Head of Design

Head of Design

Sheffield Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design team to create bestselling book covers and marketing materials.
  • Company: Join Hodder and Stoughton, a renowned publisher with a rich history of bestselling authors.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and generous discounts on books.
  • Why this job: Be part of a creative team that values inclusivity and innovation in publishing.
  • Qualifications: Must have extensive design experience and strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Flexible working options available between London and regional offices.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

For the past 150 years and counting, Hodder and Stoughton has proudly published quality, bestselling fiction and non-fiction across some of the biggest brands in the world, and across a multitude of genres. Our authors include global sensations John Connolly, John Grisham and Stephen King, broadcasting stars Sara Cox, Clive Myrie, Graham Norton and Lucy Worsley, and contemporary fiction and literary gems John Connolly, Stephanie Garber, Mike Gayle, Sophie Hannah and David Nicholls, to name but a few. We are also proud to publish non-fiction hits by household names including Ella Mills, Stuart Broad, Johannes Radebe, Paris Fury and more. We have enjoyed countless bestsellers, celebrated hundreds of awards and welcomed authors and colleagues from every part of the world through our doors. A passion for creativity, inclusivity and drive for ambition are imprinted on everything we have done throughout the past century and a half, and on what we do now.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly-experienced, confident and creative Head of Design to join the Hodder & Stoughton Art department. You will be a senior and valuable member of the team, working across all lists to deliver bestselling, consumer-first designs. As a leader within the Art department you will support the Deputy Art Director with the day to day running of the department, contributing to creative processes, helping develop members of the team and ensure that their creative output is delivered to a high standard, alongside your own designs. You will be experienced at all aspects of publishing design, responsible for driving all phases of design from conception to production and keeping all stakeholders up to date on progress, pushing for excellence at every stage. You will be confident and experienced in author and stakeholder meetings, be a keen reader with a developed awareness of publishing and design trends. You’ll work closely with staff across all other departments, developing great working relationships.

This position would be perfect for a highly experienced Senior Designer wanting to take their career to the next level. We are looking for someone who has demonstrable experience in market leading design as well as line management and an enthusiasm for contributing to the Art Department as a whole. You will have expert market knowledge across a variety of genres. You should possess a meticulous eye for detail, have great communication skills and enjoy working as part of a team. In your application, please submit your CV, cover letter outlining relevant experience and a portfolio of recent work.

Our staff are our greatest asset, and our benefits reflect this:

  • 28 annual leave days per year, increases to 29 days after 2 years' service and goes up to 30 days after 5 years' (+ bank holidays)
  • Private medical insurance
  • Generous pension schemes
  • Rent deposit loans
  • 2 community days per year
  • Summer hours (finishing at 1pm on Fridays during the summer months)
  • Retail discounts through Hachette rewards
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Eye care vouchers
  • Wide-ranging training library
  • Development programmes (including mentoring)
  • Up to 70% off book purchases
  • A charity bookshelf
  • 12 Staff-led employee networks that are voluntary, including Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing and religious networks
  • Season ticket loans
  • And much more!

This role can be based at our London office, or our regional offices in Sheffield, with a blend of in-office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.

Hachette employs people on the basis of their abilities. We aim to attract and develop talent from a base as broad as the world of readers we want to reach, with a wide and representative range of age, faith, disability, race, gender, sexuality and socio-economic, regional and cultural backgrounds. If you are shortlisted and need us to make any adjustments to help you attend for interview, please let us know. We believe publishing should be for everyone, at any stage of their career and in any role. We value the experience gained from any and all different jobs, and that is why we encourage applicants from all walks of life, especially if those walks didn’t initially include publishing. The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews and undertaking junior roles.

Head of Design employer: Alexgrayauthor

Hodder and Stoughton is an exceptional employer that values creativity, inclusivity, and ambition, making it a fantastic place for the Head of Design to thrive. With a commitment to employee well-being, the company offers generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and extensive development programmes, all within a collaborative work culture that encourages personal growth and innovation. Located in vibrant London or Sheffield, employees enjoy a flexible working environment that balances in-office collaboration with homeworking, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding career in publishing.
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Contact Detail:

Alexgrayauthor Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Design

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Hodder and Stoughton’s recent publications and design styles. Understanding their aesthetic will help you tailor your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing how your vision aligns with their brand.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Hodder and Stoughton. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the Head of Design role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed design teams in the past. Highlighting your experience in mentoring and developing talent will demonstrate your capability to contribute positively to the Art department.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on current design trends and publishing industry news. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics during your interview will show your passion for the field and your readiness to drive innovative design solutions.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design

Expertise in Graphic Design
Strong Leadership Skills
Creative Problem-Solving
Knowledge of Publishing Design Trends
Attention to Detail
Excellent Communication Skills
Team Collaboration
Project Management
Proficiency in Design Software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)
Understanding of Consumer Behaviour
Ability to Manage Stakeholder Relationships
Experience in Line Management
Portfolio Development
Adaptability to Feedback
Market Awareness across Various Genres

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for the Head of Design position. Highlight your relevant experience in publishing design, your leadership skills, and your passion for creativity. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver bestselling designs.

Showcase Your Portfolio: Your portfolio is crucial for this role. Include a diverse range of your best work that showcases your design skills across various genres. Make sure to explain your thought process behind each piece and how it contributed to the success of the project.

Highlight Team Collaboration: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience working collaboratively within a team. Discuss how you've supported team members in their creative processes and contributed to a positive working environment, as this is key for the role at Hodder & Stoughton.

Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with Hodder & Stoughton's authors and their published works. Understanding their brand and the types of designs that resonate with their audience will help you tailor your application and show your genuine interest in the company.

How to prepare for a job interview at Alexgrayauthor

✨Showcase Your Portfolio

Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best design work. Tailor it to reflect the genres and styles relevant to Hodder & Stoughton, demonstrating your understanding of their publishing focus.

✨Understand the Company Culture

Familiarise yourself with Hodder & Stoughton's history and values. Be prepared to discuss how your creative vision aligns with their commitment to quality, inclusivity, and ambition in publishing.

✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement

As a Head of Design, you'll be interacting with authors and stakeholders. Practice articulating your design concepts clearly and confidently, and think about how you can incorporate feedback effectively.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Highlight your experience in managing teams and driving creative processes. Be ready to share examples of how you've supported team members and fostered a collaborative environment in previous roles.

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