Managing Designer – Caterpillar Books

Job Description:
To ensure the smooth running of the design department and provide design direction and support for the Caterpillar Books, Little Tiger Kids and 360 Degrees lists.
 

Main tasks:

 • To manage the workflow within the department to ensure that books are delivered on budget and to deadline.

 • To find and develop illustrators suitable for the lists.

 • To work closely with the production department.

 • To design books and other related material.

 • To keep abreast of publishing trends.

 • To work closely with the creative team to initiate and develop new concepts.
 

To manage the workflow within the design department:

 • Plan in consultation with the Editorial Director how the design work will be allocated within the department and identify projects to be freelanced.

 • Manage design schedules and keep design department and illustrators working to agreed deadlines.

 • Hold regular meetings with the design team to manage their workload and to oversee their progress, providing guidance where necessary.

 • Negotiate fees for illustrators and freelance design jobs in consultation with the Editorial Director.

 • Liaise with illustrators on a regular basis to check that schedules are being met.

 • Oversee all freelance work for the department and act as a point of contact for queries.

 • Develop contacts with freelance designers.
 

To find and develop illustrators suitable for the lists:

 • Build good relationships with agents.

 • Develop strong relationships with tutors of key illustration and design degree courses and attend degree shows.

 • Source and develop new and existing illustrators, giving art direction to help them achieve their potential.

 • Work at attracting existing high profile illustrators to the lists.
 

 To work closely with the production department:

 • Liaise with production with regards to specifications, finishes, extents and formats of our books and keep them updated of any changes.

 • Liaise with production with regard to any printing related issues.

 • Be aware of project costs.
 

To design books and other book-related material:

 • Work with Editorial team to produce the strongest packages possible.

 • Commission and work with illustrators to direct and support them from conception to completion.

 • Produce innovative designs, developed with specific knowledge of the target audience.

 • Manage and oversee the workflow of sales and marketing material.
 

To keep abreast of publishing trends:

 • Build market awareness and an appreciation of the place of each list within the children’s book market.

 • Recognise successful existing books, up-and-coming illustrators, growing trends and changes in the market.
 

 To work with the creative team to initiate and develop new concepts:

 • Attend brainstorming meetings to come up with publishing ideas, series concepts and new formats.

 • Research the market and present ideas for developing the lists.
 

Please send your CV, together with your covering letter to phegarty@caterpillarbooks.co.uk
 

Closing Date: 10th June 2017