Location
London, Pimlico office (Hybrid role requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in the office. The Custom Publishing team is required in the office on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with the remaining day flexible. Applicants must be within reasonable commuting distance of London.)

Hours
Full Time, flexible working with a hybrid smart-working policy. Flex Fridays with 1pm finish. Up to 30 days remote working from abroad subject to criteria.

Salary
£38,000 depending on experience, plus bonus and benefits

About the Role
DK Living are seeking an agile, inventive Project Designer to join the Custom Publishing team to create bespoke editions of adult reference titles. This role involves working alongside a Senior Designer to lead all design aspects of custom projects for the Knowledge, Life, and Travel teams. Projects move quickly, requiring flexibility and the ability to manage multiple projects at various production stages.

Key responsibilities include generating and pitching ideas for new custom projects tailored to clients in the UK, US, and global markets, focusing primarily on book cover design but also including full book products and deluxe packages. You will manage projects from concept sketches through to high-quality printed products, ensuring timely delivery within budget.

The role involves close collaboration with colleagues across sales, production, editorial, design, and external partners such as imprimaturs, clients, authors, printers, and freelancers. You will explore new print techniques, finishes, design trends, and premium packaging developments to continually bring fresh ideas.

This position offers the opportunity to work on bespoke projects spanning diverse topics such as science, nature, history, art, and philosophy, collaborating with leading editors, designers, and sales professionals while helping clients create customised book products that resonate with their audiences.

Experience
Sound design experience with expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Proven ability to manage multiple projects of varying complexity in a fast-paced environment.

About you
Creative flair combined with a practical, problem-solving mindset. Flexible and adaptable with excellent attention to detail. Strong project management skills including monitoring budgets and schedules to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate with UK, US, and Delhi teams and to present bold concepts to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications
Not explicitly stated, but a strong portfolio demonstrating original design work is required. AI-generated images are not accepted. A cover letter explaining your fit for the role and answering the question: Do you have a favourite DK book cover and why? is also required.

Additional Information
DK is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all backgrounds. The company supports flexible working and offers a range of benefits including 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, generous pension scheme, volunteering and charity matching, employee assistance programme, 70% discount on company books, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym membership, shopping discounts, and a tree planted for every new employee.

The Book Trade Charity offers financial support for those entering the book trade who may struggle with interview or internship costs.