Design Manager - DK Knowledge 

Do you have a vision of what the future of reference publishing could look like?  DK Knowledge are looking for an inspired and driven creative Design Manager to spearhead the design of our reference list for adults.

As Design Manager, with your Editorial Manager partner you will oversee a team for the whole creative process, transforming initial concepts into stunning commercial products. You will have plenty of experience creating high-quality illustrated books, and be confident to lead and inspire a team of in-house staff, as well as remote staff and freelancers.

You will need to know the end-to-end process of illustrated book creation inside out, and be unfazed by budgeting, scheduling, and problem solving. You will have lots of commissioning experience under your belt, whether that’s illustrations, photography, or briefing and managing freelancers. While you will have some prior experience of overseeing people, this may be your first opportunity for a team-management role.

This role reports to the Art Director for the DK Adult division. We are looking for someone with a creative vision to stretch the team and the list. The subject areas include history, culture and philosophy, business, sports, and the arts.

We will ask you to demonstrate your:

• Initiative, ideas, and creative approach
• Passion for the adult reference book market, and commercial awareness of publishing trends
• Understanding of the process of commissioning and producing content for book publishing
• Understanding of the opportunities of print and digital products
• Project management skills
• Clear communication skills with line reports, freelancers, and with our teams across the globe
• Confidence in sharing your ideas with key stakeholders and senior members of the company

To join us in shaping the future of reference publishing at DK, please apply below by submitting a cover letter, CV and portfolio of your recent relevant design work. Please note, only applications with their Cover letter, CV and portfolio supplied as PDFs will be considered.

Application deadline is Monday 8th April

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
• Cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
• Summer hours
• 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 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

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 

Country: United Kingdom 

State/Region: London 

City: London 

Postal Code: SW11 7BW 

Job ID: 269056