Lead: Design

Lead the idea. Build the thing. Own both.

We're not looking for someone who hands off a concept and calls it done. We need a designer who can set the creative direction, take it through approval and then lead a team to bring it to life across every asset, every channel, every deadline. 

This is a hands-on leadership role inside a studio of 60-plus people that moves at agency speed. You'll design and develop concepts in a visual language consistent with our brand, and create conceptual positioning, design and campaign elements for existing and new products. 

If you've spent your career in agencies delivering real work under real pressure, this will feel familiar, just bigger 

What you'll do

• Lead the creative execution of projects, overseeing design delivery and maintaining quality, consistency, and alignment with business objectives. 
• Work independently on smaller projects and lead a team of 4-6 creatives on larger ones 
• Co-lead and coordinate the delivery of exceptional ATL and BTL digital campaign elements in collaboration with the Copy Lead 
• Develop the creative concept, get it approved, then drive the team through production, including campaigns of 400-plus assets 
• Be a custodian of the brand from a visual communications design perspective, promoting consistency and advising on correct communications design usage to support business objectives 
• Mentor and guide other creatives on projects not through a permanent reporting line, but through how you lead the work 
• Take overall responsibility for the whole creative team where required 

What you bring

Experience 

• 6 + years in advertising and communications, with solid agency or internal studio experience 
• A track record of both concepting and executing, you don't just direct, you deliver 
• Experience leading creative projects involving other designers 
• Proven experience in web campaigns including social media, retail marketing and branding, design systems, art direction, ideation and prototyping, and working across multiple brands 
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, high-volume environment agency speed is your default, not your stretch 

Qualifications 

• Minimum: Relevant tertiary qualification in Design 
• Preferred: Relevant postgraduate qualification in Design 

Technical skills 

• Industry-standard design software: Adobe, Figma 
• In-depth Figma experience is non-negotiable 
• Presentation and virtual collaboration techniques; Microsoft Office 

Knowledge 

• The advertising and creative process, ideation and prototyping, data-driven marketing, digital marketing and marketing technology 
• Awareness of how machine learning and AI are shaping design principles is a strong advantage 

What to expect

You'll join a studio that doesn't operate like a conventional bank. We think of ourselves as an innovation company the pace is real, the volumes are high and the standard is non-negotiable. 

You'll report into the Head of Design and work across a wide range of briefs, from brand campaigns to product launches. Some projects you'll run solo. Others you'll lead a team through from start to finish. 

There are no permanent direct reports in this role your leadership shows up in the work, not the org chart. 

The role is based in Stellenbosch, where the studio is located. We work 3 days in the office. Cape Town-based candidates who can travel to Stellenbosch are welcome to apply.

Relocation is considered for the right candidate. 

The process: 

• Portfolio and CV review 
• Coffee chat culture and creative conversation 
• Case study set by the Creative Lead 
• Psychometric assessment (for candidates who progress past the case study) 

Come with a portfolio that shows both your conceptual range and your ability to execute. We'll be looking at both. 

Who this is NOT for 

• Conceptual-only thinkers who rely on others to produce the work 
• Designers who haven't worked at agency speed or volume 
• Anyone who assumes banking work is slow or low stakes it isn't here 

What's in it for you

Skills

Conditions of Employment