Job title: Executive Publisher, MLS China
Locations: Shanghai or Beijing - Hybrid working model
Closing date: 20th Aug 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
The Springer Journals China team is seeking an Executive Publisher to manage and develop the Medicine & Life Sciences portfolio. The Executive Publisher is responsible for the strategic development, business performance, and long-term growth of a portfolio of journals. The role leads multidisciplinary publishing teams in Medicine and Life Sciences, develops high-value partnerships within the Chinese community, and drives portfolio expansion in alignment with Springer Nature's strategic priorities. As a senior representative in China, the Executive Publisher acts as a key contributor to the China strategy, an ambassador for Springer Nature, and contributes to the wider development of the business. The role reports directly to the Publishing Director and plays a visible leadership role across the China team and Springer journals.
Responsibilities
1. Own Portfolio Strategy & Business Performance - Portfolio Development & Management, Market Intelligence, Business Insights, Strategic Mindset, Business Development, Scientific Comprehension, Data analytics / Quantitative Skills
- Define and execute portfolio strategies that deliver sustainable growth, market leadership, and long-term value.
- Own portfolio performance across submissions, publications, revenue, impact, quality, and operational KPIs.
- Use market intelligence, portfolio analytics, and competitive insights to identify growth opportunities and business risks.
- Develop and implement plans to improve journal performance, author experience, and editorial engagement.
- Lead journal expansion initiatives, including new launches, acquisitions, partnerships, and portfolio restructuring.
- Contribute to divisional publishing strategy and long-term business planning.
2. Establish Community Engagement & Strong Network - Builds Networks
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with Editors-in-Chief, Editorial Board Members, societies, institutions, funders, and research leaders.
- Represent Springer Nature at key conferences, stakeholder meetings, and industry forums.
- Position Springer Nature as a trusted publishing partner and thought leader within the communities served.
- Understand the trends and changes in the communities you serve to ensure that Springer Nature can remain responsive and relevant with the services to the communities.
3. Showcase People Leadership & Organizational Excellence - Goal Alignment, Consulting Skills
- Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing publishing team that delivers exceptional business, editorial, and partnership outcomes.
- Translate portfolio and organizational objectives into clear team priorities, measurable goals, and individual development plans.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, ensuring colleagues understand the impact of their contribution to Springer Nature's success.
- Coach and develop talent through regular feedback, performance reviews, and career development conversations, while building a strong leadership pipeline and succession plans.
- Promote open communication and employee engagement, creating an environment where ideas, feedback, and diverse perspectives are actively encouraged.
- Act as a role model for Springer Nature's leadership principles and values, embedding them into day-to-day decision-making and team culture.
4. Drive Cross-Functional Collaboration - Adaptability
- Collaborate closely with relevant stakeholders to shape and execute Springer Nature's China strategy and regional growth initiatives.
- Participate in cross-functional initiatives and stakeholder collaboration to deliver strategic priorities and business outcomes.
- Represent the publishing function in divisional initiatives, driving collaboration, innovation, and business impact.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience in journal publishing, with deep expertise in portfolio development, scholarly communications, and the China and global research ecosystem.
- Strong strategic and commercial acumen, with a track record of delivering growth through portfolio management, business development, and data-driven decision-making.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and execute new opportunities, including journal launches, partnerships, and acquisitions.
- Established network and credibility within the research community, with the ability to influence stakeholders and translate market insights into action.
- Strong ability to work effectively across cultures, functions, and geographies within a global organization.
- Demonstrated people leadership capability, with a track record of developing talent, fostering engagement, and building high-performing teams.
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/
#LI-EW1
Job Posting End Date:
21-08-2026Skills Required
- Extensive experience in journal publishing and portfolio development
- Deep knowledge of scholarly communications and the China and global research ecosystem
- Strong strategic and commercial acumen with a track record of delivering growth
- Experience identifying and executing journal launches, partnerships, or acquisitions
- Established network and credibility within the research community (Editors, societies, institutions)
- Ability to work effectively across cultures, functions, and geographies in a global organisation
- Demonstrated people leadership capability and experience building high-performing teams
- Data analytics / quantitative skills and use of market intelligence to drive decisions
What We Do
Research and learning are the cornerstones of progress, which is why we open doors to discovery for our communities, enabling millions of researchers, clinicians, educators and other professionals to access, trust and make sense of the latest insights. Springer Nature is an ambitious and dynamic organisation. For over 180 years our imprints, books, journals, platforms, and technology solutions have been a trusted source of knowledge to our communities. Today, more than ever, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that fundamental knowledge can be found, verified, understood, and used, ensuring that the world continues to make progress, improving and enriching lives and helping to protect our planet for future generations. Global key facts: Established for over 180 years Nearly 10,000 colleagues 200 offices in 45 countries on all continents World’s largest academic book publisher Publisher of Nature, the world’s most influential journal First company to publish more than 1 million Open Access articles Key brands and imprints: Springer Nature is home to some of the best-known names in research, health, educational and professional publishing. Every day, around the globe, our brands reach millions of people. Nature Springer BMC Palgrave Macmillan Apress Macmillan Education Scientific American Springer Healthcare Springer Medizin Research Square J.B. Metzler BSL Adis
