Executive Publisher
Are you energised by shaping portfolio direction, driving growth, and leading strategic programmes across a matrix organization?
Do you enjoy building long-term partnerships with editors, societies, and research leaders worldwide?
About the Team
A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. Building on our publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice. At Elsevier, your work contributes to the world's grand challenges and a more sustainable future. We harness innovative technologies to support science and healthcare to partner for a better world.
About the Role
We are looking for an Executive Publisher to lead a portfolio of approximately 12 physics journals and take a senior role in shaping team strategy, journal development, and key external partnerships.
The role has a strong international focus and will involve working closely with researchers, editors, institutions, and societies across multiple regions. The primary hiring location is China, although applications are welcome from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds and nationalities.
The position is full time and may be based in China or, for an exceptional candidate, one of our other key publishing locations in the UK, the Netherlands, or the United States. Hybrid working arrangements are available in line with local policy.
Responsibilities
Journal development: Balance the stewardship of a high-performing portfolio with opportunities to accelerate content growth, strengthen journal positioning, and advance open-access ambitions.
Editor appointments: Lead the identification and appointment of editors, building editorial structures that are scientifically strong, internationally representative, diverse, and positioned for future growth.
Strategic partnerships: Develop and deepen relationships with learned societies, editorial boards, institutions, and other influential partners, translating community insight into effective publishing strategy.
Community engagement: Represent the team externally through conferences, institutional visits, editorial meetings, and other community activities. Build strong relationships across the global physics community and identify emerging needs and opportunities.
Regional development: Support the continued growth and visibility of the portfolio in key research markets, including China and the wider Asia-Pacific region. Candidates with experience working with Chinese research institutions, established regional networks, or knowledge of the local academic environment will be particularly well placed to contribute in this area.
Brand visibility: Champion the reputation and visibility of the journal portfolio, monitor the competitive landscape, and ensure effective engagement with authors, editors, reviewers, and readers.
Team leadership: Act as a mentor and role model within the team, support colleagues’ development, lead collaborative initiatives, and contribute to the wider strategy and culture of the Physics Journals team.
Requirements
Fluent written and spoken English, with excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills
Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience; a background in physics or a related discipline is desirable but not essential
Significant experience in scholarly publishing, ideally including responsibility for a journals portfolio
Demonstrated ability to build and manage strategic relationships with editorial, academic, institutional, or society partners
Strong leadership presence and a track record of mentoring and supporting colleagues
A proactive, adaptable, and collaborative approach
The ability to work effectively across cultures, locations, and levels of seniority
Willingness to travel internationally and engage directly with research communities
Desirable Experience
Experience working with the Chinese or wider Asia-Pacific research community
Strong knowledge of the academic and institutional landscape in China
Existing relationships with researchers, editors, societies, or institutions in the region
Mandarin-language capability
Experience developing open-access journals, launching new titles, or establishing strategic publishing partnerships
Work in a way that works for you
We promote a healthy work/life balance across the organization. We offer an appealing working prospect for our people. With numerous wellbeing initiatives, shared parental leave, study assistance and sabbaticals, we will help you meet your immediate responsibilities and your long-term goals.
Working for you
We know that your wellbeing and happiness are key to a long and successful career. These are some of the benefits we are delighted to offer:
Medical and Life Insurance: Coverage for Medical and life risk.
Long-Service Award: Recognition for loyalty and dedication.
Marriage and New Baby Gifts: Celebratory tokens for special life events.
Festivals and Birthday Gifts: Spreading joy on occasions that matter.
Annual Medical Check-up: Prioritizing employee well-being through regular health check-ups.
Flexible Benefits via CIIC Platform: Personalized benefits accessible through a user-friendly platform.
Paid Time Off: Annual Leave, Flex Family Care Leave, Birthday Leave, Marriage Leave, Compassionate Leave, Medical and Hospitalization Leave, Examination Leave Gazetted Public Holiday
Family Care leave (Maternity/Paternity Leave and Adoption Leave)
About the Business
A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals' advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. Building on our publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice. At Elsevier, your work contributes to the world’s grand challenges and a more sustainable future. We harness innovative technologies to support science and healthcare to partner for a better world.




If performed in NLD Amsterdam (Radarweg), the base pay range is €79,000 - €131,500.

We know your well-being and happiness are key to a long and successful career. We are delighted to offer country specific benefits. Click here to access benefits specific to your location.
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