Senior Designer

Grapevine Retail; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A creative agency is looking for a Senior Graphic Designer to lead event activations and retail environments in Sandton. The successful candidate will manage multiple design projects and contribute creatively, guiding other designers in a hybrid work model. An impressive portfolio reflecting experience in impactful visual designs is essential. This role offers exposure to high-profile brands and collaborative work with production partners.

Benefits

Commission structure upon becoming permanent

Opportunity to work on high-profile brands

Hybrid working model

Qualifications

• 6–8 years’ experience in Graphic Design, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven portfolio showing event activations and retail displays.
• Strong understanding of typography, layout, and colour theory.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design event activation elements.
• Create strategic retail design elements.
• Execute high-quality visual content across print and digital platforms.

Skills

Adobe Creative Suite

3D design software proficiency

Exceptional conceptual thinking

Strong communication skills

Tools

SketchUp

Blender

Cinema4D

Job description

Job Title : Senior Graphic Designer

Company : Grapevine Media

Location : Morningside, Sandton

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and creatively driven Senior Graphic Designer with strong experience in event activations, retail environments, and in-store brand execution. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of conceptualizing and producing impactful visual experiences—both digital and physical—across retail displays, mall activations, centre courts, and branded events.

This role requires a designer who not only excels creatively but can also add value to the wider team, provide guidance to other designers, and take on a leadership role as second-in-command to the Head of Studio. If you thrive in fast‑paced environments, understand the customer journey in physical spaces, and can turn strategy into compelling visual work, we want to meet you.

Key Responsibilities

Event & Activation Design (High Priority)

• Conceptualize and design event activation elements, including centre courts, mall activations, themed environments, immersive experiences, and consumer engagement zones.
• Develop visuals that consider foot traffic, customer flow, experiential touchpoints, and spatial layout.
• Translate experiential concepts into pitch decks, 3D renders, mockups, and detailed execution files.

Retail & In-Store Design

• Create strategic retail design elements such as hotspots, FSUs, PSUs, shelf strips, wobblers, and other POS materials.
• Design with consideration for retail compliance, shopper behavior, and brand visibility.
• Prepare print‑ready artwork and work closely with suppliers to ensure flawless production.

Brand & Campaign Creative

• Execute high‑quality visual content across print, digital, OOH, and brand collateral.
• Ensure brand consistency and uphold premium standards when working with luxury brands.
• Contribute to ideation sessions and propose creative ways to elevate campaigns and activations.

Team & Workflow Contribution

• Support, and collaborate with other designers—providing guidance and feedback where needed.
• Act as the secondary design lead when the Head of Studio is unavailable.
• Manage multiple projects from concept through to delivery while meeting deadlines.

Production & Supplier Coordination

• Prepare accurate print‑ready files and liaise with printers, fabrication teams, and activation partners.
• Oversee prototype samples, material selections, structure layouts, and environmental adaptation.

Requirements and Skills

Technical Competencies

• 6–8 years’ experience as a Graphic Designer, with at least 2–3 years in a senior or leadership role.
• Essential: Proven portfolio showing event activations, retail displays, 3D conceptualization, and physical space execution.
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Proficiency in 3D design software (e.g., SketchUp, Blender, Cinema4D, Dimension, or similar).
• Solid understanding of typography, layout, colour theory, and brand identity.
• Ability to interpret complex briefs and turn them into practical, high‑impact designs.
• Experience working with fabrication agencies, understanding materials (wood, PVC, MDF, vinyl, etc.), and interpreting technical specs.
• Ability to present concepts to internal teams and sometimes clients.

Soft Skills

• Exceptional conceptual thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong communicator who collaborates well across studio, sales, and production teams.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Proactive, enthusiastic, resourceful, and able to contribute to team culture and workflow improvement.

Logistical Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and own reliable, roadworthy vehicle.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organized with strong time‑management abilities.
• Thrives in deadline‑driven environments.
• Positive, team‑oriented, and willing to assist and lead when needed.
• Someone who brings fresh ideas, contributes to culture, and takes ownership of their projects.

Portfolio Requirements

• A curated portfolio with specific examples of event activation work, including mall activations, centre courts, 3D mockups, and retail POS executions.
• Before / after case studies or process slides (where possible) showing approach and problem‑solving.
• At least one project demonstrating collaboration with suppliers or production partners.

Applicants MUST submit :

• A curated portfolio with specific examples of event activation work...
• Before / after case studies or process slides (where possible)...
• At least one project demonstrating collaboration with suppliers or production partners.

What We Offer

Hybrid working model : 1 day per week in the Morningside office, 4 days remote.

• Additional in‑office days may be required during the first month for training.
• Opportunity to work on high‑profile brands and experiential campaigns.
• Commission structure upon becoming permanent and achieving set targets.