Operations Lead - Books & Journals

Role Overview:

The Operations Lead - Books & Journals will be responsible for managing end-to-end publishing operations, ensuring timely delivery, quality compliance, and operational efficiency across book and journal workflows. This role requires strong leadership, client engagement, and process excellence to drive business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

- Oversee end-to-end workflow for books and journal projects (manuscript to final delivery).

- Ensure adherence to production schedules, quality benchmarks, and SLAs.

- Monitor operational performance and resolve bottlenecks proactively.

- Drive continuous improvement in productivity and turnaround time.

- Lead, mentor, and manage cross-functional teams (editors, proofreaders, project managers, vendors).

- Plan resource allocation and workforce optimization.

- Conduct performance reviews, coaching, and capability development initiatives.

- Serve as the primary point of contact for global publishers/clients.

- Manage client expectations, escalations, and feedback loops.

- Build strong relationships to ensure long-term engagement and satisfaction.

- Ensure adherence to publishing standards (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).

- Drive quality control processes and periodic audits.

- Maintain consistency and accuracy across deliverables.

- Identify and implement workflow optimization opportunities.

- Leverage automation, AI tools, and digital publishing technologies.

- Drive adoption of XML-first workflows and content management systems.

- Monitor KPIs such as productivity, cost, quality, and delivery timelines.

- Manage budgets, forecasting, and cost efficiencies.

- Ensure account-level profitability and margin improvement.

Key Skills & Competencies:

- Strong expertise in books and journals publishing workflows

- Proven leadership in operations and delivery management

- Hands-on experience with XML, HTML, ePub, and digital publishing tools

- Excellent people management and stakeholder management skills

- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability

- Knowledge of Lean / Six Sigma / process excellence frameworks (preferred)

Qualifications & Experience:

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Publishing, English, Management, or related field.

- 12+ years of experience in publishing operations.

- Minimum 5+ years in a leadership/people management role.

- Experience in STM/academic publishing is highly preferred.

- Prior experience in a publishing services organization is an advantage.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

- On-time delivery (OTD)

- Quality metrics (error rates, rework percentage)

- Client satisfaction and retention

- Team productivity and utilization

- Cost optimization and margin improvement

Why Join :

- Work with leading global publishing clients.

- Exposure to advanced publishing technologies and innovation.

- Collaborative and growth-focused work culture.