Senior Designer, WHO HQ, Penguin Young Readers (Open to Remote)

Penguin Workshop, an imprint in the Penguin Young Readers division of Penguin Random House, is seeking a Designer for the #1 New York Times best-selling Who HQ series. You will help build on our previous successes in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.

 

The Who HQ non-fiction series includes Who Was?, What Was?, Where Is?, What Is the Story Of?, What Do We Know About?, and Who HQ Now. Each book has a signature bobblehead cover and 80 B&W interior illustrations. The list includes approximately 30-40 new titles per year plus the occasional boxed set and activity book. To learn more about the brand visit www.whowasbookseries.com. (Please note the board books, picture books, and graphic novels are done by a separate design team.)

 

In this exciting role you will be the lead Designer responsible for hands-on design and all aspects of book production, from concept to file release, for the mainline WHO HQ book publishing program as outlined above. You will work closely with the Associate Publisher, Designers, and Editorial, and freelancers. You will have the chance to shine as you bring your unique perspective to covers and interior art for even our most thought-provoking topics. You will work directly with top artists to bring covers and interiors to life while maintaining strict brand guidelines and deadlines. You will be part of a team that genuinely cares about getting quality non-fiction into the hands of young readers.

 

Specific responsibilities include:

• Art directing and designing covers and interiors for approximately 30-40 new titles per year.
• Working directly with the Associate Publisher, designers, and editorial staff.
• Hiring and art directing illustrators.
• Effectively communicating art direction to artists.
• Working with off-site freelancers on interior layouts.
• Strict adherence to the brand guide and templates.
• Creating, maintaining, and strictly adhering to schedules.
• Trafficking materials for approval with multiple stakeholders.
• Preparing press ready files and approving proofs.
• Remaining current on illustration, design, and publishing trends.

 

Please apply if you meet the following qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in a design capacity in publishing; children’s publishing strongly preferred
• A portfolio that highlights an understanding of illustration, book making, and typography skills
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with strict timelines is a must
• Advanced knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to rough sketch complex cover compositions
• Knowledge of pre-press, four-color, 2-color, and specialty printing processes a plus

 

The salary for this position is $73,500.  All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to Company results. 

Please apply using our ATS system by June 25, 2026, and include your resume and cover letter for consideration. Before applying for any role at Penguin Random House, we recommend you review our applicant resources page and look over our hybrid and open-to-remote guidelines on our FAQs page.