Senior Copywriter

Ogilvy South Africa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Ogilvy South Africa is seeking a Senior Through-The-Line (TTL) Writer to lead creative direction, guide junior team members, and deliver integrated campaigns that push the boundaries of creativity. The role requires a proven track record in strategic thinking, conceptual leadership, and strong command of digital platforms.

You will mentor the creative team, collaborate with strategists, developers, media, and accounts to ensure cohesive, media-agnostic concepts that win client briefs and drive

Qualifications

• 8+ years of TTL copywriting experience with leadership in campaigns.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and award-winning work.
• Deep understanding of digital platforms and CRM/CVM concepts.
• Proactive problem solving and ability to mentor junior staff.
• Strong written communication and collaboration across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative process, guiding junior team members and delivering integrated concepts.
• Collaborate with strategists, developers, media and accounts for cohesive work.
• Champion innovative media solutions across briefs and campaigns.
• Plan and participate in pitches for new business opportunities.
• Define tone and craft for overall campaigns and client presentations.
• Attend client briefings and present concepts; participate in shoots.
• Source inspiration and push creativity with reference material.
• Scope, plan, and manage the creative workflow across multiple projects.

Skills

Conceptual thinking

Campaign leadership

Digital platforms understanding

CRM and CVM

Problem solving

Proactive improvements

Strategic thinking

Mentoring / leading teams

Influencer / mobile / podcast / OOH /活

Working under pressure

Strong communication

Tech platforms knowledge

Tools

Editing software

Recording equipment

Job description

Since we believe in creative work that disrupts, we are looking for a candidate who is going to embrace modern marketing principles and is a self-starter by nature. This is an individual who is not afraid to challenge the norm and embodies our philosophy of divine discontent (Never stop chasing brilliance attitude).

A Through-The-Line Copywriter must have 8+ years’ experience.

Here’s what you’ll bring to the table - to complement the above:

• Highly conceptual individual
• Demonstrate exceptional strategic thinking
• Track record of leading the conceptualization and execution of campaigns
• Must demonstrate in-depth understanding of new and existing digital platforms
• Must show an understanding of various programmes (Editing, recording etc.)
• International and local awards (i.e. Cannes, One Show, Loeries, Clios, Bookmarks etc.)
• At least 1 international gold and 1 local gold medals
• Must show examples of problem solving
• Demonstrate a working understanding of CRM and CVM principles
• Proactivity that led to better work, processes etc.

Here’s what you’ll be doing to lead Agency and Client growth.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

The list of tasks or duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive, candidates may be expected to carry out additional duties or responsibilities, which fall reasonably within the ambit of the job description, or in accordance with operational requirements.

As a senior creative you will help lead our passionate, multi-talented studio, guiding more junior members to deliver, and encourage exceptional, integrated concepts that exceed client briefs and expectations.

A Senior TTL Writer is an important contact point in our agency, so they can expect to be craft-led, strategically driven, media agnostic, agile and consistently conceptual, with a desire to transform brands by creating exceptional, intuitive, and human-centred products and experiences.

Tuned into all aspects of South African popular culture and the platforms and media it plays in, as well as have a strong point of view on what it takes to win in this space, with the experience to back it up. Exceptional writing ability is paramount.

Responsibilities - what you’ll do every day:

• Be part of the strategic process and interrogate the brief
• Scope, plan & manage the creative process on projects
• Manage & mentor the creative team
• Work with other disciplines (Strategists, Developers, Media, Accounts, etc) to ensure cohesive team integration, and alignment with broader business objectives
• Be a champion for innovative media solutions on every brief
• Play an active role in campaign planning
• Participate in pitches for new business
• Define the tone of overall campaigns
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Generate ideas and sell them into clients and other members of the team
• Mockup creative ideas
• Consistently produce creative elements against a deliverables list
• Lead the craft of an idea
• Compile presentations for clients
• Attend client briefings & present to clients
• Attend recordings & film shoots
• Source inspirational material and references of how to push creativity

You’ll also be required to advance the following:

• Good understanding of influencer, Mobile, Podcast, out-of-home, guerrilla, activations, and direct marketing
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Strong communication skills with ability to provide rationales for creative choices made
• In-depth working knowledge of existing and emerging technologies & platforms
• A strong understanding of strategic processes
• Able to work with team members & delegate effectively
• Understand the client’s business requirements, and understand how our services should be applied to solve business problems