Careers

Children’s Book Designer – Maternity Cover

Arcturus is an independent publishing company based in Bermondsey, London. We are looking for a talented Creative Designer to join our Children’s Team on a full-time Maternity cover contract.

Reporting to the Children’s Design Manager, you’ll be working on titles across our Children’s list, which includes activity, fiction and reference books.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

  • Preparing and checking files for print
  • Designing covers and spreads
  • Creating templates for briefing external designers and illustrators
  • Checking online plotters and approve files to Print
  • Working with out-of-house designers to ensure work is kept to the highest standard
  • Researching recent illustration and design trends to contribute to new project development
  • Working closely with the Children’s Editorial and Production teams
  • Taking on feedback from the Sales team to produce materials targeted to customers’ needs

The ideal candidate will be passionate about children’s books, enthusiastic about working on the variety of children’s titles we publish at Arcturus and has skill to collaborate and problem-solve across departments to make books of which we can all be proud.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

Essential:

  • Previous experience as a Designer within the Children’s publishing industry
  • A portfolio of work demonstrating design skills
  • Good knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop
  • Good creative judgement and design sense

Desirable:

  • Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office including Teams
  • Experience in commissioning designers and illustrators This position is covering Maternity leave December 2025 – December 2026. Based at our Bermondsey Street offices, with the possibility of working remotely 3 days a week after the first 3 months.

Salary is £30,000 - £34,000 (depending on experience). Closing date for applications 24th October.

To apply contact Jessica, Children’s Design Manager, jessica.holliland@arcturuspublishing.com

Our privacy notice for job applicants can be found here.