Production Manager

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research organization established in 195

• It is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics and operates the world's largest particle physics laboratory. CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the globe. The organization is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of science and technology, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. CERN's mission includes understanding the fundamental structure of the universe and the basic constituents of matter, utilizing complex scientific instruments to study particle interactions and the fundamental laws of nature.

Job Overview:
The Production Manager position at CERN is a pivotal role within the Open Research Europe (ORE) platform, which is set to enhance scholarly publishing. The successful candidate will manage the entire article production workflow, ensuring that all publications meet the high standards expected by the platform. This role requires a strong background in scholarly publishing, particularly in production and editorial operations. The Production Manager will coordinate with external vendors, oversee the production workflow from pre-publication checks to final publication, and work closely with the Editorial Coordinator to ensure a seamless transition from editorial to production phases. The position demands a proactive approach to managing timelines, troubleshooting production issues, and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and quality in the publication process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Production Manager include:

• Vendor Coordination & Management: Onboarding and serving as the key contact for outsourced production vendors, defining workflows, deliverables, and quality standards. Tracking production timelines to ensure deadlines are met and troubleshooting any production issues that arise.
• Production Workflow Management: Overseeing the full production workflow from pre-publication to final version, collaborating with the Editorial Coordinator to ensure a smooth transition, and managing article processing schedules for timely publication.
• Documentation and Process Improvement: Maintaining thorough documentation, identifying bottlenecks in the workflow, and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency.
• Communication: Managing author communications and manuscript tracking through the Open Journal Systems (OJS) platform, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and engaged throughout the production process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Publishing or a related field. A background in scientific or technical fields is advantageous. Proven experience in scholarly publishing, particularly in production, copyediting, or editorial operations, is essential. Familiarity with diamond open access publishing or other open access models is preferred. Hands-on experience with the Open Journal Systems (OJS) platform, including workflow configuration and management, is required. A proven track record of managing vendor relationships in a publishing context is also necessary, along with experience coordinating production workflows from manuscript acceptance to publication.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in Publishing or a related field. Candidates with equivalent relevant experience will also be considered. A strong understanding of the publishing landscape, particularly in scholarly and scientific contexts, is crucial for success in this role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have proven experience in scholarly publishing, with a focus on production, copyediting, or editorial operations. Experience in diamond open access publishing or other open access publishing models is highly desirable. Candidates should also have hands-on experience with the Open Journal Systems (OJS) platform, including workflow configuration and management. A track record of managing vendor relationships in a publishing context and coordinating production workflows from manuscript acceptance to publication is essential.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, both spoken and written. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is considered a valuable asset for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is a limited duration contract for 5 years, with the possibility of extension up to 8 years and eligibility for an indefinite contract tenure. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the job offers flexibility with a hybrid working model. The job grade is classified as 6-7, and the reference for this job is RCS-SIS-OS-2025-274-LD. CERN offers a competitive salary that is tax-free, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, and various family allowances depending on individual circumstances. A relocation package is also available, which includes installation grants, removal expenses, and travel expenses.