Creative Director & Copywriter: Lead Digital Storytelling

Publicis Groupe Africa Pty Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Publicis Groupe Africa is seeking a Creative Director — Copywriter, a senior creative leader who translates ambitious client partnerships into distinctive storytelling across campaigns and platforms. You will guide concept development, messaging and tone while mentoring multi-disciplinary teams and ensuring digital-first, AI-aware approaches.

You will work with Strategy, Data and Technology to deliver integrated solutions, shaping culture, learning and the client’s brand narrative across film,

Qualifications

• Must have 10+ years’ experience.
• Demonstrate exceptional strategic thinking.
• Must have led TTL campaigns and digital campaigns (TTL + digital).
• Demonstrate understanding of digital platforms.
• Track record of winning international and local awards (Cannes/Loeries/Clio etc.).
• Show at least 1 international and 1 local gold medal.
• Demonstrate how you’ve previously dealt with conflict.
• Be comfortable with AI being part of everyday activities.
• Demonstrate leadership and problem-solving abilities.
• Show strong presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead concept development, messaging and narrative direction across major campaigns, brand platforms and digital experiences.
• Mentor copywriters and broader creative teams; protect core ideas and tone.
• Partner with Strategy, Data and Technology to deliver integrated solutions across channels.
• Drive production excellence and ensure campaigns have clear ideas and strong writing craft.
• Oversee consistent tone, storytelling and brand voice across long-form and short-form content.

Skills

10+ years experience

Conceptual thinking

Strategic thinking

TTL campaigns

Digital platforms

Awards track record

AI familiarity

Conflict resolution

Team leadership

Public speaking

Tools

Keynote

PowerPoint

Microsoft Word

ChatGPT/Claude AI

Job description

Publicis Groupe Africa is seeking a Creative Director — Copywriter, a senior creative leader who translates ambitious client partnerships into distinctive storytelling across campaigns and platforms. You will guide concept development, messaging and tone while mentoring multi-disciplinary teams and ensuring digital-first, AI-aware approaches.

You will work with Strategy, Data and Technology to deliver integrated solutions, shaping culture, learning and the client’s brand narrative across film,