About us

Media24's Advertising & Content Marketing division is a leading content and creative agency producing high-quality food, lifestyle and brand content across print, digital, video and social platforms. We are the creative engine behind TASTE - one of South Africa's most loved food media brands - as well as work on other brands in the Woolworths Ventures brand ecosystem, including W Cellar, Now Now, W Café. W Edit and Engen. Our work spans editorial, content marketing, campaign executions and new business development, delivered in close partnership with the Woolworths brand and agency teams.

About the role

We are looking for a talented and highly experienced Group Art Director to join our senior creative team. This is a pivotal role responsible for art direction, design and creative strategy across key Woolworths brands, spanning digital, video, print and campaign work.

Working closely with the internal A&CM team, you will set and uphold the visual standard across all output - from high-level concept development through to campaign roll-out and final execution. You will lead a small in-house creative team, manage key client relationships and play an active role in driving new business growth for the division.

Key deliverables in this role:

Art Direction: Woolworths & Woolworths Ventures

• Work with the internal team to interpret and execute Woolworths brand-specific briefs, ensuring all creative output is on-brand, on-brief and of the highest quality.
• Execute on client campaign briefs from development of high-level concepts through to full campaign roll-out across relevant channels.
• Provide clear, detailed visual briefs and references to all teams producing Woolworths assets, including external suppliers and freelancers.
• Attend Woolworths internal reviews to present concepts, approve mock-ups and sign off on final executions, ensuring brand integrity at every stage.
• Conceptualise, brief and attend monthly W Cellar stills shoots, working closely with the Food Director as required to art direct both stills and video content that reflects the Woolworths brand and answers the specific brief.
• Oversee the design of all W Cellar deliverables — including email campaigns and social content — ensuring design is consistently aligned to channel best practice and brand standards.
• Extend this oversight across the broader Woolworths Ventures portfolio, including Now Now and W Café, W Edit and Engen maintaining visual consistency and creative excellence across all touchpoints.
• Drive the creative process on new business pitches, developing compelling creative solutions and presenting these confidently to clients and senior stakeholders.
• Build and nurture strong working relationships with Woolworths brand and agency teams, positioning the division as the trusted, go-to creative partner for premium content and design.

Design, Production & General

• Work closely with the Group Operations Manager to plan and manage workflow effectively, ensuring all projects are delivered on time and to the highest standard.
• Contribute hands-on design work to TASTE channels and other Woolworths projects as required, demonstrating creative versatility.
• Oversee the repro process on design work, maintaining the rigorous quality standards expected by the client and upholding the division's reputation for excellence.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of each brand's CI and ensure all creative output across the portfolio is aligned and consistent.

Leadership & Training

• Communicate your creative vision clearly and inspirationally, passing on skills and providing meaningful direction to the Senior Multimedia Designer.
• Champion a collaborative, inclusive team environment where ideas are welcomed, feedback is constructive and great work is celebrated.
• Stay ahead of creative trends, emerging technologies (including AI applications) and industry developments, bringing fresh thinking and inspiration to the team.

What you would require:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Graphic Design, Art Direction, Visual Communication or a related creative field.
• A minimum of 10 years' experience in a senior art direction or design role, ideally within a media, publishing, content agency or brand environment.
• Proven experience art directing across both print and digital platforms, with a strong portfolio demonstrating versatility, creative problems solving and a consistently high standard of work.
• Experience in food, lifestyle or retail brand environments is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and develop junior team members.
• Proven experience working directly with clients and presenting creative work confidently to senior stakeholders.
• A track record of successfully delivering complex, multi-channel campaigns from concept through to execution.

What we’re looking for:

• Exceptional eye for design, typography, colour and visual storytelling across all media formats.
• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and a keen interest in AI applications and emerging creative tools. Illustration and knowledge of moving content creation advantageous.
• Strong understanding of digital content best practices across social, email, web and video formats.
• Ability to develop, interpret and apply brand guidelines, translating them into compelling, on-brand creative work.
• Excellent briefing skills - able to provide clear, inspiring and actionable direction to photographers, videographers, stylists and illustrators.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple briefs simultaneously without compromising quality or missing deadlines.
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach with strong communication and interpersonal skills at all levels.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while consistently maintaining a high standard of output.

Why join us?

In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape the visual identity of some of South Africa's most recognised food and lifestyle brands. You would be a part of a dynamic, collaborative and passionate team that takes real pride in producing outstanding work. We offer diverse, exciting and constantly evolving creative projects across multiple platforms and brands. As part of Media24, we have the backing of one of Africa's largest and most respected media companies.

If this sounds like a role you can thrive in, then apply today!

Given the employment equity policy of Media24, preference will be given to suitable candidates from the designated groups.