Senior Design Manager at Mukuru

The main purpose of this role is to drive the design strategy and creative direction for the in-house design studio and take responsibility for key projects. The Senior Design Manager reports directly to the Marketing Manager. This position is responsible for driving innovation in design with a focus on internal, digital, and above and below-the-line creative message delivery for key clients. The Senior Design Manager manages the use and implementation of the Corporate Identity. They are also responsible for implementing and monitoring the design strategy for the in-house design team. The Graphic Designer reports directly to this position.

Internal liaison takes place extensively with the marketing team. External liaison takes place with various key clients including other business units, as well as external digital, creative and media agencies.

Duties And Responsibilities (Include But Is Not Limited To)

• Drive design and creative for marketing & communication across various corridors, campaigns and projects
• Document and input the design elements of briefs for internal, digital and below and above the line campaigns
• Conceptualise design work per brief and strategy – big picture thinking
• Deliver world class and innovative campaigns and designs
• Drive consistency, innovation and freshness in design delivery
• Build credibility in design by constantly driving quality and innovation in the delivery of design projects
• Display technical excellence and innovation in design
• Lead and manage design team ensuring project delivery is in line with the brand strategy and client requirements
• Understand the Mukuru business strategy and translate this into design
• Understand and instil commercial mindfulness through designing concepts that work for target market and are cost effective
• Complete and deliver design projects that are on budget, on time and of high quality
• Manage the creation and implementation of CI across the business
• Ensure all updates to CI are effectively communicated to the business
• Ensure all design work adheres to the Mukuru corporate identity
• Ensure compliance of all creative material to the Mukuru corporate identity
• Provide quality control over concepts and projects to ensure brand alignment and consistency
• Manage creative development processes, take responsibility for quality assurance and provide guidance on design delivery across relevant corridors/projects
• Ensure the design team delivers according to the critical timelines
• Reviewing junior/mid-weight designer work
• Guide Mid Weight Designer on new design principles, industry std, etc
• Attend client meetings from briefing to presentation and throughout delivery as and when required
• Ensure compliance with the brief, strategic direction and time allocation and keep client updated on all requirements together with marketing team/ Traffic manager
• Ensure the marketing officers/Marketing Manager reviews key project work for approval prior to being forwarded to the client and prior to presentations
• Manage project prioritization
• Ensure an internal team process is in place
• Anticipate project issues before they arise
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders
• Check and ensure accuracy of all artwork including reviewing copy, layouts for both design and copy considerations
• Ensure proof and production/press checks are reviewed
• Ensure accurate archiving of projects
• Manage own professional and self-development
• Perform general people management function for the design team

Key Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent (Essential)
• 3-year Graphic Design Degree / Diploma qualification (Essential)
• 5-8 years’ experience in design (Essential)
• Experience in packaging design (Essential)
• Experience in executing marketing projects from conception to production (Essential)
• Agency experience (Desirable)
• Interactive Media (Essential)
• Photography (Desirable)
• Design for print, digital, OOH (Essential)
• Animation (Desirable
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency in the Adobe Suite of programs including InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop
• Knowledge of marketing communication media processes
• Knowledge of the Mukuru products
• Knowledge of creative and graphic design principles

Additional Skills

• Design skills
• Brief writing and interpretation skills
• Computer skills
• Verbal & written communication skills
• Presentation skills
• Detail consciousness
• Interpersonal skills
• Multi-tasking skills