Creative and Conceptual Design Manager- Markham & Relay

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative and Conceptual Design Manager

🔹 Company: TFG Careers

🔹 Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Design

🔹 Date Posted: May 15, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading conceptualization and design of dynamic marketing campaigns across multiple channels
• Driving innovative content creation and ideation to push the brand forward
• Overseeing project management, toolkit organization, and file-sharing processes
• Liaising with internal and external vendors, suppliers, and printers to ensure smooth production workflows
• Providing leadership, mentorship, and creative guidance to junior designers and interns

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strategic thinking, and strong leadership skills to manage and mentor a team while driving innovative marketing campaigns.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the conceptualization and design of dynamic marketing campaigns across multiple channels

✅ Drive innovative, content creation and ideation that pushes the brand forward

✅ Oversee project management, toolkit organization, and file-sharing processes for efficient team delivery

✅ Liaise confidently with internal and external vendors, suppliers, and printers to ensure smooth production workflows

✅ Oversee and facilitate reproduction, printing, proofing, and quality control of all creative outputs

✅ Translate briefs into compelling creative strategies and executions

✅ Ensure all creative aligns with core brand positioning, tone, and visual guidelines

✅ Deliver projects on time, managing production deadlines effectively

✅ Provide leadership, mentorship, and creative guidance to junior designers and interns

✅ Show initiative and take on additional responsibilities in the absence of the Line Manager

✅ Confidently present creative concepts and solutions to external stakeholders and internal team members, clearly articulating ideas and incorporating feedback

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of multitasking, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Diploma in Graphic Design or equivalent

Experience: 5-8 years of experience as a Creative Director or Senior Creative Manager, with a minimum of 5 years in a creative management or leadership role

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in photography, videography, and video editing
• Hands-on experience with photo shoot production and art direction
• Strong organizational, time management, and deadline-driven approach
• Flexibility to multitask while maintaining sharp attention to detail
• Deep understanding of production processes, typography, and design thinking
• Solid knowledge of print and digital content production
• Proficiency in Apple Mac OS and Adobe CC Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Midjourney, ChatGPT, Adobe firefly, KlingAI & Runway)
• Keen eye for communication design, layout, and balanced composition
• Ability to translate creative direction and provide constructive critique
• High creativity, innovation, and ability to elevate design work consistently

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in animation and motion design
• Passion and deep appreciation for streetwear and lifestyle culture

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong portfolio showcasing original work and relevant industry experience will be highly competitive for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a mid-senior level design role in Cape Town, the estimated salary range is R500,000 - R700,000 per annum (ZAR).

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Working in a dynamic, fast-paced retail environment

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Retail (Fashion retailing)

Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Large enterprise)

Founded: TFG was founded in 1924 and has since grown into a diversified portfolio of speciality retail assets across various product categories and consumer segments.

Company Description:

• TFG holds a portfolio of 35 leading retail brands, with over 4600 outlets in 23 countries on five continents
• Offers customers a variety of speciality products including fashion apparel, jewellery, cosmetics, sporting apparel, electronics, homeware, and furniture
• Has the largest speciality fashion and lifestyle retail footprint in South Africa and a growing presence in the UK and Australia
• Launched Bash, a lifestyle e-commerce offering, to create seamless omnichannel experiences for customers

Company Specialties:

• Fashion retailing

Company Website: http://www.tfgcareers.co.za

ASSUMPTION: Working at TFG offers candidates the opportunity to gain experience in a large, established retail company with a diverse portfolio of brands and a strong presence in multiple countries.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Line Manager and oversees junior designers and interns

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with standard office hours and occasional overtime

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a more senior role within the creative department or other departments within TFG
• Expanding skills and knowledge in areas such as animation, motion design, or digital marketing
• Gaining experience working on international campaigns and collaborating with global teams

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a large, established retail company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment with a creative and dynamic team

Office Location(s): 340 Voortrekker Road, Parow East, Cape Town, Western Cape 7500, ZA

Geographic Context:

• Cape Town is the second-largest city in South Africa and is known for its diverse culture, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant arts scene
• The Western Cape is home to a thriving fashion and design industry, with numerous local and international brands
• The office is located in Parow East, a suburb of Cape Town, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities

Work Schedule: Standard office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional overtime required to meet project deadlines

ASSUMPTION: Working in Cape Town offers candidates the opportunity to live and work in a diverse, multicultural city with a vibrant arts scene and a thriving fashion and design industry.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Portfolio review (if applicable)
• Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creativity and innovation
• Leadership and mentoring skills
• Project management and organizational skills
• Attention to detail and quality control
• Alignment with company values and culture

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing original work that demonstrates your creativity, versatility, and ability to meet brand guidelines
• Research TFG and the fashion retail industry to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the company and its market
• Practice presenting your creative concepts and ideas clearly and confidently

ATS Keywords: Creative Direction, Project Management, Content Creation, Photography, Videography, Video Editing, Art Direction, Adobe CC Suite, Design Thinking, Innovation, Time Management, Attention to Detail, Mentorship

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on creativity, innovation, and alignment with company values and culture.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Apple Mac OS
• Adobe CC Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Midjourney, ChatGPT, Adobe firefly, KlingAI & Runway)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• File-sharing platforms (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in the Adobe CC Suite and relevant project management and file-sharing tools is essential for this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Cultivates Innovation
• Drives Engagement
• Manages Complexity
• Strategic Mindset
• Tech Savvy

Work Style:

• Fast-paced, high-energy environment
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Focus on innovation and creativity
• Strong attention to detail and quality control

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a deep appreciation for streetwear and lifestyle culture?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment and thriving under pressure?
• Do you have strong organizational, time management, and deadline-driven skills?
• Are you able to multitask while maintaining sharp attention to detail?
• Do you have a keen eye for communication design, layout, and balanced composition?
• Are you able to translate creative direction and provide constructive critique?
• Do you have high creativity, innovation, and the ability to elevate design work consistently?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with TFG's company values and work style, and who can answer these self-assessment questions affirmatively, will be well-suited to this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team of junior designers and interns, requiring strong leadership and mentoring skills
• Working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with tight deadlines and multiple projects
• Adapting to changes in the retail industry and staying up-to-date with emerging technologies
• Balancing creativity and innovation with brand guidelines and quality control

ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong leadership, adaptability, and a focus on continuous learning and improvement.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other creative management roles in its focus on fashion retail and lifestyle culture
• TFG's large portfolio of brands and international presence offers unique opportunities for growth and exposure
• Career progression may involve moving into a more senior role within the creative department or exploring other departments within TFG

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for growth and exposure within a large, established retail company with a diverse portfolio of brands and an international presence.

📝 Sample Projects

• Conceptualizing and designing a marketing campaign for a new fashion line launch
• Overseeing the production of a photo shoot for a seasonal catalog, including art direction, vendor liaison, and quality control
• Creating a social media content calendar that aligns with brand guidelines and engages target audiences

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, from conceptualization and design to project management and production workflows.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
• How does this role fit into the overall creative department and TFG's broader organizational structure?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to address them?
• How does TFG support the professional growth and development of its employees?
• What are the most rewarding aspects of working in the creative department at TFG?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the company and its culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through http://www.tfgcareers.co.za
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing original work that demonstrates your creativity, versatility, and ability to meet brand guidelines
• Research TFG and the fashion retail industry to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the company and its market
• Practice presenting your creative concepts and ideas clearly and confidently
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.