serve as the primary publishing contact to society partners, Editors‑in‑Chief (EiCs), Editorial Board Members (EBMs), and other key external stakeholders.
• Champion a high‑quality author, editor, and peer‑reviewer experience, resolving issues quickly in partnership with internal teams.
• Manage contractual relationships with external partners, including negotiation and renewal.
• Working with society partners to support editorial board development, succession planning, and best editorial practices.

 

Engagement & Community Development

• Build and maintain a strong network across relevant research communities.
• Track disciplinary trends and shifts in the scholarly communication landscape and translate insights into product and service enhancements.
• Represent the journals and the company at conferences, institutional meetings, and community events (virtual or in person), as required.

Business Development & Commercial Opportunities

• Evaluate new journal launches, acquisitions, and other commercial opportunities in consultation with the manager.
• Contribute to journal proposals and business cases, including market assessment and competitive analysis.
• Identify opportunities for portfolio expansion and innovation aligned with strategic objectives.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Projects

• Partner closely with various internal teams to ensure smooth end‑to‑end publishing and rapid issue resolution.
• Participate in cross‑team initiatives, task forces, and company‑wide working groups to drive continuous improvement.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications

Essential

• Master's degree (or higher), preferably in a relevant HSS discipline; background in Economics, Finance, Management Science, or Data Science is an advantage.
• Prior experience in international academic publishing (journals and/or books) is a plus.
• Experience as a journal or book author is a plus.
• Ability to gather, evaluate, and synthesise data from multiple sources to support portfolio level, data driven decision making and strategic planning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills in Chinese and English, with strong influencing ability.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across levels and functions, and to operate independently in a hybrid environment.
• Demonstrated relationship management skills with academic and industry‑based researchers, using diplomacy and appropriate assertiveness.
• Strong time management and organisational skills, with a track record of ownership, on‑time delivery, and adaptability to change.
• High level of IT literacy and strong attention to detail.
• Financial acumen, including working knowledge of P&L management and forecasting is a plus
• Occasional travel required.

Desirable

• Strong knowledge of-and a growing network within-the HSS research community in Greater China and beyond.

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress - and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish. If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation. Find out more about our DEI work here https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion   

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://springernature.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SpringerNatureCareers/

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Job Posting End Date:

25-05-2026