Design Assistant - Puffin

Design Assistant - Puffin

London Entry level 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist the design team with creative projects and administrative support.
  • Company: Join Penguin, the UK's largest publisher, known for its diverse talent and impactful books.
  • Benefits: Enjoy perks like discounted shopping, healthcare plans, and flexible work options.
  • Why this job: Be part of a creative team that shapes stories for future generations in children's publishing.
  • Qualifications: Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills and a passion for design are essential.
  • Other info: Apply by March 6th with your CV, cover letter, and design portfolio.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Design Assistant to join our Puffin 6+ team on a permanent basis.

About Penguin: We’re the UK’s largest publisher; made up of some 2,000 people and publishing over 1,500 books each year. Our doors are open to all kinds of talent. In a constantly evolving industry, we work hard to stretch the definition of the word publisher. Here, you’ll work with a breadth of talent who all play their part to make each of our books a success. Together, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone.

The team: By bringing together the greatest stories, brands and authors of any global children’s publisher, Penguin Random House Children’s are here to help create and rediscover heroes for each new generation.

Puffin is home to so many imaginative and best-selling authors and illustrators. Our designers work on a huge range of different books but what they all have in common is clever creativity and outstanding design.

The role: We are looking for a creative, enthusiastic and organised individual to assist our design team.

As a Design Assistant you’ll be responsible for tasks ranging from:

  1. Practical day to day design and admin support
  2. Updating brand sheets and making corrections
  3. Producing eye-catching and creative acquisition pitches
  4. Scheduling meetings and liaising with illustration agents
  5. Working on your own projects where appropriate.

This is an entry level position, but you should be able to demonstrate a keen design eye, good typographic skills, creative flair and a desire to learn.

What you’ll bring:

  1. Strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator)
  2. Experience/knowledge of MS Office Excel/Word/Outlook
  3. Demonstrable interest in design for Publishing, ideally for children’s books
  4. Organised, able to prioritise and juggle multiple responsibilities
  5. An ability to ensure that all work is delivered to the highest standard and on schedule
  6. Resilient and flexible in their approach and able to work to tight deadlines
  7. Creative, willing to contribute ideas, absorb feedback and manage changes of creative direction
  8. Inquisitive and keen to learn about all aspects of publishing design

Application instructions:

Please apply by 23:59 on 6th March with a CV, Cover Letter, and a PDF of three examples that showcase the range of your design work.

Within your Cover Letter, please tell us why you’re interested in design and why you’d like to join the Penguin Random House Children’s Art Department. Untailored Cover Letters will not be accepted.

Please ensure you include a cover letter, as it is a crucial part of our assessment process. The cover letter offers an opportunity to show how your experience and interests align with the role requirements. Typically, we expect the cover letter to be no more than one page in length.

Please note we are looking for someone to join the team as soon as possible, but we are also happy to accommodate a reasonable notice period for the right candidate.

We anticipate a two-stage interview process which will include a virtual first-stage interview and in-person second stage interview. We are happy to discuss this further with you throughout the recruitment process.

What you can expect from us:

Our people are the heart of our business, and we work hard to support a culture of responsibility and recognition.

Our benefits include:

  • Financial – discounted shopping, season ticket loan, rental deposit loan
  • Wellbeing – healthcare cash plan, employee assistance, gym loan
  • Lifestyle – taste card, tech scheme, free and discounted books

While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect the successful candidate to work from our London office a minimum of three days per week, with a maximum of two days per week working remotely.

As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role, and opt-in on their application form. The essential criteria for this role are listed as part of the ‘What you’ll bring’ section. There may be times when the volume of applications means we cannot take all eligible candidates to interview.

We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing . Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable to for us to support your request.

Please note, we are not able to accept agency CVs for this role. Any CVs sent speculatively will not be eligible for a fee.

Company: The Random House Group Limited

Country: United Kingdom

State/Region: London

City: London

Postal Code: SW11 7BW

Job ID: 278024

Date: 27 Feb 2025

Location:

London, LND, GB, SW11 7BW

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Design Assistant - Puffin employer: Penguin International

At Penguin Random House, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic workplace where creativity thrives. As a Design Assistant in our vibrant London office, you'll be part of a passionate team dedicated to producing captivating children's literature, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Enjoy a range of benefits including flexible working arrangements, wellness programs, and access to exclusive literary resources, all while contributing to a culture that values innovation and collaboration.
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Contact Detail:

Penguin International Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Assistant - Puffin

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in children's book design. This will not only help you understand what Puffin is looking for but also allow you to bring fresh ideas to the table during your interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the publishing industry, especially those who work in children's literature. Attend events or join online forums where you can connect with designers and illustrators to gain insights and advice.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your design process and how you handle feedback. Puffin values creativity and flexibility, so be ready to share examples of how you've adapted your designs based on input from others.

✨Tip Number 4

Show your enthusiasm for the role by researching Puffin's recent publications and discussing them in your interview. This demonstrates your genuine interest in their work and helps you stand out as a candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Assistant - Puffin

Strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
Experience/knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Demonstrable interest in design for publishing, especially children's books
Organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks
Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work
Resilience and flexibility in meeting tight deadlines
Creative thinking and willingness to contribute ideas
Ability to absorb feedback and adapt to changes in creative direction
Inquisitive nature and eagerness to learn about publishing design

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter is specifically tailored to the Design Assistant position at Puffin. Highlight your passion for design and explain why you want to join the Penguin Random House Children’s Art Department. Avoid generic statements.

Showcase Your Design Work: Include a PDF with three examples of your design work that demonstrate your range and creativity. Choose pieces that reflect your skills in Adobe Creative Suite and your understanding of design for children's books.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite, your organizational abilities, and your experience with MS Office. Mention any relevant projects or experiences that showcase your design eye and creative flair.

Keep It Concise: Ensure your cover letter is no more than one page in length. Be clear and concise in your writing, focusing on the most relevant information that aligns with the role requirements.

How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin International

✨Show Your Passion for Design

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for design, especially in the context of children's books. Share specific examples of what inspires you and how you envision contributing to the Puffin team.

✨Tailor Your Cover Letter

Since a tailored cover letter is crucial, ensure it reflects your understanding of the role and the company. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description.

✨Prepare Your Portfolio

Bring a well-organized PDF showcasing three examples of your design work. Choose pieces that demonstrate your creativity and versatility, particularly in areas relevant to children's publishing.

✨Practice for the Interview Stages

Anticipate both virtual and in-person interview formats. Prepare for common questions about your design process, teamwork, and how you handle feedback. Practicing with a friend can help you feel more confident.

Design Assistant - Puffin
Penguin International
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  • Design Assistant - Puffin

    London
    Entry level
    24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-03-13

  • P

    Penguin International

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