Penguin Random House UK - Senior Designer, Cornerstone (12-month FTC)

Graphic Designer is needed in United Kingdom.

Client: Penguin Random House UK

Location: United Kingdom

Contract: Full-time, Full-time, Full-time

Job Description

Cornerstone is seeking a talented Senior Designer to work across all of its imprints for a 12-month fixed term contract to cover a period of parental leave. The successful candidate will join a team of 10 and report to the Art Director, starting by early March 2025.

Cornerstone is a division of Penguin Random House and includes imprints such as Century, Del Rey, In…klore, Hutchinson Heinemann, #Merky Books, and Cornerstone Press. The role will involve designing book covers for a variety of genres and collaborating closely with colleagues in Production, Editorial, Sales, and Marketing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design high-quality book covers to meet creative and commercial briefs.
• Monitor project direction to ensure timely progression.
• Communicate effectively, including negotiation skills.
• Plan and manage schedules.
• Participate in creative meetings and represent the design department in divisional discussions.
• Support and advise junior team members.
• Commission illustrators/designers and develop their ideas.
• Be mindful of budgets and negotiate fees and contracts.
• Stay up to date with current design trends in publishing and beyond.

Requirements

• Proven track record of designing and commissioning outstanding book covers.
• Strong commissioning experience in illustration, photography, and design.
• In-depth knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign and Photoshop.
• Adept at building strong relationships with Editorial, Sales, and Communications teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate with team members.
• Confidence in communicating with authors and agents.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, flexible, and able to manage time effectively.

Application Instructions

Please apply with your CV, cover letter, and portfolio (link or attachment) by 11:59pm on Tuesday, 3rd December. The cover letter should detail how your experience and interests align with the role requirements.

Salary & Benefits

Salary is between £40,000 - £45,000 dependent on skills and experience, plus benefits. Benefits include financial packages, healthcare options, enhanced parental leave, and other lifestyle perks.

Hybrid Working

Cornerstone colleagues work in the Embassy Gardens office three days a week (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays), with flexibility around work locations recognized as important.