Project Manager (m/f/d)

Job Title: Project Manager (m/f/d)  

Location: Heidelberg (hybrid, full time)

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 follow @SpringerNature

About the role:

The Project Manager is part of the Publishing Operations team and will handle German- and English-language major reference works (MRWs) such as handbooks, encyclopedias, atlases, and dictionaries across all subject areas, and from contract signing to publication. The Project Manager will also work closely with colleagues in Editorial Acquisition, external editors and chapter contributors, and external vendors. This is for a one-year fixed-term contract.

Role Responsibilities: 

• Independent organization and management of MRW book publication projects across all subject areas in German and English (print and electronic) from contract signing through to publication

• Coordination of requirements arising from editorial concepts and book production

• Primary contact for editors and authors, providing guidance and support in implementing project-specific requirements and general publishing standards

• Independent deadline and project monitoring, including manuscript management via the electronic editorial system

• Coordination of schedules and timelines through publication

• Creation and adaptation of author guidelines, as well as maintenance of data within the editorial system

• Formal review of manuscripts, including verification of illustrations and third-party rights

• Project-related preparation of manuscripts for handover to production, including documentation and maintenance of project-specific metadata in the publisher’s database

• Preparation, maintenance, and communication of workflow documentation for authors, editors, and colleagues

• Monitoring and supporting external service providers involved in project management

• Close collaboration with the production team, including the early identification and escalation of issues and risks

• Collaboration with stakeholders responsible for the publishing tools and platforms (e.g., Meteor) to support their continuous development and improvement

• Exchange of knowledge and best practices within the team to foster effective collaboration

• Proactive communication of workflow-related issues to team members and support in developing solutions

• Active use of AI-assisted tools

Experience, Skills & Qualifications: 

• Completed university degree or demonstrated expertise and affinity for working with scientific and academic texts; personal experience in scientific publishing is considered an advantage

• Strong communication and teamwork skills, combined with flexibility, diplomacy, assertiveness, and the ability to independently develop solution-oriented strategies

• Excellent organizational skills, a strong willingness to learn, and the ability to grasp complex topics quickly in a dynamic work environment

• Ability to work proactively, independently, and collaboratively within a team and with multiple stakeholder groups

• Excellent written and spoken German and English, with professional-level communication skills; proficiency in additional languages is an advantage

• Confident use of all relevant Microsoft Office applications

• Enthusiasm for working in an international environment, with a proven ability to communicate effectively across cultures

• Affinity to digital publishing

• Experience in publishing-related project management

• Strong knowledge of Springer Nature’s editorial platform, Meteor, is highly desirable

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/  

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