About DK
What is DK?
DK is one of the world's leading illustrated reference publishers, creating beautifully designed, photographic and graphic books that make knowledge accessible to readers in 100+ countries and 63 languages. From flagship visual encyclopedias like Smithsonian: Knowledge Encyclopedia and the Eyewitness series, to bestselling children's titles, cookbooks, travel guides, gardening books, and craft references, DK distils complex subjects into clear, visual stories. The company is part of Penguin Random House UK and employees enjoy a 60% staff discount on DK and Penguin Random House UK books, plus invitations to author talks and events.
DK believes in "the power of books to inspire, educate and connect." Inclusion is foundational: the company has adopted the Halo Code, which protects Afro-hairstyles in the workplace, and is a UK Disability Confident Committed employer.
Where will I work?
DK's primary hub is the Vauxhall office in London, where most roles operate on a hybrid pattern of three days per week in the office with flexibility for the rest of the week. Employees can also take advantage of the Work From Abroad scheme — up to 30 days a year working from outside the UK (subject to certain criteria).
What is the DK team like?
DK describes itself as "a global community of creators, thinkers, and doers." The team is built around editorial, design, photography, art direction, production, sales, and rights/licensing functions, plus the operations and support roles that keep a global publisher running. The company supports over 20 colleague-led networks and societies, including ERGs that cover identity, neurodiversity, and special interests. Every new joiner triggers a tree planting via the "New Joiner, New Tree" scheme.
Work-Life Balance
DK builds its benefits "around one simple idea: choice." Annual leave starts at 25 days plus UK bank holidays, rising to 30 with service. You can swap UK public holidays for other days that matter to you, and use the buy-or-sell scheme to trade up to 5 extra days. Flex Fridays bring a 1pm finish on Fridays (subject to criteria) so weekends "deserve a head start." After 5 years of continuous service, you can request a sabbatical. Enhanced Parental Leave is "inclusive and generous for every kind of parent," and Special Leave covers weddings, house moves, and other life milestones.
Perks and Benefits
- 25 days holiday rising to 30 with service plus UK bank holidays; buy or sell up to 5 days; swap public holidays; Flex Fridays = 1pm finish; Work From Abroad up to 30 days/year
- Sabbatical after 5 years' continuous service
- Enhanced Parental Leave — "inclusive and generous for every kind of parent"
- Private Medical Insurance + Healthcare Cashplan + Critical Illness Cover + biennial Health Assessments + 24/7 EAP + Virtual GP + Cancer & HPV home test kits
- Dental Insurance — financial help for check-ups and treatments
- Life Assurance (4x annual salary) + Income Protection (50% salary up to 5 years)
- Pension: You put in 3-5%, we double it
- Childcare Allowance: up to £243/month for under-5s
- 60% off DK + Penguin Random House UK books, 800+ retailer discounts, Tastecard, Coffee Club, Cycle Scheme, Home & Tech Scheme, Art Pass, Specsavers vouchers, GymFlex
- Learning Allowance — grow your skills inside or outside of work; 20+ colleague-led networks & societies
- Two paid Volunteering Days/year; Travel Insurance; New Joiner, New Tree