Bring your passion for storytelling to a list that’s growing, diversifying and reaching young readers around the world

DK Children’s is looking for an Executive Editor to lead editorial output across our DKflip list, which spans children’s, teen and YA fiction, picture books, gift books and selected non-fiction titles.

This is an exciting role where creative vision meets strong editorial leadership and strategic thinking. You will work with a talented team to shape standout books from acquisition to publication, ensuring the publishing process runs smoothly and efficiently, and each title is produced to the highest standards and positioned for success in the UK and internationally.

Reporting directly to the Trade Strategy Director, you will manage an editorial team, oversee budgets and schedules, and edit a small number of key titles yourself each year. Alongside colleagues in sales, marketing and publicity, you will help create books that inspire, delight and connect with readers.

What you will do

• Lead editorial delivery across the DKflip children’s list, making sure books are published efficiently, on time and to the highest quality

• Edit a small number of important titles each year

• Manage and mentor an in-house editorial team, fostering creativity, collaboration and growth

• Drive projects from submission through to sell-in and beyond

• Refine and implement our new DKflip publishing process, ensuring smooth workflows and clear communication

• Work closely with colleagues in the UK and internationally to position books for success across multiple markets

You must have

• Extensive editorial experience in trade publishing, with proven success in middle grade and teen fiction (YA experience is an advantage)

• Confidence working with authors, agents and junior team members, inspiring others to achieve shared goals

• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities

• A blend of creative flair and commercial understanding

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• A proactive and resilient approach, able to solve problems and keep a positive outlook

At DK Children’s, we know the power of books to spark curiosity, inspire creativity and open worlds for young readers. Working from the office a minimum of 3 days a week, you will be part of a collaborative, ambitious team working on a diverse list that is expanding into exciting new areas.

From shaping standout fiction to growing our picture book and gift lists and developing more narrative non-fiction, you will have the chance to influence the future of our publishing programme. You will also work with authors whose stories resonate internationally, bringing books to life that will be loved for years to come.

If you are a senior editor or already in a similar Executive Editor role and want the opportunity to lead, innovate and publish books that children and teens will treasure, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your most recent CV and a cover letter by midnight on Sunday  28 June. As part of your cover letter, please answer the following questions:

• Your favourite children’s fiction titles published in the UK in the last 12 months, and why they stood out to you

• What you see as the biggest challenges currently facing teen fiction publishing

• (Optional) A brief example of a project you are proud of and the impact it had

• (Optional) One idea for a future children’s or teen fiction title that could have strong appeal in both the UK and international markets

We are eager to see your own unique voice and talent, not the words generated by an AI tool. Please refrain from using AI in this application.

Closing date for applications: 28 June 2026

We have a range of benefits to reflect our commitment to our people, some of which are:

• 25 days paid holiday entitlement in year one, plus bank holidays

• Generous pension scheme

• Volunteering policy and charity matching

• Employee assistance programme

• 70% discount on company books

• Cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership

• Shopping discounts 

• Flex Fridays (1pm Finish*)

• Up to 30 days remote working from abroad*

*Subject to certain criteria being met.

And we plant a tree for every new employee to our business

DK is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the varied communities that read our books across the world. We encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of age, religion, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or social background. DK is proud to announce that we have adopted The Halo Code.

DK is a member of the disability confident scheme. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies.

DK supports flexible working and has introduced a new ‘smart-working’ policy with a hybrid approach of working weekly from home and in DK’s office. This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in our Pimlico office. As this is non-negotiable, please ensure you are within a reasonable commuting distance of London before applying.

The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade, but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews or undertaking internships. For more information, visit www.booktradeentrysupport.org

About our Company: 

We believe in the power of discovery. That's why we create books for everyone that explore ideas and nurture curiosity about the world we live in. From first words to the Big Bang, from the wonders of nature to city adventures, you will find expert knowledge, hours of fun and endless inspiration in the pages of our books. 

We are the world's leading illustrated publisher and a member of the Penguin Random House division of Bertelsmann, creating cutting-edge design and stunning visual books for the whole family. We are passionate about inspiring curiosity and bring people to books through their thirst for knowledge. With a global book loving community of over 800 colleagues in the UK, US, Germany, India, China, Spain and Australia, we produce books in over 100 countries and over 60 languages. Find out more on dk.com.

 Company: Dorling Kindersley Limited | Job ID: 289626