Peer Review Editor (FTC)

Job Description

The Peer Review Editor (PRE) is responsible for the peer review performance of an allocated portfolio of journals ensuring quality and timely review of content to an agreed set of key performance indicators. Working in partnership with external Journal Editorial Officers, the internal portfolio Commissioning Editor and the Production Coordinator, the Peer Review Editor provides expert advice and solutions to Publishing teams on submission, ethics, peer review and workflows to meet journal and company targets.

This is a Fixed Term Contract until July 2026.

Location: We perform at our best when we feel trusted and are able to choose an approach to working that suits us best, which is why we are a remote-first company. However, we also believe in face to face collaboration, and our UK colleagues meet once a month for team time and quarterly for company get togethers in our Leeds office, so we ask that you be within a commutable distance that you are comfortable with in order to attend the office on those occasions.

About our Recruitment Process: We welcome applications from all individuals, irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, or belief. As we understand the value of the transferability of skills and experiences, we are not looking for the 'perfect candidate' – we encourage everyone who is truly excited about our mission to apply.

Day to day we’ll trust you to:   

• Journal Performance Monitoring: Work closely with Content Editors (CEs) to propose journal development strategies and actions that enhance peer review processes and ensure timely reviews.
• Pipeline Reporting: Keep an eye on the actual acceptance rates versus budget reports during monthly copyflow meetings. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure a steady flow of high-quality content.
• Product Growth Recommendations: Partner with CEs to suggest growth opportunities based on the content pipeline.
• ScholarOne Configuration: Use your expertise to set up new journal sites, special issues, and customize workflows and questions.
• Training and Support: Provide training to new system users and contribute to the development of support resources.
• Communication Templates Review: Regularly update all peer review communication templates to meet evolving industry standards and stakeholder expectations.
• Project Leadership: Lead projects aimed at experimenting with and improving peer review processes.
• Team Monitoring: Oversee the Journal Editorial Office (JEO) teams to ensure adherence to turnaround times (TATs) and best practices. Act as the first point of escalation for copyright, rights, and ethics queries.
• Annual Projects: Deliver at least two projects each year, either independently or with a colleague, that add value to the peer review process.
• Continuous Learning: Commit to self-guided learning to stay ahead in skills for the future.

You’ll need to have:   

Core Skills:

• Coaching & Training: Confidently coach, train, and support peer review stakeholders.
• Organisational Excellence: Demonstrate advanced organisational skills to manage tasks efficiently.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Tackle challenges head-on and make informed decisions.
• Conflict Resolution: Resolve editorial conflicts and disputes effectively.
• Results-Oriented: Focus on achieving goals and delivering results.

Communication & Social Skills:

• Global Communication: Engage with a diverse range of global stakeholders.
• Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Analyze situations strategically and learn new software systems quickly.
• Relationship Management: Develop and manage strong relationships with stakeholders.

Technical Skills:

• MS Office Proficiency: Utilize MS Office applications effectively.
• System Adaptability: Learn and adapt to internal systems and processes.
• ScholarOne Expertise: Work proficiently with ScholarOne submission systems.

Educational & Experience Requirements:

• Industry Experience: Possess relevant publishing or industry experience.

What’s in it for you?

At Emerald, we value our people. Becoming a part of our team means you’ll join a trusting and flexible environment and we've been flexified so you can trust that we're a truly flexible workplace. All we ask is that you attend the office once a month to come together with work colleagues. You'll also have numerous opportunities to progress your career, as well as access to professional development and the opportunity to learn new skills.

You’ll receive a wide range of benefits, such as 38 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays, remote flexible working, a discretionary performance bonus, 6% pension contribution and various benefits aimed at supporting your wellbeing and work-life balance such as a working from home allowance. You can check out a full list of our benefits here.

Roles are advertised at a benchmarked market median rate. Offers will be made within a range of the median, depending on skills and experience.

Please note - Applicants must be authorized to work in the UK without restrictions or sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Emerald Group is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of our applicants. If you would like to request any accommodations/adjustments from application through to interview stages, please complete the relevant section within the application or contact us at peopleteam@emerald.com and let us know.