Executive Editor - DK Children's

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.

Benefits:

• 25 days paid holiday entitlement in year one, plus bank holidays.
• Volunteering policy and charity matching.
• Employee assistance programme.
• 70% discount on company books.
• Cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership.
• Flex Fridays (1pm Finish).
• Up to 30 days remote working from abroad (subject to certain criteria being met).

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.