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
