Publishing Department. The successful candidates will be responsible for designing high-quality educational books and
other publishing materials in line with company standards and established design guidelines. Our ideal candidates
should have strong book design and page-layout skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple
projects while meeting strict production deadlines.
Job Summary
- Employer: secondarybookpress
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Graphic Design
- Closing Date: 2026-09-13
Key Responsibilities
- Develop creative designs and page layouts for a variety of book projects.
- Design and typeset books in line with company requirements and the established in-house design style guide.
- Interpret design briefs and translate them into appropriate visual concepts and layouts.
- Prepare page layouts, graphics, artwork and other design elements for publication.
- Source, create and appropriately place illustrations, photographs, diagrams and other visual elements.
- Make design corrections and amendments based on feedback from editors and supervisors.
- Ensure consistency in typography, spacing, colours, illustrations and overall book presentation.
- Prepare print-ready files and ensure that designs meet required quality and production standards.
- Manage multiple book design projects while meeting agreed deadlines.
- Work collaboratively with editors, illustrators and other members of the Publishing Department.
Requirements
- Hold a relevant Diploma or Degree in Graphic Design, Fine Art, Visual Communication, Multimedia Design or an
equivalent qualification from a recognised institution. - Be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Have practical experience in graphic design, preferably book design, typesetting and page layout.
- Demonstrate creativity, strong visual judgement and excellent attention to detail.
- Have a good understanding of typography, colour, composition and print-production requirements.
- Be able to multi-task, manage multiple projects and meet strict deadlines.
- Possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Be able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a publishing team.
- Own a personal computer with the relevant design software.
- Experience in educational publishing is an added advantage.
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for this design role?
A Diploma or Degree in Graphic Design or Visual Arts from a recognized Zimbabwean institution is usually preferred. Employers also highly value a strong professional portfolio demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities for a designer in this field?
You will likely focus on creating layouts for educational materials, designing book covers, and preparing print-ready files. Collaboration with editors and authors to ensure visual accuracy is also a key part of the routine.
What can I expect regarding the local work culture and expectations in Zimbabwe?
Professionalism and the ability to meet strict printing deadlines are highly valued in the local publishing industry. You will be expected to be adaptable and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
What are the typical benefits and growth paths for designers in this sector?
Standard benefits often include paid annual leave and contributions toward a pension fund or medical aid. Career progression typically leads toward Senior Designer or Art Director roles as you gain experience.
How should I apply, and what do Zimbabwean employers look for in a candidate?
Submit a tailored CV along with a digital portfolio showcasing your best layout and typography work. Employers look for candidates who understand local printing constraints and possess a keen eye for detail.
