At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning book covers and interiors for children's fiction, collaborating with a creative team.
- Company: Join Simon & Schuster UK, a leader in children's publishing with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £31,000, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's literature while honing your design skills.
- Qualifications: 3-4 years of design experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for creativity.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 31000 £ per year.
This is a creative position focusing on creating highest quality, industry‑leading Fiction covers and interiors on time and to the agreed brief. Including design innovation, pre‑press, and administrative aspects of bookmaking, while working closely with the fiction Art Director and Editors and other Designers to create bestselling books in various formats for Simon and Schuster Children’s Books.
This role is responsible for creating designs from brief to print while working within budget and schedule, commissioning illustrators and negotiating contributor contracts, ensuring delivery to time and budget, while regularly updating on project progress. The successful candidate will liaise with Production, Sales & Marketing, Rights, freelance designers, and external suppliers, and will support the wider design team with departmental requirements. They will apply in‑house and brand style guides across all design projects, create and support the supply of marketing assets across print and digital formats, maintain bibliographic information, organized artwork, and archives, prepare print‑ready digital files to printer specifications and keep up to date with illustrators, agents, market trends, and competitor activity.
The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of illustration, design, agents, and creative trends, strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise across departments and external contributors. They will have excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines and proactive and collaborative approach to supporting the wider design team along with strong creative problem‑solving ability. They will also be adaptable, reliable, and able to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment. Applicants will ideally have a minimum of 3–4 years’ experience commissioning artwork and managing creative contributors, experience preparing and converting digital file formats for print production and experience managing or supporting the management of schedules and project workflows. It is highly desired that the applicant has a formal design qualification or equivalent experience within a design environment.
Starting from £31,000
Please apply by attaching your CV, examples of work and cover letter. Unfortunately, Simon & Schuster UK cannot accept applications from candidates without a legal right to work in the UK or who require visa sponsorship. Right to work checks are carried out on candidates who make it to offer stage. Simon & Schuster UK is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity and gender expression. At Simon & Schuster UK, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all.
Designer, Children's Publishing Division employer: Simon & Schuster, Inc.
At Simon & Schuster UK, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that encourages creativity and collaboration. As a Designer in our Children's Publishing Division, you will have the opportunity to work on innovative projects that shape the future of children's literature, while benefiting from professional growth opportunities and a supportive team environment. Our commitment to diversity and equal opportunity ensures that every employee can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our mission of creating bestselling books.
Contact Details:
Simon & Schuster, Inc. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designer, Children's Publishing Division
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases your best work, especially anything related to children's publishing. We want to see your creativity shine through, so include a variety of styles and projects that highlight your design skills.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to other designers, illustrators, and industry professionals. Attend events or join online groups where you can connect with people in the children's publishing world. We all know that sometimes it's not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Simon & Schuster and their recent projects. Show us that you’re not just passionate about design, but also about the company and its mission. Bring ideas to the table that align with their vision for children's books!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow the process. Don’t forget to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in children's publishing!
We think you need these skills to ace Designer, Children's Publishing Division
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Creativity:When you're applying for a design role, let your creativity shine through! Use your cover letter and portfolio to showcase your unique style and innovative ideas. Remember, we want to see how you can bring stories to life visually!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight your experience with commissioning artwork and managing projects, as well as any relevant qualifications. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Include Relevant Work Samples:Don't forget to attach examples of your work that are relevant to children's publishing. Whether it's book covers or illustrations, show us what you've got! This is your chance to impress us with your design skills.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simon & Schuster, Inc.
✨Know Your Design Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in children's publishing and design. Familiarise yourself with popular styles, colours, and themes that resonate with young readers. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion and understanding of the market during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Prepare a strong portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects related to children's books. Include examples of covers and interiors you've designed, along with any commissioned artwork. Be ready to discuss your creative process and how you collaborated with others on these projects.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves liaising with various departments and external contributors, practice articulating your ideas clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully communicated with illustrators, editors, and other team members in past projects. Strong interpersonal skills are key!
✨Demonstrate Time Management Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you manage multiple projects and deadlines. Share specific examples of how you've prioritised tasks and ensured timely delivery of designs. Highlight any tools or methods you use to stay organised and on track.
