Job Description

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an experienced graphic design professional to join our collaborative and vibrant Content Operations team as a Design Controller. Supporting a fast-paced and diversified Academic publishing programme within Content Operations, this position oversees and supports internal and external cover design teams, placing and tracking cover design work with supplier vendors and freelancers according to agreed process, targets, and standards. The design controller team ensures that book covers of appropriate quality are generated on schedule and according to budget requirements.



Key responsibilities in this role will include:


Oversee the work of third-party supplier cover designers. Evaluate supplier-provided work against OUP design standards and guidelines. Manage design work outsourced to freelancers, including covers, templates, and guidance documents. Report on supplier performance and adherence to standards, to manage improvements and meet KPI targets. Serve as main contact for supplier queries related to cover design processes. Support and advise third-party supplier project managers on the analysis and resolution of manifold issues. Maintain a positive and effective relationship with all suppliers and support their growth via constructive and actionable feedback. Develop and maintain clear, effective, open, and professional communication with key stakeholders to collaborate effectively on product development and projects. Support supplier designers in communicating with key stakeholders. Integrate into design controller team and collaborate on departmental goals and internal projects. Follow and suggest improvements to established processes.

Please refer to the enclosed job description for the detailed key accountabilities in this role. Please note the position holder will not be expected to carry out hands-on design work in this role.



We operate a hybrid working policy that requires a minimum of 2 days per week in the Oxford office.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:



Essential:


Graphic design experience, ideally within a publishing environment Good knowledge of design software on Mac, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator Excellent prioritization and organization skills, including ability to manage a busy workload with strict and often conflicting deadlines in a fast-paced project management environment Ability to empathise, support, and collaborate with others on problem resolution Flexibility, creativity, and initiative in problem solving, along with an ability to identify the root cause and facilitate path to success Ability to build relationships with vendors and provide constructive criticism with tact Precision in written and verbal communication along with good attention to detail

Desirable:


Experience in overseeing and working alongside third-party suppliers and freelancers Good experience and understanding of print and digital production processes and workflow Good IT skills, including standard Microsoft Office package, and ability to learn new technologies

BENEFITS

We care about work/life balance here at OUP. With this in mind we offer 25 days' holiday that rises with service, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure (3-days) and a 35-hour working week. We are open to discussing flexibility in respect to working patterns, dependent on role. We also have a great variety of active employee networks and societies.



We help make your money go further by contributing to your pension up to 12%, offering loans and savings schemes through our partnership with Salary Finance, in addition to travel to work schemes and access to a wide range of local discounts.



Please see our Rewards and Recognition page for more information.

QUERIES

Please contact cynthia.yue@oup.com with any queries relating to this role.



Please note this advert may be removed before the advertised end date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

We are committed to supporting diversity in our workforce, and ensuring an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive. We seek to employ a workforce representative of the markets that we serve and encourage applications from all.



Division:Technology and Operations
Department:Publishing and Content Operations
Closing Date:30 April 2025
Salary:In the region of 30,000 dependent on skills and experience
Location:OUP UK - Oxford
Postcode:OX2 6DP
Full Time / Part Time:Full Time
Ref:4645