Creative Services Manager

Creative Services Manager
Simon & Schuster Canada is seeking an experienced, organized, and strategic Creative Services Manager to lead the creative work across the company. This role is responsible for overseeing the organization, development, execution, and delivery of high-quality creative work that supports Simon & Schuster Canada’s publishing program, authors, brands, and business objectives.
The Creative Services Manager will lead a small design team, while managing creative workflows, resource allocation, budget, and cross-functional collaboration. Working closely with the Publisher and President, and the VP Marketing and Communications as well as the Editorial, Marketing, Publicity, Sales, Production, and senior leadership teams, this role ensures creative output is visually compelling, commercially and cost effective, and aligned with Simon & Schuster Canada’s strategic goals.
The ideal candidate is a strong creative leader who combines exceptional visual judgment with operational excellence, team leadership, and a deep understanding of the publishing industry.
Salary Range: $95,000-105,000
Key Responsibilities

Lead and develop the Creative Services team
Oversee the creation and delivery of book covers, marketing materials, digital assets, sales materials, and other creative projects
Commission and art direct illustrators, photographers, and freelance designers when appropriate, while maintaining hands-on involvement in the design process.
Establish creative priorities, allocate resources, and manage department workflows
Partner with Editorial, Marketing, Publicity, Sales, and Production teams to ensure creative work supports publishing objectives
Manage creative project timelines, budgets, and external creative resources
Ensure consistent creative standards and brand excellence across all channels
Evaluate and improve creative processes, systems, and ways of working to increase efficiency and effectiveness
Monitor publishing, design, consumer, and marketplace trends to inform creative strategy
Present creative recommendations and strategic direction to senior leadership
Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, innovation, and accountability

Qualifications

5+ years of publishing, creative, design, or marketing experience
Previous experience leading creative teams and managing complex creative operations
Strong understanding of publishing workflows, book design, marketing creative, and production processes
Proven ability to balance creative excellence with operational execution
Exceptional communication, project management, and stakeholder management skills
Experience managing budgets, vendors, freelancers, and external creative partners
Strong strategic thinking and business acumen
Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, InDesign), familiarity with HTML and Java/Flash and creative production workflows

Preferred Attributes

Deep understanding of the Canadian and international publishing landscape
Strong leadership presence and ability to influence across functions
Passion for books, storytelling, and audience engagement
Collaborative, solutions-oriented, and highly organized
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment