Image Retoucher (Northern Suburbs (Cape) at PEP

Description

• Responsible for supporting the post-production and retouching function by delivering high-quality, customer-facing  imagery for our website, social media platforms, marketplaces and other digital channels. The Image Retoucher will  work on high-volume product and on-model imagery, with a strong focus on accurate deep etching, image clean-up,  colour correction and consistent finishing. The role reports to the Senior Image Retoucher and works closely with  the wider studio and production teams to ensure visual assets meet brand standards, quality expectations and  production deadlines. 

Requirements
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

E-commerce Image Retouching: 

• Retouch and finish high-volume e-commerce product and on-model imagery under the guidance of  the Senior Image Retoucher. 
• Perform accurate deep etching and clipping paths for a wide range of products, including  Homeware, garments, footwear, accessories and other merchandise. 
• Execute image clean-up, colour correction, cropping, resizing, background removal and final image  preparation. 
• Ensure product imagery is colour accurate, commercially appealing and aligned with brand  standards. 
• Optimise images for web and other digital channels. 
• Maintain consistency across all retouched imagery by following established retouching standards  and quality control procedures. 

Image Quality and Post-production: 

• Conduct quality checks on own work before submitting images to the Senior Image Retoucher for  review and sign-off. 
• Apply feedback and corrections accurately and within required turnaround times. 
• Assist with basic compositing and image manipulation where required. 
• Support the preparation and finishing of creative assets as required by the studio. 
• Maintain high standards for composition, colour, exposure, product accuracy and image consistency

 Workflow, Systems & Operations: 

• Work efficiently within large-volume retouching workflows while maintaining quality and turnaround  times. 
• Adhere to file management, server structures, naming conventions, version control and archive  procedures. 
• Record production output accurately within job and time management systems. 
• Use approved retouching tools, automation and AI-assisted processes where appropriate and in line  with studio standards. 
• Assist in maintaining image libraries and digital asset management systems. 

Reporting & Team Support: 

• Report directly to the Senior Image Retoucher and work according to agreed priorities, quality standards and production deadlines. 
• Seek guidance from the Senior Image Retoucher on complex retouching requirements and apply  feedback to continuously improve technical skills. 
• Follow brand guidelines, studio processes and established quality control standards consistently.
• Participate in training, coaching and skills development opportunities provided by the Senior Image  Retoucher and studio team. 
• Collaborate with photographers, stylists, sample administrators, the Production Manager and other  studio team members to support seamless production workflows. 

Studio Culture & Collaboration 

• Participate in regular studio meetings, creative reviews and workflow planning sessions. Build strong working relationships with photographers, stylists and production teams. 
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative and solution-focused studio culture. 
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the studio and post-production team. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES 

• Relevant tertiary qualification (Diploma/Degree) in Graphic Design, Photography, Visual Arts, Multimedia, or  a related field will be advantageous. 
• At least 3 years' relevant experience in image retouching, preferably within a high-volume e-commerce,  retail or studio environment. 
• Practical knowledge of product photography and an understanding of how lighting, angles, colour, texture  and product presentation affect the final retouched image. 
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Photoshop. 
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud; experience with Capture One and Lightroom will be  advantageous. 
• Demonstrated experience in deep etching, clipping paths and accurate background removal is essential. 
• Good colour correction and colour management skills for digital applications. 
• Good understanding of composition, cropping, image clean-up, enhancement and image optimisation. 
• Experience with basic compositing and image manipulation will be advantageous. 
• Ability to work accurately within high-volume workflows and follow established file management and quality  control processes. 
• Exposure to AI-assisted retouching, automation tools or image upscaling will be advantageous. 
• Understanding of fashion styling, garment presentation and e-commerce product photography will be  advantageous. 
• Good organisational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality work. 
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict production deadlines. 
• Willingness to work overtime and weekends during peak production periods when required. 
• Understanding of legislation about copyright and plagiarism will be advantageous.