Peer Review Associate

Job title: Peer Review Associate

About the Role Peer Review Associate responsible for managing and supporting the end-to-end peer review workflow for assigned journals through Sage Track. The role ensures manuscripts progress efficiently from submission to production while maintaining quality standards, stakeholder satisfaction, and compliance with journal and publisher requirements.

What You'll Do

• Review newly submitted manuscripts in Sage Track to ensure compliance with journal submission guidelines and readiness for peer review.
• Manage the reviewer assignment process by inviting, assigning, and supporting reviewers throughout the review cycle.
• Monitor manuscript workflows and proactively follow up with editors, associate editors, reviewers, and authors to ensure timely completion of tasks and adherence to deadlines.
• Ensure authors of accepted manuscripts complete and submit all required documentation, including electronic contributor forms, through Sage Track.
• Conduct comprehensive quality checks on accepted manuscripts prior to production export, ensuring: author and contact information is accurate; all manuscript files are editable and production-ready; required permissions for copyrighted materials have been obtained; references comply with the journal’s designated citation style (APA, Chicago, ASA, AMA, CSE, etc.).
• Export accepted manuscripts to the Sage Production team within established production timelines and article deadlines.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for editors, associate editors, authors, reviewers, and Sage staff, providing timely and professional resolution of queries.
• Maintain and update Sage Track email templates to align with journal-specific requirements and communication best practices.
• Oversee the overall peer review health of journals supported by Editorial Assistants by: monitoring workflow efficiency and manuscript progression; managing editor and associate editor relationships; providing guidance and support to Editorial Assistants; acting as the first escalation point for journal-related queries and operational issues.
• Maintain accurate daily tracking records of all assigned activities and deliverables.
• Generate and distribute weekly PRA performance reports to the Peer Review Supervisor and US Manager.
• Run and analyze Sage Track reports as required to monitor journal performance and workflow status.
• Ensure overdue task reports are reviewed and updated with journal-specific comments prior to scheduled review meetings.
• Troubleshoot system and workflow issues to ensure Sage Track sites operate effectively and efficiently.
• Keep Sage Track sites updated and aligned with global publishing standards, policies, and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with UK and US stakeholders to support the implementation and launch of new Sage Track journal sites.

What We're Looking For

• Experience with manuscript submission/workflow systems and knowledge of journal submission guidelines.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills; ability to liaise with editors, authors, reviewers, and Sage staff.
• Familiarity with citation styles (APA, Chicago, ASA, AMA, CSE) and ensuring references comply.
• Ability to generate reports, monitor performance metrics, and handle administrative tasks.
• Proactive problem-solving mindset and willingness to collaborate with cross-border teams (UK/US).

Nice to Have

• Experience with Sage Track and working with Editorial Assistants in publishing workflows.
• Prior experience coordinating peer review health and editorial operations in a publishing environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Not disclosed.