Project Designer - DK Plus

Do you love creating bold, eye‑catching designs that bring stories to life? Are you inspired by iconic entertainment brands and the challenge of turning a fan‑favourite world into a beautifully illustrated book?

If so, DK Plus is looking for a Project Designer to join our collaborative and supportive team working primarily on our Entertainment list. You will design books for licensors such as Disney, Marvel, Warhammer, Dungeons & Dragons, DC and Star Wars, creating illustrated titles for readers ranging from young adults (7+) to dedicated adult fans. You will also have the opportunity to work on Preschool, Middle grade and Pop Culture projects, giving you the chance to explore a rich variety of styles, audiences and subject matter.

We are looking for a resourceful, versatile designer who can run multiple projects from concept to completion, commission and brief external creatives, liaise with licensors, and work closely with editorial partners. You will combine hands‑on design work with project management, ensuring each title is delivered on time, on budget and to the highest standard.

Your responsibilities:

• Commissioning and briefing freelance designers, illustrators, photographers and other external creatives
• Liaising with licensors to ensure brand guidelines are met and approvals are secured
• Collaborating closely with your editorial partner to shape content, create flatplans and select imagery
• Designing covers, spreads and styling, from templates to final artwork
• Managing budgets, schedules and workflows to ensure projects are delivered on time and to the highest quality

You should have:

• A willingness to learn and contribute fresh ideas for titles
• A good eye for typography and strong layout skills
• Previous publishing experience (essential), ideally with illustrated titles
• Knowledge and experience of InDesign and Adobe Photoshop (advantageous)
• No licensing experience required, but you should be a fan of licensed titles and worlds
• This role is office‑based for at least three days per week. Tuesday and Wednesday are mandatory in‑office days, with your third day ideally between Monday and Thursday

If you are ready to bring your unique creative voice to DK Plus, please submit a portfolio of your best work (PDF format is preferred), your CV and a covering letter explaining why you want to work for DK Plus by midnight on 11th January. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

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: Sunday 11th January 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
• 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. 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.

*Subject to certain criteria being met.