Role Description This position is fully remote/home based. Applications will be accepted from candidates based in the UK and the following US states: FL, IL, MA, MD, NY, PA, TX, VA. PLOS is a nonprofit, Open Access publisher empowering researchers to accelerate progress in science and medicine by leading a transformation in research communication. As the Publishing Operations Vendor Manager, you will play a critical role in ensuring PLOS’s publishing workflows are supported by a diverse, high-performing network of external partners. You will lead vendor strategy across the publishing lifecycle, ensuring supplier capabilities align with organizational needs. With a focus on quality, scalability, and continuous improvement, you will: - Foster strong partnerships - Oversee procurement and contracting processes - Drive best practices in vendor management - Support long-term operational resilience Qualifications - Extensive experience in developing and maintaining productive relationships with editorial and/or publishing services providers - Advanced degree or certifications in a relevant field (e.g., in procurement, operations, or project management) a plus Requirements - Vendor Procurement and Relationship Management - Experience in sourcing vendors and managing RFI/RFP processes and onboarding - Experience in developing and maintaining long-term, collaborative relationships with vendors such as editorial service providers, production partners or copyediting/typesetting vendors - Experience in drafting and enforcing service level agreements (SLAs); auditing and analyzing vendor KPIs such as turnaround times, quality scores, and author/editor satisfaction; and managing budget - Demonstrated experience in managing multiple vendors across global time zones and high-volume journal portfolios - Publishing Workflow Knowledge - Understanding of end-to-end publishing workflows including manuscript submission, peer review, production, copyediting, typesetting, and online publication - Familiarity with publishing standards (e.g., JATS XML, DOI registration, ORCID integration), ethical publishing guidelines (e.g., COPE, ICMJE) and compliance issues (e.g., data privacy, accessibility) - Technology and Systems Proficiency - Familiarity with manuscript tracking systems (e.g. Editorial Manager), production platforms, and content management systems - Familiarity with tools to increase the accuracy and efficiency of editorial processes and technical checks - Experience with tools for data tracking and reporting (e.g. Tableau) - Cross-functional and Cross-cultural Collaboration - Proven ability to collaborate with editorial, production, product and legal teams to align vendor operations with business needs - Skilled in working across cultures and time zones, with experience managing diverse vendor and stakeholder relationships - Communication and Reporting - Clear, professional communication style suited to managing both internal stakeholders and external partners - Strong documentation and reporting skills to track vendor activities and support audits or reviews Benefits - US: - 401k with employer match - Employee sponsored health, dental and vision insurance (Dental and Vision 100% employer paid) - Paid Vacation, 11 public holidays and sick leave - Parental leave - Birthday and three winter holidays days off - Short term and long term disability insurance - 2 days paid time off for volunteering per year - Fully remote work environment with stipend on joining for home office - UK: - Private medical insurance - Life assurance - Income protection - Personal accident insurance - Pension with up to 10% employer match - 25 days holidays, market competitive Maternity and Paternity leave - Birthday and three winter holidays days off - 2 days paid time off for volunteering per year - Fully remote work environment with stipend on joining for home office