Managing Designer- Artworking Team

We are an equal opportunities employer with a flexible approach. Hiring the right team is of paramount importance to us so we work with all employees to ensure they can ‘Work Where they Work Best’. Our hybrid working solution allows us to cater to the different needs of our workforce whilst still providing outstanding service to our customers. Both yours and the business’s needs will be discussed at interview to reach a mutually beneficial working schedule.

To lead the day-to-day delivery of artwork across the Artworking team, ensuring projects are planned, resourced and completed accurately, efficiently and to agreed schedules. The role is responsible for overseeing art workers and studio workflows from design handover through to final production-ready files, ensuring all output is technically accurate, commercially appropriate, consistent and delivered to Curious Universe standards. The Managing Designer will act as a key link between Design, Editorial, Development, Production and Procurement, supporting smooth project delivery and ensuring artwork is created in line with agreed briefs, technical requirements, manufacturing considerations and critical deadlines.

This role requires strong people management, excellent attention to detail, a solid understanding of print and production processes, and the ability to manage a high-volume workload across multiple titles and product ranges. The postholder will support the development of studio processes, maintain best practice across artwork, file management and quality control, and mentor the Artworking team to ensure continued growth, consistency and high performance.

• Lead and manage the Artworking team, overseeing the day-to-day workload, priorities, schedules and performance of art workers.
• Manage the delivery of artwork across multiple titles and projects, ensuring all work is completed accurately, efficiently and in line with agreed critical dates.
• Allocate art workers clearly and effectively to projects, balancing capacity, skillset, deadlines and changing business priorities.
• Oversee the artwork process from design handover through to final production-ready files, ensuring all artwork is technically correct, print-ready and aligned with Curious Universe standards.
• Review, check and approve artwork and print-ready PDFs before files are uploaded or handed over to Production.
• Ensure all files meet agreed specifications, including cutter guides, bleed, pagination, colour settings, fonts, image resolution, licensing requirements and supplier or printer specifications.
• Work closely with Design, Editorial, Development, Procurement and Production teams to ensure smooth collaboration and early resolution of technical, manufacturing or safety considerations.
• Maintain strong quality control across the Artworking team, ensuring artwork is accurate, consistent, error‑free and delivered on time.
• Monitor project schedules closely, flagging risks, late deliveries, capacity issues or quality concerns to the Creative Operations Director.
• Support the Creative Operations Director in developing, refining and embedding studio processes, artwork workflows and best practice.
• Ensure all Artworking team members follow agreed file management, server, naming and archiving procedures.
• Onboard new starters into studio systems, artwork processes, production requirements and internal ways of working.
• Mentor, support and develop art workers, setting clear expectations, development goals and standards of performance.
• Encourage knowledge sharing across the Artworking team, helping to build technical capability, consistency and confidence.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and workflow across artwork and production delivery.
• Maintain a strong understanding of print, production and manufacturing processes, using this knowledge to guide artwork decisions and support problem‑solving.
• Liaise with freelancers, agencies or external artwork support where required, helping to brief, review and manage external contributors.
• Ensure presentation materials, sales assets and supporting production files are accurate, high‑quality…