Design Manager

Who We Are
Sourcebooks is a fast-growing, entrepreneurial publishing company on a mission to change lives through books. As an industry leader in author-driven, data-informed publishing, we are passionate about putting authors and readers first. Our collaborative, fast-paced team thrives on innovation, agility, and bringing high-quality books to market. If you’re excited about the future of publishing and love working in a dynamic, creative environment, Sourcebooks is the place for you!

This position can be hybrid in Naperville, IL or New York City, or fully remote in the following states ONLY: AZ, CT, IL, LA, MA, MD, MN, NJ, NY, NV, OR, PA, TN, TX, WA, and WI.

The salary range provided is for the position is $75,000 - $90,000 for the Chicagoland area.  We determine starting pay based on a thorough evaluation of job-related factors, including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education. This process ensures a fair and competitive salary that aligns with both the company and the candidate’s qualifications.

What You’ll Do
As Design Manager, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the full cover production process, ensuring flawless execution, efficiency, and high design standards. You’ll lead and mentor a talented team including designers and art buyers, optimizing workflows and collaborating across departments to bring market-competitive, visually compelling covers to life. 

This role requires a growth mindset and deep collaboration and is perfect for someone who loves balancing creativity with operational efficiency and cost management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor an internal design team, fostering growth, innovation, and creative excellence.
• Take ownership of the cover production process, ensuring files are delivered error-free, on time, and optimized for manufacturing.
• Be deeply collaborative, working across departments—including Art Directors, Creative Directors, Editorial, Marketing, Manufacturing and Production—to ensure design consistency and efficiency.
• Manage art licensing and contract management, overseeing freelance resources and art vendors as needed, providing clear direction and feedback.
• Maintain structured workflows, ensuring agility in shifting priorities and schedules.
• Check the/for data, tracking efficiency, error rates, and cost-effectiveness to drive workflow improvements.
• Optimize cover production processes to balance creativity, brand consistency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure that all author and agent feedback is incorporated while maintaining production efficiency.
• Oversee quality control measures, conducting final reviews and approving proofs before printing.
• Stay curious and engaged, keeping up with design trends, typography innovations, and new printing technologies.

What You Bring

• 8+ years of experience in book and/or graphic design, with proven leadership skills. Management experience preferred but not required.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and strong understanding of file setup for print production processes including advanced printing specs.
• Exceptional project management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong understanding of brand consistency, consumer engagement, and market trends.
• Ability to be deeply collaborative, working across departments to execute seamless design-to-production workflows.
• A growth mindset, always learning and staying ahead of design and technology innovations.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, salary requirements and portfolio along with a cover letter detailing your experience and interest in this role. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, & generous paid time off.

Sourcebooks values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
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