Art Direction Lead Mr Price

Mr Price Group; Durban; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in Durban is seeking an Art Direction Lead to define and execute creative direction aligned with brand strategy. Responsibilities include managing a creative team, conceptualizing campaigns, and directing photographic shoots. The ideal candidate will have 7-8 years of experience in design, a relevant qualification in Fine Arts or Graphic Design, and a solid portfolio showcasing their expertise. This role requires a strong awareness of fashion trends and the ability to mentor junior designers.

Qualifications

• 7-8 years of experience in conceptualizing and driving the design process.
• Portfolio demonstrating design expertise and leadership capabilities.
• Experience with web/online/interactive design.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and execute creative direction for departments.
• Manage and drive the design team, setting clear expectations.
• Direct photographic shoots and provide selects post shoot.

Skills

Creative conceptualization

Design process management

Experience in team leadership

Fashion trend awareness

Education

Fine Arts or Graphic Design qualification

Tools

Design programs

Job description

Are you a creative visionary? We’re seeking an Art Direction Lead to conceptualize, shape and execute the creative direction in our creative team. Your role will be crucial in ensuring all creative efforts align seamlessly with our overall brand strategy.

Responsibilities

Creative Conceptualization and Design

Working with Creative Leader, Creative Heads and the creative team to conceptualize, develop and execute creative direction for departments and sub brands that align with the overall brand strategy.

1. Analyze creative output for the season for postmortem and extract key actionable learnings to guide creative strategy.
2. Develop creative direction for the sub brand or portfolio assigned to the ADL, including mood boards and visual references.
3. Brainstorming and proactively research design methodology and applications.
4. Generate new ideas and inspiration relevant to the brand to ensure that we are constantly thinking of new ways to differentiate the brand and support the business.
5. Oversee the seasonal rollout of design for print, digital applications, social platforms, events and activations.
6. Ensuring creative is developed that meets the standards required from the business; getting involved in all levels of work from print to digital to television if necessary.
7. Overseeing the aesthetic and visual direction and executing design projects.
8. Continually enhance the look, tone and feel of all creative work and deliver innovative marketing campaigns.

Team Performance & Leadership

1. Manage and drive the team by setting clear and transparent expectations, to exhibit the culture and values of the business and achieve / exceed KPIs.
2. Identify and drive training needs, coaching and development with a key focus on talent management, performance management and succession planning.
3. Create a team culture that is responsive and professional when meeting deadlines and providing a business focused service to internal/external customers.
4. Set goals and direction for the design team assigned to the ADL in order to support consistent creative resolution that is brand aligned and within the marketing strategy.
5. Guide the design team on correct standards and relevance for the business.

Shoots

1. Directing photographic shoots for still and video including scamps, model selection, location approval, and specifying additional elements required (such as props)
2. Provide selects post shoot that will give guidance to the designer assigned to the rollout.
3. In some instances, the rollout of the design elements may need to be completed by the ADL if the need arises.

Presentations/Meetings

1. Attend and participate in kickstart meetings and production meetings.
2. Present your creative concepts and output during creative reviews and guide the brand team through your conceptual thinking.

Trends/ Research

1. Keeping up to date with fashion trends to ensure creative is presented is relevant to the target audience and aligned to the brand.

Qualifications

• Fine Arts or Graphic Design related qualification
• 7-8 years conceptualizing and driving the design process; Portfolio demonstrating design expertise and leadership capabilities.
• Must have experience with web/online/interactive design; design programs; creative developmental process; shoot process, designer mentoring; interactive campaigns; insight into current trends; brand awareness.
• Agency or retail experience preferred

Mr Price Group Limited is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to Employment Equity.