Managing Editor - EuroTimes & ESCRS Today

Job Description:

Summary of position

This new role of Managing Editor is responsible for the strategic, editorial and operational delivery of EuroTimes and ESCRS Today.

The role oversees editorial planning, content development, publication production and stakeholder engagement, working closely with the Medical Editors, Editorial Board, ESCRS leadership, MCI teams, freelance contributors and external suppliers. The Managing Editor is accountable for ensuring that publications are delivered to a high editorial standard, on schedule, within budget and in support of the Society's strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Editorial Strategy & Content Development

• Lead the development and delivery of an annual and issue-based editorial strategy for EuroTimes and ESCRS Today, in collaboration with the Medical Editors.
• Work closely with the ESCRS Head Office, Medical Editors, Editorial Board, ESCRS leadership and industry stakeholders to identify, prioritise and shape high-value content opportunities.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable editorial plans, including themes, formats and contributor briefs.
• Develop and maintain a forward-looking editorial calendar for EuroTimes and ESCRS Today.
• Identify and commission content including feature articles, interviews, congress coverage, Society news and industry developments.
• Interface and work collaboratively with the ESCRS scientific journal, the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (JCRS).

Editorial Management & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary liaison between the Medical Editors, Editorial Board, ESCRS and MCI teams, freelance contributors and external publication suppliers.
• Meet regularly with the Medical Editors to drive alignment on editorial priorities and publication planning.
• Attend and contribute to meetings of the EuroTimes Editorial Board and ESCRS Publications Committee.
• Assign articles, departments and columns to freelance writers or volunteers, providing clear direction to ensure alignment with editorial objectives.
• Recruit, onboard and manage freelance contributors, ensuring quality, consistency and timely delivery.
• Review submissions with the Medical Editors to ensure quality, accuracy and appropriateness of content and imagery.
• Work with writers, presenters and authors as required to facilitate content review and approval processes.

Publication Production & Delivery

• Oversee the production, printing and delivery of EuroTimes and ESCRS Today.
• Develop and manage content and production schedules, ensuring alignment between editorial, design, advertising, approval and publication deadlines.
• Coordinate workflows between editorial, copyediting, design, advertising, production and distribution teams.
• Meet regularly with the copyeditor, designers and production partners to ensure publication milestones are achieved according to schedule.
• Support the development of cover concepts, cover lines, and issue positioning.
• Review publication proofs and coordinate approval processes with Medical Editors and other stakeholders.
• Ensure final publication files are delivered for print and digital publication according to agreed schedules.
• Liaise with printers, fulfilment houses, digital publishing providers and other publication suppliers.

ESCRS Today

• Lead the editorial planning and operational delivery of ESCRS Today during the ESCRS Annual Congress.
• Coordinate contributors, editors, designers and production suppliers to ensure timely publication of congress editions.
• Identify and commission congress coverage, interviews, meeting reports and Society news content.

Commercial & Financial Oversight

• Work collaboratively with the MCI commercial team to identify advertising, sponsored content, and advertorial opportunities.
• Coordinate the placement of advertising, sponsored content and promotional material within EuroTimes and ESCRS Today.
• Review and approve contractor and freelance contributor invoices prior to submission to ESCRS Finance.
• Monitor publication production, printing and distribution costs and identify opportunities for operational efficiencies.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and contractors to ensure quality, service delivery, and value for money.

Person Specification:

Essential

• Experience in medical communications, scientific publishing, editorial management or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering editorial strategies and content programmes.
• Experience managing publication production workflows, editorial schedules and publication deadlines.
• Strong writing, editing, communication and organisational skills.
• Strong project management and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and coordinate input from senior clinical experts and professional volunteers.
• Experience managing freelance writers, contributors and external suppliers.
• Proficiency in English is essential; additional European languages would be advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively across time zones in Europe and North America.
• Ability to travel and attend industry meetings globally as required.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the European ophthalmology landscape, including ophthalmic societies, publications, industry stakeholders and healthcare trends.
• Experience supporting committees, editorial boards, governance groups or volunteer-led organisations.
• Curiosity about developments affecting ophthalmology and the practice of cataract and refractive surgery, including medical research, emerging technologies, regulation, professional education, sustainable healthcare and innovation within the sector.