Senior Art Director/Creative Group Head Art

Ogilvy South Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Ogilvy South Africa in Cape Town seeks an experienced Senior Art Director/Creative Group Head Art to lead the visual identity for flagship alcohol brands. You'll partner with a Copywriter Group Head and work with strategy, accounts, and production to deliver campaigns that resonate and drive growth.

The role demands bold ideas, world-class craft, mentoring of junior staff, and strong presentation skills to senior clients.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in art direction at a leading creative agency.
• Proven track record of integrated campaigns (alcohol/retail/lifestyle advantageous).
• Strong portfolio showing craft, originality, and versatility.
• Excellent presentation and client-facing communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead the art direction and visual identity for the brand across ATL, digital, social, experiential, and shopper platforms.
• Oversee the creative process from concept to execution, ensuring high-quality craft and consistency.
• Inspire, mentor, and develop junior and mid-level art directors and designers within the team.
• Collaborate with strategy and account teams to ensure creative solutions are insight-led and client-focused.

Skills

Art Direction

Leadership/People Management

Client-facing presenting

Campaign development

Brand storytelling

Job description

Senior Art Director/Creative Group Head Art

About the job Senior Art Director/Creative Group Head Art

About the Role

We are seeking a highly conceptual, visionary Creative Group Head Art Director to lead the creative output on one of our flagship alcohol brands. This role calls for an inspiring creative leader who thrives on bold ideas, integrated thinking, and pushing craft to world-class standards. You'll partner closely with a Copywriter Group Head and work alongside strategy, account management, and production to deliver campaigns that resonate deeply with consumers, build cultural relevance, and drive brand growth.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the art direction and visual identity for the brand across ATL, digital, social, experiential, and shopper platforms.

Oversee the creative process from concept to execution, ensuring high-quality craft and consistency.

Inspire, mentor, and develop junior and mid-level art directors and designers within the team.

Conceptual Excellence

Generate bold, innovative ideas that balance creativity with business objectives.

Translate brand strategies and insights into breakthrough creative concepts.

Champion work that cuts through culture, builds fame, and earns talkability.

Work hand-in-hand with your Copywriter counterpart to deliver integrated creative solutions.

Partner with strategy and account teams to ensure creative solutions are insight-led and client-focused.

Collaborate with production and external partners to bring ideas to life at the highest possible standard.

Client Engagement

Present ideas with confidence and clarity to senior clients.

Build strong relationships with clients by understanding their business, brand ambition, and challenges.

Act as a trusted creative partner, guiding clients toward brave, effective solutions.

Skills & Experience

8+ years experience in an art direction role within a leading creative agency.

Proven track record of producing outstanding, award-winning integrated campaigns (alcohol/retail/lifestyle category experience advantageous).

Exceptional design and art direction skills with a strong portfolio showcasing craft, originality, and versatility.

Ability to lead, inspire, and mentor creative teams.

Strong presentation and communication skills with confidence in client-facing situations.

Deep understanding of pop culture, digital platforms, and consumer behavior.

Resilient, proactive, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.