Creative Manager- Packaging

Ad Talent Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Ad Talent Africa seeks a strategically minded and creatively driven Creative Manager – Packaging to lead and grow an internal design studio. The role combines packaging design expertise with strong leadership, commercial awareness and delivering high-quality work across multiple brands.

You will oversee packaging concepts, artwork development, and rollouts, ensuring brand alignment and production-ready deliverables while driving innovation and collaboration with marketing and external agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or equivalent qualification.
• A Packaging Diploma is required or highly preferred.
• At least 10 years in packaging and brand design, including concept development and print production.
• Minimum 7 years leading and managing creative teams, with performance management.
• Strong knowledge of packaging construction, CI guidelines and brand architecture.
• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
• Solid understanding of printing processes and production best practices.
• Experience managing budgets, resources and freelance talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary design team.
• Oversee packaging concepts, artwork development and rollouts.
• Ensure designs align with brand identity and marketing strategy.
• Drive innovation and design excellence through collaboration.
• Manage studio workflows, budgets and external talent.
• Ensure production quality and print readiness of designs.
• Collaborate with marketing, client service and agencies.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and keep portfolios competitive.

Skills

Creative leadership

Brand design

Packaging expertise

Budget management

Client collaboration

Presentation skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design

Packaging Diploma

Tools

Illustrator

Photoshop

InDesign

Job description

Who are we

We are a creative team focused on developing innovative packaging and brand design solutions that strengthen brand identity, engage consumers and drive commercial growth across a diverse portfolio of brands.

Who are we looking for

We are looking for a strategically minded and creatively driven Creative Manager – Packaging to lead and grow an internal design studio. The ideal candidate combines exceptional packaging design expertise with strong leadership, commercial awareness and the ability to deliver innovative, high-quality work across multiple brands.

What will you do

• Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team of designers, finished artists and creative specialists

• Oversee packaging concepts, artwork development and rollouts, ensuring alignment with brand identity, architecture and marketing strategies

• Drive creative thinking, innovation and design excellence through brainstorming and collaboration

• Manage studio workflows, resources, budgets and freelance talent to ensure efficient delivery within deadlines

• Ensure packaging designs meet print production, manufacturing, quality and consistency standards

• Collaborate with marketing, traffic, client service and external agencies to deliver effective design solutions

• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and external creative partners

• Monitor market trends and international design developments to keep the brand portfolio innovative and competitive

• Recruit, retain and develop top creative talent while continuously improving studio processes and efficiencies

What will you need

• A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Art or an equivalent qualification, plus a Packaging Diploma

• At least 10 years of packaging and brand design experience, including concept development, finished artwork and print production

• A minimum of 7 years' experience leading and managing creative teams, including performance management and development

• Excellent knowledge of packaging construction, design principles, brand development, CI guidelines and brand architecture

• Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign

• In-depth understanding of printing processes, manufacturing best practices and quality control

• Experience managing budgets, resources, studio workflows and freelance suppliers

• Strong conceptual, strategic and commercial thinking, with excellent presentation, communication and influencing skills

• Exceptional multitasking, problem-solving and organisational abilities

• The ability to lead creatively, adapt to change and deliver outstanding work under pressure and against demanding deadlines