Senior Production Designer

Sourcebooks is an entrepreneurial publisher focused on bringing authors and books to readers through innovative, data-driven publishing. The Senior Production Designer will convert approved cover designs into accurate full-cover layouts and final print- and digital-ready files, while leading complex production projects, collaborating across teams, mentoring designers, and improving production workflows.

Responsibilities:

• Lead complex book cover production projects from approved design through final print- and digital ready files
• Build full-cover layouts, mechanicals, Advance Reading Copy (ARC) files, reissues, and related production materials
• Prepare and review files for manufacturing. Verify color management, image quality, resolution, typography, and preflight requirements
• Partner with designers and art directors to implement feedback and preserve creative intent. Coordinate with editorial and marketing on approvals and production needs
• Work with manufacturing and vendors to interpret specifications, evaluate production options, and solve technical problems
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining organized files, accurate version control, and consistent quality
• Mentor and train junior production designers and serve as a senior technical resource for the team
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, templates, documentation, file optimization, and cost-effective production solutions

Requirements:

• 8+ years of experience in book production design, print production, prepress, or a comparable production-focused design role
• Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat
• Advanced knowledge of print production and prepress. This includes color management, resolution standards, PDF workflows, mechanicals, printer specifications, and specialty print production
• A portfolio demonstrating relevant book cover production, print production, or comparable technical design work
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and quality control
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize deadlines, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Experience mentoring or training other production professionals
• Strong communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and process-improvement skills
• The location for this position can be hybrid or remote in New York or Naperville, Illinois or remote based in any of the following states: Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin
• This role includes some travel, including occasional meetings at the home office in Naperville, IL
• Book cover production experience is strongly preferred