Senior Designer – Young Readers Publishing

About the role

This senior position focuses on creating compelling book covers, jackets, and visual elements for Penguin Young Readers across Middle Grade, Young Adult, and adult titles. You will translate stories into striking visual identities that resonate with target audiences.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the full cover and jacket design process from concept to production‑ready artwork.
• Develop original in‑house artwork, including endpapers and decorative elements.
• Commission, direct, and collaborate with illustrators, photographers, and other creative talent.
• Work closely with editorial, production, and internal design teams to ensure cohesive execution.
• Prepare press‑ready files, manage color correction, and review proofs for quality.
• Handle multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
• Research and apply emerging design, illustration, and typography trends.

Required profile

• Minimum 4 years of experience in book or publishing design across multiple genres.
• Strong conceptual portfolio demonstrating versatility in cover design, typography, and storytelling.
• Proven experience commissioning and art‑directing illustrators.
• Advanced skills in digital photo‑illustration, image compositing, and layout design.
• Solid understanding of pre‑press processes, color management, and print production workflows.
• Excellent organizational and communication abilities.
• Illustration or hand‑lettering skills are a plus.

Required skills

• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator
• Digital photo‑illustration
• Image compositing
• Typography
• Layout design
• Pre‑press processes
• Color management
• Print production workflows

What we offer

• Annual salary range: $73,500 – $74,500 CAD.
• Eligibility for annual profit award or performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical and prescription benefits.