Creative and Design Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative and Design Manager

🔹 Company: TFG Careers

🔹 Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Retail, Fashion

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-06-24

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the 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 for efficient team delivery
• Liaising with internal and external vendors, suppliers, and printers to ensure smooth production workflows
• Overseeing and facilitating reproduction, printing, proofing, and quality control of all creative outputs
• Translating briefs into compelling creative strategies and executions
• Ensuring all creative aligns with core brand positioning, tone, and visual guidelines
• Delivering projects on time, managing production deadlines effectively
• Providing leadership, mentorship, and creative guidance to junior designers and interns
• Showing initiative and taking on additional responsibilities in the absence of the Line Manager
• Confidently presenting creative concepts and solutions to external stakeholders and internal team members

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strategic thinking, and strong leadership skills to manage and mentor a team while delivering high-quality creative outputs on time.

📋 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: The role involves a mix of creative, strategic, and management responsibilities, requiring strong multitasking skills and the ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a relevant Diploma in Graphic Design or equivalent

Experience: A minimum of 5 - 8 years' experience as a Creative Director or Senior Creative Manager, with at least 5 years in a Creative Management or leadership role

Required Skills:

• Essential experience and knowledge of photography, videography, and video editing
• Hands-on experience with photo shoot production & art direction
• 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

ASSUMPTION: Given the role's focus on creative leadership and management, candidates should have a strong portfolio showcasing original work and be able to demonstrate their ability to lead a team and drive innovative campaigns.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role in South Africa typically falls between ZAR 500,000 and ZAR 700,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on market research and industry standards for similar roles in the region.

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Working in a dynamic and creative environment

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours, Monday to Friday, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet project deadlines

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the company's internal salary structure.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: TFG Careers operates in the retail industry, specifically in fashion retailing, with a diverse portfolio of speciality retail assets across various product categories and consumer segments.

Company Size: TFG Careers is a large organization with over 10,000 employees globally, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: TFG Careers was founded in 1930 and has since grown into a global retail group with a presence in 23 countries across five continents.

Company Description:

• TFG holds a diversified portfolio of speciality retail assets across various product categories and consumer segments
• The Group has a portfolio of 35 leading retail brands, with over 4600 outlets in 23 countries on five continents
• TFG has the largest speciality fashion and lifestyle retail footprint in South Africa and a growing presence in the UK and Australia

Company Specialties:

• Fashion retailing

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

ASSUMPTION: TFG Careers offers a dynamic and creative work environment, with opportunities for professional growth and development within a large, established organization.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a high level of experience and expertise in creative management and design.

Reporting Structure: The Creative and Design Manager will report directly to the Head of Creative and will oversee a team of junior designers and interns.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with standard office hours Monday to Friday. However, flexibility is required to work additional hours as needed to meet project deadlines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a leadership role within the creative department or the wider organization
• Opportunities to work on diverse and high-profile marketing campaigns
• Chance to mentor and develop junior team members, contributing to the overall growth of the creative team

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within a large, established organization, with the potential to make a significant impact on the creative direction of the company's brands.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The office is a modern, creative workspace with a collaborative and dynamic environment.

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

Geographic Context:

• Cape Town is a vibrant and multicultural city, known for its natural beauty, diverse food scene, and rich history
• The Western Cape is a popular tourist destination, with a mild Mediterranean climate and numerous outdoor activities
• The office is located in the Parow East area, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities

Work Schedule: Full-time position with standard office hours, Monday to Friday, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet project deadlines

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is fast-paced, creative, and collaborative, with a strong focus on teamwork and innovation.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager
• Portfolio presentation and creative challenge
• Final interview with the Head of Creative

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creativity and innovation
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Leadership and management skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant software

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your original work, with a focus on creative direction, campaign development, and team leadership
• Research the company and its brands to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its creative vision
• Practice presenting your creative concepts and ideas clearly and confidently

ATS Keywords: Creative Direction, Project Management, Content Creation, Photography, Videography, Video Editing, Art Direction, Animation, Motion Design, Digital Content Production, Social Media, Design Thinking, Adobe CC Suite, Communication Design, Quality Control, Mentorship, Brand Guidelines, Campaign Development, Team Leadership

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, with a strong focus on creativity, strategic thinking, and leadership skills. Applicants should be prepared to present a strong portfolio and demonstrate their ability to lead a team and drive innovative campaigns.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects)
• Midjourney, ChatGPT, Adobe firefly, KlingAI & Runway
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Design thinking tools (e.g., Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant software is essential for this role, as is a strong understanding of design thinking principles and project management tools.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Cultivates Innovation - creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success
• Drives Engagement - inspires, motivates and empowers individuals to go above and beyond for the benefit of the team and the organization
• Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organizational problems
• Strategic Mindset - thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organization
• Tech Savvy - leverages new technology to enhance productivity, improve problem solving, and support business growth

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Results-driven and deadline-focused
• Innovative and creative

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy environment?
• Are you able to multitask and maintain sharp attention to detail under pressure?
• Do you have a deep understanding of production processes, typography, and design thinking?
• Are you comfortable working with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internally and externally?
• Do you have a strong grasp of digital principles and content creation for social media platforms?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and be able to thrive under pressure while maintaining a strong attention to detail. They should also have a deep understanding of production processes, typography, and design thinking, as well as a strong grasp of digital principles and content creation for social media platforms.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role requires managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, which can be challenging and stressful at times
• Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internally and externally, can present communication and collaboration challenges
• The role may require working additional hours to meet project deadlines, which can impact work-life balance
• The retail industry can be highly competitive and fast-paced, with constant changes and new challenges

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively, work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders, and be flexible to work additional hours as needed. They should also be comfortable working in a fast-paced, competitive environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Senior Creative Manager or Creative Director position in a retail or fashion industry setting
• However, this role places a stronger emphasis on project management, team leadership, and strategic thinking than some similar roles
• Career progression in this role could lead to a Head of Creative or similar leadership position within the organization

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should compare this role to similar senior-level creative management positions in the retail or fashion industry, paying particular attention to the emphasis on project management, team leadership, and strategic thinking.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing campaign for a new product launch, including concept development, creative direction, and project management
• Leading a team to create a series of engaging social media content that aligns with brand guidelines and drives user engagement
• Managing the production of a high-quality brand guidelines document, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all creative outputs

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to present examples of their work that demonstrate their ability to lead a team, develop and execute marketing campaigns, and manage production processes effectively.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the creative vision and direction for the company's brands, and how this role fits into that vision?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does the creative department collaborate with other departments, such as marketing, merchandising, and e-commerce?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the creative department and the wider organization?
• How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful and insightful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role and the organization, and their eagerness to contribute to its success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the application portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your original work, with a focus on creative direction, campaign development, and team leadership
• Research the company and its brands to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its creative vision
• Practice presenting your creative concepts and ideas clearly and confidently
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role

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