Art Director (12 month FTC)

Art Director (12 month FTC)

Temporary 35000 - 45000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead creative projects from concept to final artwork for diverse book titles.
  • Company: Join Headline, a vibrant division of Hachette, one of the UK's largest publishing groups.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, summer hours, and discounts on books.
  • Other info: Flexible working with a blend of in-office and remote days.
  • Why this job: Be part of a creative team that shapes stories and engages readers.
  • Qualifications: Proven design experience with strong Adobe Creative Suite skills.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.

We were created over three decades ago to deliver the brightest and best entertainment. Story – real and imagined – lies at the heart of everything for us. We delight in seeking out storytellers and story lovers everywhere. We're serious about keeping people entertained and believe our books should be devoured, not left on the shelf. Headline is a division of Hachette, one of the largest publishing groups in the UK, with 10 publishing divisions and over 60 imprints. Everyone here is proud to be in the business of opening doors and minds.

We have an opportunity for a confident and capable Art Director, with a number of years experience in book publishing, to join our Creative team for a 12 month contract. You’ll be a key member of our team of highly creative and well regarded designers working on a diverse range of book titles, handling the creative process from initial brief to final artwork. You’ll work closely with the rest of the in-house design team, many outside illustrators, photographers and other designers. You will also be developing great working relationships with our editorial teams where strong skills in conveying ideas and effectively interpreting feedback will be key, and working closely with our skilled production team to ensure our books look and feel as good as possible.

We are looking for a highly creative and skilled designer with proven experience, and a portfolio of work that demonstrates all your design talents. You should have a keen interest in working on all areas of commercial publishing, from women’s fiction and literary fiction, to leading sports biographies and popular culture and should have a love for problem solving, possess great communication skills and have excellent abilities to creatively respond to feedback. Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills and an established knowledge of print and digital reproduction know-how is also essential.

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)
  • 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
  • Wide-ranging training library
  • Development programmes (including mentoring)
  • Up to 70% off book purchases
  • A charity bookshelf
  • An active range of staff-led employee networks that are voluntary, including AgeWise, Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing, Women in Tech and religious networks
  • Season ticket loans
  • And much more!

The role will be based at our London or Sheffield office, 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.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, you can let us know at the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section of your application. We’ll make sure you’re supported throughout the process.

Art Director (12 month FTC) employer: HEADLINE PUBLISHING GROUP

At Headline, a proud division of Hachette, we foster a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates creativity and storytelling. Our employees enjoy generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, summer hours, and extensive training opportunities, all while working in a collaborative environment that values diverse perspectives. With a commitment to employee growth and a supportive atmosphere, we are dedicated to ensuring that every team member can thrive both personally and professionally in our London or Sheffield offices.

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Contact Detail:

HEADLINE PUBLISHING GROUP Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Art Director (12 month FTC)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow creatives. 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. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your projects and the creative process behind them.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their vision. Remember, they want to see your passion for storytelling and design!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

We think you need these skills to ace Art Director (12 month FTC)

Art Direction
Book Publishing Experience
Creative Design
Adobe Creative Suite
Print and Digital Reproduction Knowledge
Communication Skills
Interpreting Feedback

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your best friend in this application process! Make sure it showcases a diverse range of your work, especially in book publishing. We want to see your creativity shine through, so pick pieces that really represent your style and skills.

Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send the same old CV and cover letter everywhere. Take a moment to tailor your application to us at Headline. Highlight your experience in commercial publishing and how your design talents align with our mission to keep readers entertained.

Communicate Clearly:We love great communication, so make sure your written application reflects that! Be clear and concise about your experiences and how you handle feedback. This will show us that you can effectively convey ideas and collaborate with our editorial teams.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about who we are and what we do!

How to prepare for a job interview at HEADLINE PUBLISHING GROUP

Know Your Portfolio Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you can talk confidently about every piece in your portfolio. Be ready to explain your design choices and how they relate to storytelling, as this is key for the Art Director role.

Research the Company’s Titles

Familiarise yourself with the books published by the company, especially those in genres you’ll be working on. This shows your genuine interest and helps you discuss how your vision aligns with their existing titles.

Prepare for Creative Feedback

Expect to discuss how you handle feedback creatively. Think of examples where you’ve successfully interpreted feedback and improved your designs, as this will demonstrate your collaborative spirit and problem-solving skills.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

Art Directors need to convey ideas clearly. Practice articulating your thoughts on design concepts and how you would collaborate with editorial and production teams. Good communication can set you apart from other candidates.