Job Description
SVP / President, DK US (Hybrid)

DK is a global publisher of internationally bestselling authors and illustrators across fiction, non-fiction, adult and children’s publishing. We have been pioneering ways to bring knowledge and adventure to people around the world for over 50 years.

We believe in the power of discovery. That’s why we publish and create books that explore ideas and nurture curiosity about the world we live in. With over 5 decades of publishing experience, and selling to every corner of the globe in over 63 languages, DK is truly global and part of Penguin Random House, the world’s largest book publisher.  

We have teams in London, New York, Indianapolis, Delhi, Melbourne, Munich, Madrid, Beijing, and Jiangmen. 

We’re on a mission to create readers and engage curious minds across the world, and we’re looking for an SVP / President to join our US team who will report into the CEO.

As the SVP / President for DK US, you will lead the strategic and operational management of DK’s largest global market. Based in New York, you will oversee a multidisciplinary team of 50 employees across Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Editorial. Your primary mission is to ensure sustainable, profitable growth through the creation and execution of a bespoke US growth strategy. This is a high-impact leadership role requiring a collaborative approach to navigate DK’s matrix organization, working closely with the London headquarters, UK creative teams, and Penguin Random House (PRH) US.

 

Specific responsibilities include:

 

  • Strategic Growth: Design and implement a robust US-specific growth strategy focused on profitable, organic expansion.
  • Operational Excellence: Build and refine efficient structures, processes, and systems to increase the overall profitability and agility of the US business unit.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster deep strategic networks between the US team, the London head office, and external partners including major retailers to ensure we are publishing in a relevant and timely way for the US market.
  • Portfolio Innovation: In addition to ensuring the global list is published with excellence,  working with the UK adult publishing head, supports the continued development and marketing of an innovative, profitable, US based publishing list.
  • Leadership & Vision: Articulate a clear vision for DK US and empower the local team to perform independently while remaining aligned with global brand standards.

 

Please apply if you meet the following qualifications

  • Strategic & Conceptual Thinking: Proven experience in shaping organizational strategy and transforming business models for high performance.
  • Publishing Expertise: Deep knowledge of the book publishing industry, including a strong established network of industry and retail relationships.
  • Business Management: Extensive experience in commercial management (P&L responsibility) with the ability to manage the business through relevant KPIs.
  • Matrix Navigation: Ability to work effectively within an empowered corporate structure, promoting flexibility and synergies across different geographical boundaries.
  • B2C Marketing Savvy: Experience in the direct or indirect marketing of content and services to defined consumer target groups.
  • Entrepreneurial Drive & Grit: Demonstrates "entrepreneurial charisma," determination, and the stamina to move from abstract strategy to concrete implementation.
  • Inspirational Leadership: A "primus inter pares" leader who brings energy and passion, creating a team spirit of excitement and positive motivation.
  • Emotional Intelligence (EQ): High level of empathy, paired with personal integrity and a "low ego" approach.
  • Effective Influencing: The ability to inspire cross-functional teams and align diverse stakeholders toward a common objective.
  • Decision-Making & Agility: Strong execution skills with the courage to drive change and the flexibility to revise opinions based on new data or stakeholder feedback.

 

The Penguin Random House national headquarters is located in New York City. This is a hybrid position, requiring at least 2 days per week at our 1745 Broadway location.

 

The salary range for this position is $215,000- $250,000. All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to Company results.     

 

Applications for this role will be accepted through April 14th or until the role is filled. We encourage you to apply early, as we review applications on a rolling basis. Please include your resume and cover letter for consideration. Before applying for any role at Penguin Random House, we recommend you review our applicant resources page and our FAQs page.

 

Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.


Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off.


Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our vibrant and diverse international community of nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints include Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Clarkson Potter, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Little Golden Books, Knopf, Modern Library, Pantheon, Penguin Books, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House Audio, Penguin Young Readers, Portfolio, Puffin, Putnam, Random House, Random House Children's Books, Riverhead, Ten Speed Press, Viking, and Vintage, among others. More information can be found at http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/.

Penguin Random House values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

 

 

Company: Penguin Random House LLC | Job ID: 288600