At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative children's books and nurture new illustrator talent.
- Company: Join Templar Books, a leader in children's publishing with a creative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy private health insurance, flexible working, and 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth and mentorship opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's literature while working with talented illustrators.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in children's book design and strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 42000 € per year.
Bonnier Books UK is looking for a talented, experienced and highly creative senior designer to join our team on a fixed-term contract from May 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to further their career in children’s book design and to contribute to the development of the Templar list.
Reporting to the Design Manager, you will design commercial and market-leading picture books, board books and novelty books, nurturing and inspiring both established and upcoming illustrators and creators to deliver their best work. Founded in 1978, Templar publishes original, illustrated children’s books designed to inspire curious minds. We lead in novelty and interactive publishing, creating distinctive, high-quality titles for young children and families - from board books and picture books to novelty, non-fiction, gift and series publishing. Specialising in visually-led, concept-driven books that are playful, immersive and internationally appealing, we craft enduring stories that spark curiosity and enrich family reading experiences worldwide.
Key responsibilities:
- Find and nurture new illustrator talent across the list, as well as building upon previous successes and author/illustrator partnerships.
- Brief, art direct and create book layouts with strong, distinctive design and fresh, striking typography with market-leading covers.
- Be a key part of the creative team in developing and presenting new ideas across the list.
- Work closely with the Design Manager on the day-to-day running of the design team, supporting with providing feedback and mentoring more junior members of the team as required.
- Negotiate with and commission illustrators, either directly or via agents.
- Project-manage and collaborate with production and editorial colleagues to build artwork schedules as agreed with illustrators and freelance designers, with close consideration for the P&L, ensuring projects are delivered within budget and in a timely manner.
- Financial responsibility for the design aspect of own titles, including consulting on P&Ls and raising contracts.
- Ensure all files are created to the technical specification and design quality required during all stages – final files, plotters and advance stages.
- Manage 3rd-party contributors, including packagers and other freelance agents that are needed to create a project.
- Line management of one member of the Templar Design team.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Excellent technical skills in key software (Adobe Creative Suite/Cloud).
- Experience managing illustrators, freelance designers and agents.
- Experience of managing an in-house designer will be advantageous.
- Experience of negotiating, commissioning and contracting illustrators, either directly or via agents.
- At least 5 years’ experience in children’s books, with the ability to demonstrate creative flair in designing market leading covers and interiors.
- A positive team player with a pro-active approach.
- A clear communicator, capable of working effectively with various teams and functions across the business.
- A passion for children’s books and expertise in creating innovatively designed and illustrated books in a wide variety of formats.
Company Benefits:
- Private health insurance
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Lively social committee hosting regular events
- Group Life cover - including 24-hour GP service
- Company-funded gym membership for all trade staff
- Comprehensive staff training and mentorship programmes
- Flexible working and flexible hours from day one of employment
- Additional holiday allowance accrued for long service – and a full bonus week of holiday to celebrate your 10th year at BBUK
- Enhanced family leave - with equal six months’ paid leave for all new parents
- Employee assistance programme available to all employees and their families
- Dedicated volunteering hours each year to support charities promoting literacy and reading for pleasure
- Cycle to work scheme with bike storage and changing facilities on-site at our London HQ
- Wellbeing programme and daily benefits such as fresh fruit and porridge in the office
If you are interested in this role, please apply via our website. We look forward to hearing from you.
Senior Designer, Templar Books (Interim) employer: Bonnier Books UK group
Bonnier Books UK is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide comprehensive training, flexible working arrangements, and generous benefits including private health insurance and enhanced family leave, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive in children's book design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Designer, Templar Books (Interim)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow designers, illustrators, and industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work, especially in children’s book design. When you apply through our website, include a link to your portfolio so we can see your creative flair right away.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Templar Books and our design ethos. Think about how your experience aligns with our mission to create innovative children's books. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about what we do!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in our minds and demonstrates your professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Designer, Templar Books (Interim)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:Make sure to include a PDF of your portfolio when you apply. This is your chance to showcase your best work and demonstrate your creative flair in children's book design!
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to tailor your application to the role. Highlight your experience with managing illustrators and your technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, be clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your passion for children's books shines through without any fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Templar Books.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bonnier Books UK group
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work in children's book design. Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your creative flair and technical skills, especially in designing covers and interiors. This will give the interviewers a clear insight into your style and capabilities.
✨Know the Company
Research Templar Books and their recent publications. Familiarise yourself with their unique approach to children's books and be ready to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with theirs. Showing genuine interest in their work can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and your process for managing illustrators and freelance designers. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated these aspects in past projects, as this role requires strong organisational and people management skills.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As a senior designer, you'll be part of a creative team. Highlight your collaborative experiences and how you've mentored junior designers or worked closely with editorial and production teams. Emphasising your ability to communicate effectively and work well within a team will show that you're a great fit for their culture.
