At a Glance
- Tasks: Design stunning text layouts and elevate typography for Penguin Random House books.
- Company: Join the creative team at Penguin Random House, a leader in publishing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and a vibrant office culture.
- Why this job: Shape the reading experience and showcase your design skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in book design and high-level Adobe InDesign proficiency required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with a passionate team and grow your creative career.
The predicted salary is between 20400 - 20400 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Text Designer to join our Group Publishing Operations team on a 6-month fixed term basis. This role will cover the period of March – August 2026 and will be offered on a hybrid working basis from our Embassy Gardens office in London (min 2 days per week).
The role reports into the Text Design Manager, and as our in-house Text Designer you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the reading experience across Penguin Random House UK. You’ll work closely with Editorial, Managing Editorial, and Production teams to develop consistent, high-quality text design systems while supporting day-to-day queries and elevating typography standards across the organisation.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Building and maintaining text design systems and tools, including InDesign templates for all PRH divisions.
- Creating text designs, integrated graphics, and insets for adult mono titles.
- Acting as the central point of contact for day-to-day Text Design queries.
- Supporting colleagues’ understanding and use of Text Design services.
- Facilitating clear communication between Editorial, Managing Editorial, and Production.
- Ensuring consistency and quality across all text design outputs.
- Championing excellent typography throughout the organisation.
What you will bring
Essential criteria:
- A typography-focused background.
- Experience in book design.
- High-level fluency in Adobe InDesign.
- Understanding of information design.
- A passion for delivering exceptional typographic quality.
Desirable criteria:
- Knowledge of font licensing.
Application instructions
Please apply with your CV and Cover Letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 23:59 Friday 9th January 2026. Please note that due to the festive period, we’ll begin reviewing applications in January 2026.
Salary
The salary for this opportunity is c.£34,000 depending on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.
Hybrid working
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 that you will work from the Embassy Gardens office in London 2 days per week.
Text Designer (6m FTC, March-Aug 2026) employer: Penguin Random House UK
Contact Detail:
Penguin Random House UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Text Designer (6m FTC, March-Aug 2026)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing industry, especially those who work at Penguin Random House. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Text Designer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your typography and book design work. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and visually appealing – after all, you’re applying for a design role!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of text design systems and Adobe InDesign. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled design challenges in the past and how you can elevate typography standards at Penguin.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Text Designer (6m FTC, March-Aug 2026)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Typography Skills: Make sure to highlight your typography-focused background in your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your best work!
Craft a Unique Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to let your personality shine through! Share your thoughts on why you’re passionate about text design and how you can elevate our typography standards. Remember, we love authenticity!
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for someone who can build and maintain text design systems, so make sure to include relevant experiences that demonstrate your skills.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Random House UK
✨Know Your Typography
Brush up on your typography knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your favourite typefaces and how they influence design. This will show your passion for delivering exceptional typographic quality, which is key for the Text Designer role.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best book design work. Include examples that demonstrate your fluency in Adobe InDesign and your understanding of information design. This visual evidence of your skills can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Understand Their Workflow
Familiarise yourself with the typical workflows between Editorial, Managing Editorial, and Production teams. Being able to discuss how you would facilitate clear communication and support day-to-day queries will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Be Authentic
Remember, Penguin values authenticity and creativity. Don’t be afraid to share your unique voice and experiences during the interview. This is your chance to showcase not just your skills, but who you are as a designer and a collaborator.