Who we are and what we do
Quercus is a dynamic, award-winning publisher, known as a hit-maker that regularly finds books that surprise and delight readers. We are international and entrepreneurial in our outlook – and have six distinctive imprints that publish an exciting and diverse range of authors. From established bestsellers such as Elly Griffiths, Beth O’Leary, Peter May and Bill Bailey, to new voices such as Layla F. Saad, Tommyinnit, Kaleb Cooper and Amy Jeffs, what draws all our publishing together is the magic ‘quirk’ in Quercus: a commitment to independence, flair, warmth and creativity that has always marked out this young company. Quercus is part of The John Murray Publishing Group and this role will sit within the broader John Murray Art Department.
What you'll be doing
Quercus Books have an exciting opportunity for a creative, motivated and talented designer to join our growing design team. Reporting into the Head of Design, you will be an organised and energetic individual who will be a vital part of a close-knit team. Delivering appropriately targeted, market-leading book cover designs that meet business needs from initial brief to final artwork, you will be fully immersed in the whole cover design process, exposed to a broad range of experiences and given the opportunity to collaborate with designers and illustrators to create commercially driven, innovative designs.
Working across the full range of our list which includes fiction and non-fiction imprints, we are looking for a candidate with broad experience. A particular understanding and interest in commercial women’s fiction would be desirable but not essential. This is a fantastic opportunity for a designer who is keen to take the next step in their career.
Who we are looking for
You’ll be a self-starting, organised creative who thrives on working with an engaged, passionate team. Your portfolio will demonstrate a strong understanding of designing for consumers, with a wide range of projects. You will be energised by the whole creative process, and constantly challenge yourself to deliver forward-thinking cover designs. You’ll bring a positive, can-do approach and a desire to build strong relationships across all departments, as well as illustrators and authors. Experience in fiction and non-fiction cover design within the publishing industry is essential.
Responsibilities
* To be responsible for appropriate and distinctive designs that fit market needs across all imprints, with a particular focus on commercial women’s fiction.
* Responsible for designing approximately 40 covers per year.
* Seeing through projects from initial research and visuals stage to sending print-ready files to production.
* Commissioning freelance designers and illustrators on relevant titles.
* Keeping up to date with publishing and design markets and trends, to inform your designs.
* Build good working relationships with the editorial team, where conveying ideas and effectively interpreting feedback are key.
Requirements
* Proven experience in the design industry.
* Strong technical design skills, including proficiency with a Mac and Adobe creative software (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, etc.).
* A portfolio showing a passion for design along with strong commercial awareness and ability.
* Knowledge & experience in book design is essential, as well as visual design in general in order to help develop new commercial concepts.
* Understanding of both print and digital production techniques.
* Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
* Flexible, highly motivated and organised – can prioritise workloads effectively.
* Excellent communication and presentation skills – being able to present design concepts, approaches and work in progress to various internal and external stakeholders.
* Understands consumer needs and how to position a design within the market.
* Meticulous eye for detail.
In your application, please submit your CV, question answers and Portfolio of recent work (which is in the cover letter section).
What we offer
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).
* Private medical insurance.
* Generous pension schemes.
* Rent deposit loans.
* 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.
* Eye care vouchers.
* Wide-ranging training library.
* Development programmes (including mentoring).
* Up to 70% off book purchases.
* A charity bookshelf.
* 12 Staff-led employee networks that are voluntary, including Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing and religious networks.
* Season ticket loans.
* And much more!
The role will be based at our London office, Carmelite House, with a blend of in-office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.
Our commitment
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.
If you are shortlisted and need us to make any adjustments to help you attend for interview, please let us know.
The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews and undertaking junior roles. For more information visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org.
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