Studio Manager (Graphic Design)

Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 DOE.

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 10.00-18.00.

Reporting to: Head of Cataloguing.

Line Management Responsibility: Two-person Graphic Design Team.

Benefits

21 days' annual leave plus bank holiday, holiday purchase scheme, staff parties, employee assistance programme, 7% employer pension contribution via a salary exchange scheme (subject to the employee making their contribution of 3%), season ticket loan, Cyclescheme, enhanced sick pay, enhanced maternity pay, enhanced paternity leave and pay, virtual GP access, seasonal flu jab voucher.

About us

One of the leading rare book dealers in the world, and the largest antiquarian book dealer in Europe, Peter Harrington has, for over half a century, maintained a stock of thousands of fine books – from rare seventeenth-century Shakespeare folios to highly sought-after contemporary classics such as signed and inscribed first editions of the Harry Potter series.

Our principal specialties include literature, economics, politics, philosophy, travel, navigation, military history, science and medicine, children’s books, and fine library sets.

We have a team of over 70 staff across four sites (including our newly opened New York gallery), with expertise spanning all areas of antiquarian bookselling, as well as operating a gallery and a bindery. We exhibit regularly at several international book and antique fairs, and we are committed to continuing our growth as one of the leaders in our field.

Our business has grown considerably over the last decade, including acquisition of a share of an American bookseller and the purchase of an additional London property, which we are developing to meet our needs.

As we continue to grow, both domestically and internationally, we are seeking a motivated and creative Studio Manager to join our team and support our print and digital design work.

Role overview

We are on the lookout for a Studio Manager with strong project management capabilities to join our in-house team, in a dynamic, collaborative environment. If you have a passion for traditional print design paired with a modern digital mindset, and the ability to manage projects from concept to delivery, we want to hear from you.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a small team, including a junior and senior designer, ensuring tasks are clearly assigned and deadlines are met.

• Create visually compelling catalogue designs that follow brand guidelines and meet client specifications.

• Oversee the design production process from start to finish, including task delegation, managing team workflows, and progress tracking.

• Collaborate with the cataloguing team to proof designs and prepare files for print, ensuring they are print-ready and meet all necessary requirements before being sent to printers.

• Use project management tools (e.g., Monday.com) to keep projects on track, monitor timelines, and anticipate potential issues.

• Work closely with internal teams, external suppliers, and clients to ensure clear communication and smooth project flow.

Essential skills & qualifications

• Degree in Graphic Design (or equivalent) with a solid portfolio showcasing your design and layout skills.

• 5+ years of professional experience as a graphic designer, with a focus on typography, layout, and design for both print and digital formats.

• 1 - 2 years' experience of managing at least one team member.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign. With a good working knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator.

• Excellent understanding of typography, layout, and visual hierarchy in print and digital formats.

• Experience managing multiple projects at once, with the ability to prioritise tasks and maintain deadlines.

• Background in traditional print design, with an understanding of pre-press and print production.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work collaboratively with a team and communicate effectively with clients and suppliers.

• Ability to balance and manage multiple design outputs (print and digital), while effectively reporting to and coordinating with multiple managers or teams.

• Exceptional attention to detail and a methodical approach.

Desirable, but not essential

• Experience working in the luxury or heritage sectors.

• An interest in books, arts, or the rare/collectibles market.

What does the hiring process look like?

• Application review: We aim to respond to all applicants within two weeks. Please note that we do not provide individual feedback at this stage.

• Phone screen: A 10–15 minute conversation with the Head of Cataloguing.

• First interview: In person or via Teams, with our Senior Graphic Designer and the Head of Cataloguing. Typically 30 minutes to 1 hour.

• Task: Candidates will be required to complete a short design task. Full instructions will be provided.

• Second interview: Ideally in person, with a combination of the Senior Graphic Designer, Head of Cataloguing, Operations Director, and/or Editor in Chief.

• Offer stage: A member of the HR team will be in touch within two days of your final meeting with our offer.

If you interview with us but are unsuccessful, a member of the HR team will be in touch within a few days with personalised feedback.

Start Date

As soon as possible, ideally before September 2025.

Equal Opportunities

Peter Harrington is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across our team, and to ensuring a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and ensure fair treatment regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know — we’ll do our best to support you.