Poetry Design Lead

Were looking for a detail-oriented and brand-sensitive Design Lead to join the Poetry marketing team. This role is responsible for the end-to-end execution of visual assets across campaigns, content, and collateralbringing creative concepts to life through beautiful, consistent, and brand-aligned design. Working in close collaboration with the Creative Lead, Art Director, and Copywriter, the Design Lead ensures that marketing materials are executed to the highest visual standard, on time and in line with the Poetry aesthetic. While the Creative Lead drives the overall creative direction, and the Art Director supports concept development and production, the Design Lead owns the production of design assets across channels with a primary focus on digital, ecommerce, print and relevant packaging requirements. This role is perfect for someone who takes pride in precision, thrives in a structured creative environment, and can deliver consistent work under deadline pressure. Strong communication, time management, and an eye for layout and typography are essential. Key Performance / Focus Areas Brand Stewardship & Design Quality Lead the visual rollout of marketing campaigns and brand collateral, working from concept handover through to final artwork. Develop and document brand and campaign-specific style guides post-concept approvalensuring visual consistency across all channels. Present style guides to the broader creative team including the Creative Lead & Art Director for input and alignment against the approved concept. Final approval of the style guide rests with the Creative Executive & HOD. Design assets across but not limited to print, digital, email, packaging, Ecommerce, and social media in line with brand guidelines and briefs. Support the Visual Merchandising team as and when in-store design elements are needed. Ensure all work is accurate, brand-aligned, and meets Poetrys high visual standards. Adapt creative concepts into various formats without compromising quality or intent. Collaboration & Cross-Functional Alignment Work closely with the Creative Lead, Art Director, Copywriter, and cross-functional teamsincluding VM, Ecommerce, and Digitalto ensure a consistent and cohesive visual experience across all customer-facing touchpoints, from web to window. Liaise with print suppliers and production partners to ensure specifications are met and quality is upheld. Take feedback constructively and iterate designs where necessary, maintaining a collaborative, professional approach. Design Execution & Ownership Maintain and evolve Poetrys visual languageensuring all materials feel fresh, modern, and brand-right. Apply brand guidelines consistently while also identifying opportunities to refresh layouts or explore new design treatments within parameters. Uphold meticulous attention to detail, particularly in layout, type, and formatting. Stay up to date with design and visual trends and proactively bring fresh thinking and creative innovation to the execution of all assets. Project & Deadline Accountability Deliver all creative work in line with agreed timelines set by the Traffic Manager or project brief. Communicate proactively if timelines need to shiftensuring the relevant stakeholders are informed, impacts are understood, and next steps are aligned. Take full ownership for meeting deadlines and producing work that is accurate, complete, and ready for rollout. Champion a respectful, solution-oriented approach to managing workflow pressures and shifting priorities. Required Qualifications & Skills 5 years of experience in graphic design, preferably within fashion, retail, or lifestyle brands. Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator essential). Strong understanding of layout, typography, and multi-format design. Experience working with a traffic/project management system and within structured workflows. Knowledge of production processes for print, packaging, and digital assets. Ability to work independently and take full ownership of the design function. Behavioural Competencies Highly organised and deadline-drivenable to manage multiple projects and shift priorities as needed. Calm under pressure, with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset. Communicates clearly and respectfully, especially when timelines shift or debriefs are needed. Deeply connected to the Poetry brand and customercommitted to crafting thoughtful, beautiful design that enhances brand storytelling. Reliable, accountable, and detail focused. Curious and creativeregularly draws inspiration from the world of design to push executional boundaries in a brand-appropriate way. Please note: The Cape Union Mart Group is committed to transformation. Appointments and promotions will be made based on candidates who best meet the requirements for the position. Preference will be given to candidates who will enhance the diversity of the team, aligned to our Employment Equity plan.