Art Director

A rare opportunity to work for one of the UK’s most loved Magazines and well-known brands. One of the top-selling subscription magazines in the country, Saga Magazine offers reading entertaining, informative and inspiring content covering an eclectic range of topics in a unique, refreshing way.

As Interim Art Director you will be responsible for the visual look and feel of Saga Magazine, The Saga Magazine App and all the associated marketing materials.

You will lead on the day-to-day delivery of art and design for the print magazine and oversee the design of the Saga Magazine app as well as develop and evolve the magazine style as required by the editor, using the best possible contributors to do so.

The role is hands-on, designing exceptional layouts and front covers, finding creative design solutions that surprise and delight the readers.

You will have the ability to confidently communicate the design direction for the magazine to the team as well as constantly assessing the needs and wants of our readers, effectively pitching the design to work for the demo-graphic.

This is an interim role fixed term for initial period of 6 months. This role is offered on a hybrid basis with travel required to our London office once per week.

• Managing the art and picture budget.
• Producing a thoughtfully and creatively designed magazine and its app equivalent.
• Establishing the magazine look and feel and evolving and updating the style guide when required.
• Setting up the online flatplanning system, in order to keep the production process on schedule.
• Establishing the production schedule alongside the chief sub editor.
• Sourcing and commissioning fantastic contributors, including illustrators, stylists and photographers.
• Seeing the production of pages from conception to delivery, including managing amends, communicating with the out-of-house repro team and preparing pages for press.
• Assisting the editor in promoting the magazine both internally within the business and externally within the publishing industry.
• Working with the editor to develop the editorial strategy for the magazine and app.
• Signing off all layouts and design work across the magazine brand.

• An expert in typography, layout, colour and grid structures in print magazines.
• Awareness to the needs of our readership, and ability to contribute creative ideas on delivering our product to them effectively.
• Experience working at Art Director level on a national publication.
• Experience in art directing photoshoots.
• Experience in commissioning illustration.
• Management experience.
• Expert in Adobe creative suite and InDesign.
• Professional understanding of photography and methods.
• Professional understanding of illustration and techniques.
• Proficient in retouching via Photoshop.
• Understanding of online flatplanning software.
• Good understanding of the print process.

Our Saga Values:

• Precision Pace - Always owning and making things happen.
• Empathy – Always aware of others.
• Curiosity – Always asking why.
• Collaboration – Always one team, the Saga team!

Over the past 70 years we have become the UK's specialist provider of products and services to people aged over 50 in the UK. The Saga brand has become one of the most recognised and trusted brands amongst UK consumers in this demographic, recognised for its high quality products and exceptional standards of service. These include cruises and holidays, insurance, personal finance and the Saga Magazine.

At Saga we are committed to treating all employees fairly and to offering equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and advancement. We value diversity not just because it is the right thing to do, but because diverse teams perform better.

Fair consideration is given to applications from all applicants, including those with disabilities and those over who are over 50 as we are champions of age inclusivity. We are an official Disability Confident employer and ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible and we will make reasonable adjustments as required. For more information on our DEI policies please visit our Saga Careers page.

Saga does not accept agency CVs unless specifically engaged on the role by the Talent Acquisition Team. Please do not forward CVs to our recruiters, employees or any other company location. Saga will not be responsible for any fees related to CVs received in this unsolicited manner.

#LI-Hybrid

Everyday our colleagues deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. We believe exceptional work deserves even more exceptional rewards, that's why we have put together an amazing benefits package for all colleagues.

We have an award-winning wellbeing programme, modern family-friendly policies including premature baby leave, enhanced maternity and paternity leave and our unique grandparents’ leave policy.

Benefits available to all colleagues:

• 25 days of paid holiday (with option to purchase more), plus bank holidays that you can use any time of the year and an annual volunteer day on us.
• Free private medical insurance after 1 years' service, including access to a GP, and great levels of income protection and life assurance cover.
• Workplace pension scheme where we match your contributions up to 10%.
• AXA Be Supported.
• A range of reductions and offers from Saga as well as leading retailers, travel groups discounts and entertainment companies.