Art Director, Fiction (12 month Maternity Cover)

Be Applied Ltd; London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a talented Art Director for a 12-month maternity cover. This dynamic role involves leading a design team to create innovative book covers that resonate across various genres. You will collaborate closely with the Creative Director and other departments, ensuring high-quality outputs while managing multiple projects. This position offers a hybrid work environment, extensive training, and a supportive culture that values creativity and collaboration. If you are passionate about design and ready to make an impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Work from home option

Wellness programs

Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Mentoring/coaching

Cycle to work scheme

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

Private healthcare

Life assurance

Summer Hours

Qualifications

• Outstanding portfolio of book cover designs required.
• Experience in managing and art directing designers is essential.

Responsibilities

• Design original, market-leading book covers across genres.
• Lead weekly cover meetings and manage direct reports.

Skills

Book Cover Design

Team Management

InDesign

Photoshop

Deadline Management

Tools

InDesign

Photoshop

Job description

Art Director, Fiction (12 month Maternity Cover)

HarperCollins Publishers

Employment Type: Contract, 12-month FTC

Location: Hybrid · London, UK (3+ days in the office)

Seniority: Senior

• Closing: 11:55pm, 11th May 2025 BST

Perks and Benefits

• Work from home option
• Wellness programs
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Mentoring/coaching
• Cycle to work scheme

Candidate Happiness Score

8.66 (29392)

Job Description

About HarperFiction

HarperFiction is one of the UK’s most successful commercial fiction publishers, known for innovative, market-leading campaigns that produce bestsellers. We publish major brands and authors, achieving chart-topping success across various genres.

We seek a talented Art Director to join our dynamic design team across five divisions—HarperFiction, HarperNonFiction, Avon, One More Chapter, and HarperNorth—as maternity cover for 12 months.

The role involves creating high-quality, commercial book covers, managing the design team, and supporting the Creative Director and Studio Manager in daily operations. You will report directly to the Creative Director.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing original, market-leading book covers across genres
• Supporting the Creative Director and Studio Manager in departmental management
• Leading weekly cover meetings
• Managing and mentoring direct reports
• Collaborating with other departments for additional assets and strategies
• Maintaining a portfolio demonstrating confidence across all market areas
• Handling multiple projects proactively and efficiently
• Providing art direction and advice to ensure high-quality outputs

Qualifications and Skills:

• Outstanding portfolio of book cover designs
• Experience managing and art directing designers
• Ability to meet deadlines without compromising quality
• Flexible, proactive attitude
• Calm and professional response to feedback
• Expertise in InDesign and Photoshop

Additional Benefits:

• Hybrid working (3 days in-office)
• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays (option to buy/sell)
• Enhanced leave pay for parental leave
• Private healthcare and life assurance
• Summer Hours, wellbeing programs, and more

We offer extensive training, employee networks, and support programs to foster a diverse and inclusive environment. Applicants are encouraged to submit a one-page PDF portfolio alongside their CV, highlighting key projects and experience.

For inquiries, contact [e-mail] with subject ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the role. Applications must be submitted via our platform; email applications are not accepted.

We value authenticity and integrity in our recruitment process, encouraging responses that genuinely reflect your experience and capabilities.