Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, is dedicated to providing the best in fiction and non-fiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world’s most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Adams Media, Avid Reader Press, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

The Job Profile

We are looking for an Art Director to lead children’s fiction design for Simon & Schuster Children’s Books. Based in London and reporting to the Creative Director, you will develop distinctive, commercially effective design from brief through to print. Working with designers, external contributors, Editorial and the wider publishing teams, you will deliver books, packages and brands that serve our authors and readers.

The Job Role

You will help shape the visual direction of children’s fiction, balancing creative ambition with audience, commercial and production needs. Reviewing manuscripts and briefs, you will guide creative decisions, present recommendations and resolve feedback while maintaining high design standards across formats, editions and campaign assets.

You will commission and direct illustrators, designers and other contributors, negotiating contracts and managing briefs, budgets, schedules, approvals and payments. Working closely with publishing teams, you will oversee delivery and address creative risks to keep projects on time and within budget.

With Editorial and Production, you will prioritise titles and deliver print-ready files to agreed schedules and specifications. You will also maintain organised artwork, files and project information, supply assets to Sales, Marketing and Rights, and support bibliographic updates and general administration.

The Candidate Profile

You will bring substantial experience of designing and art directing illustrated children’s books, preferably fiction covers and interiors, with a portfolio demonstrating strong concept development and finished work. You will have proven experience of commissioning and directing illustrators or other creative contributors, including managing briefs, fees, schedules and feedback. Sound knowledge of print production, pre-press, digital artwork and the technical requirements of book design is essential, alongside strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud and an understanding of the children’s fiction market, age-appropriate design, illustration talent and commercial publishing considerations.

With strong visual judgement, typography and art direction skills, you will be able to explain and defend creative choices clearly. You will confidently manage projects and budgets across multiple deadlines, combining careful attention to detail with a practical approach to solving problems. Your collaborative leadership style, constructive feedback and effective communication will support strong working relationships with colleagues and external partners. A formal design qualification or equivalent professional experience is required.

Salary

Competitive and benefits

Please apply with your CV and cover letter.

Unfortunately, Simon & Schuster UK cannot accept applications from candidates without a legal right to work in the UK or who require visa sponsorship. Right to work checks are carried out on candidates who make it to offer stage.

Simon & Schuster UK is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity and gender expression. At Simon & Schuster UK, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all.

Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster UK role will be employees of Simon & Schuster UK Ltd subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.