Designer - DK Children's

Are you looking to make your mark in the world of book publishing? Join DK’s creative team in Central London, where your creativity can help shape the next generation of children’s books!

As the world’s leading illustrated non-fiction publisher, we’re on the lookout for a passionate and imaginative Designer to join our lively Children’s team. This role is perfect for someone who loves variety and is eager to take on new challenges while helping us create books that inspire and delight young readers.

As a Designer, you’ll work closely with our Managing Art Editor or Senior Designer, contributing to a range of projects that bring stories to life. You’ll be involved in everything from commissioning illustrations and crafting eye-catching sales materials to designing stunning book covers and spreads. Collaboration is key, so you’ll partner with editors to ensure we meet our creative goals while keeping an eye on schedules and budgets. You’ll also have the opportunity to research the latest design trends, source assets, and help create new photographic and illustrative content that makes DK books unique.

In this role, you will take on a variety of exciting projects, from smaller book designs to collaborating on larger, more complex titles under the guidance of a senior designer. We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic and fully engaged in every task, demonstrating a sense of ownership in their work. A strong grasp of technology is essential, as you'll need to embrace our processes and stay updated on new systems.

We’re seeking a quick learner who is organised and calm under pressure. A confident communicator who enjoys teamwork and is eager to contribute to all aspects of the design process will thrive here. It’s important to have a good mix of artistic talent and analytical thinking, alongside strong time management skills. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud—especially InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator—is highly desirable.

At DK, you’ll be part of a friendly and collaborative environment where your ideas can make a real difference. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills and work on exciting projects within a company that values innovation and quality. This role is office-based for a minimum of three days a week, as part of our hybrid working approach.

If you’re excited to bring your design skills to DK and help create exceptional books for children, we want to hear from you! To apply, please send us your portfolio, your most recent CV, and a cover letter. Note that we will only consider applications that include a PDF of your design portfolio showcasing relevant work. We would like to see your original work and cannot accept AI generated images as part of your portfolio.

In your cover letter, please share:

• A DK book you’ve enjoyed and what you loved about it
• What excites you about the opportunity to work at DK
• Your goals for a career in book publishing

Salary: starting at £31,000 depending on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.

Closing date for applications: 5th January 2025

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
• 60% discount on company books
• Cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
• Flex Fridays (1pm Finish*)
• Shopping discounts
• Up to 30 days remote working from abroad

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.

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

*Subject to certain criteria being met.