TTL Senior Conceptual Team

Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A global communications leader in Johannesburg seeks an experienced Art Director and Copywriter duo to create award-winning campaigns for a major client portfolio. This role demands a strong background in conceptual creativity and the ability to push boundaries while achieving impactful results. Candidates should have 7+ years in a creative agency, proven leadership skills, and an impressive award-winning portfolio demonstrating creativity in various media. Strong understanding of the local market and culture is essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in a creative agency, particularly as a team (Art Director & Copywriter).
• Proven leadership in successful campaigns and creative projects.
• Strong portfolio showcasing conceptual ATL and digital work.

Responsibilities

• Develop original, high-impact ideas across ATL, BTL, and digital platforms.
• Collaborate with teams to bring ideas to life.
• Craft compelling visual and verbal narratives for South African audiences.

Skills

Conceptual thinking

Leadership

Exceptional communication skills

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Education

Tertiary qualification in specialty

Job description

Company Description

Publicis Groupe is a global leader in communication, driving transformation across the entire value chain—from strategic consulting to creative execution. We blend marketing innovation with digital business transformation to deliver impactful solutions for our clients.

Company Values

Trust: Trust is the cornerstone upon which we build our relationships. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of how a partner should behave. We treat our people and our clients with respect, transparency and honesty. Talent: This is first and foremost a people business. We are committed to ensuring Publicis Groupe is a destination for the best talent in our industry. We value people as individuals, growing ourselves as we grow our client’s business. Transformation: True transformation comes when we stop managing change and instead initiate change. We believe in our purpose to be the admired force for business transformation. We believe that focusing on performance and results has the power to transform client’s business.

Overview

We’re on the hunt for a senior, award‑winning conceptual creative team that works through the line—an Art Director and Copywriter duo—who thrive on big ideas and bold storytelling. This is not a rollout role, and you will be expected to take the Nestlé portfolio to the award stage. We want thinkers, makers, and cultural shapers who can craft work that resonates with South Africa’s diverse mass market and drives real impact. FMCG experience is advantageous but not a must, as we want to ensure that we bring groundbreaking ideas to our clients.

Responsibilities

• Develop original, high-impact ideas across ATL, BTL, and digital platforms.
• Collaborate with strategy, account, and production teams to bring ideas to life.
• Craft compelling visual and verbal narratives tailored to South African audiences.
• Lead and mentor junior creatives, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Present and sell ideas with clarity, confidence, and passion.
• Push creative boundaries while staying aligned with brand and business goals.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in your specialty or 7+ years in a creative agency.
• At least 2 years in a midweight role at a well-established agency.
• Proven leadership in successful campaigns and creative projects.
• Strong portfolio showcasing conceptual ATL and digital work.
• Recognition at major award shows (Cannes, One Show, Loeries, Clios, Bookmarks).
• Minimum of one gold award or craft certificate at a local/international show.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and strategic thinking skills.
• Deep understanding of influencer, mobile, podcast, OOH, guerrilla, activations, and direct marketing.
• Collaborative mindset and openness to feedback.
• Strong attention to detail and creative passion.
• Proactive, solutions‑driven attitude.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a creative team (Art Director & Copywriter) in a top‑tier agency.
• Awarded portfolio across multiple channels and categories.
• Strong conceptual thinking and ability to originate ideas from scratch.
• Deep understanding of South African culture and mass‑market dynamics.