Graphic Designer & Digital Marketing Specialist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer & Digital Marketing Specialist

Company: The Sales Centre co

Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Job Type: Contractor

Category: Digital Marketing & Graphic Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-26

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead creative design and digital marketing strategy for a portfolio of eight distinct hospitality venues.

• Manage and execute social media content calendars, ensuring brand consistency and engagement across platforms.

• Independently maintain and update WordPress websites, focusing on user experience and accurate information delivery.

• Apply advanced Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) principles to enhance online discoverability and search performance.

• Drive email marketing campaigns, from build and formatting to performance tracking and optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends creative execution with strategic digital operations. While the title includes "Graphic Designer & Digital Marketing Specialist," the depth of responsibilities, particularly in web maintenance, GEO/AEO, and campaign management, positions this as a hybrid operations role with a strong creative component, demanding a candidate comfortable with end-to-end digital asset and campaign lifecycle management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and produce a wide range of brand-consistent graphic assets, including menus, posters, flyers, social graphics, event artwork, advertisements, and digital screens for eight distinct hospitality venues, adhering strictly to brand bibles.

• Manage and execute daily social media content schedules across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and other relevant platforms using Metricool, transforming venue-supplied assets into engaging posts, reels, and stories.

• Independently maintain and update WordPress websites for all eight venues, ensuring accuracy of menus, events, opening hours, offers, and images, while ensuring visual consistency and an optimal user experience across desktop and mobile.

• Implement GEO and AEO principles by structuring website and digital content for clarity, utility, and discoverability by modern search engines and AI-powered answer platforms, optimizing for improved visibility.

• Build, format, and proofread approved email newsletters and promotional campaigns in Mailchimp, tracking campaign performance and identifying opportunities for enhancement.

• Manage an organized digital asset library, ensuring clear file naming conventions, version control, and readiness for publication or print.

• Proactively identify and resolve website issues, or escalate them appropriately, ensuring continuous uptime and functionality.

• Write or refine captions and promotional copy, ensuring accuracy, brand alignment, and integration with the broader marketing calendar.

• Provide regular performance reporting on social media, website activity, and email campaigns, tracking reach, engagement, clicks, and booking-related results.

• Develop and issue clear shot lists and content briefs to London venue teams, following up to ensure timely delivery of suitable content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong operational execution and project management within a creative framework. The emphasis on independent website updates, GEO/AEO application, and detailed reporting suggests a role that requires significant autonomy and a proactive, results-oriented approach to digital asset and campaign management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a background in Graphic Design, Digital Marketing, Communications, or a related field is implied. A strong portfolio will be paramount.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional experience in a design and digital marketing capacity, with a proven track record of managing multiple brands and digital channels.

Required Skills:

• Professional graphic design experience, demonstrably showcased through a strong portfolio.

• Advanced proficiency in WordPress, including the ability to independently update and maintain current versions of the platform.

• Practical web design experience with a focus on user experience and content strategy implementation.

• Demonstrated experience with GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and/or AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) principles.

• Proficient use of Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, and/or Premiere Pro.

• Strong working knowledge of Canva and understanding of social media platform asset requirements.

• Experience in editing photography, reels, stories, and short-form video for social media.

• Proven experience managing business social media accounts and content scheduling.

• Excellent written English communication skills with meticulous attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines independently, prioritizing tasks effectively.

• Strong understanding of digital marketing principles, website content management, and social media best practices.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, essential for handling diverse brand requirements. Preferred Skills:

• Experience using Metricool for social media management and scheduling.

• Experience with Mailchimp for email campaign creation and distribution.

• Ability to work across multiple brands without compromising individual brand identities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for GEO/AEO experience is a significant differentiator, pointing towards a forward-thinking digital strategy. The emphasis on independent WordPress management and Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency suggests a need for a self-sufficient, technically adept creative professional who can also manage operational aspects of digital content.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-10 diverse projects, with a strong emphasis on graphic design for hospitality or multi-brand environments.

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating brand-consistent assets across various mediums (print and digital).

• Include examples of social media content creation (graphics, short videos, reels) and campaign execution.

• Showcase WordPress website updates or redesigns, highlighting user experience improvements and content management.

• Present evidence of GEO/AEO implementation and its impact on content discoverability or search performance.

• Include examples of email campaign design and execution (e.g., Mailchimp templates). Process Documentation:

• Provide examples or descriptions of how you manage design briefs from initial concept to final delivery, ensuring brand adherence.

• Detail your workflow for creating and scheduling social media content, including content ideation, asset creation, and platform management.

• Explain your process for website maintenance and updates within WordPress, including quality assurance and testing procedures.

• Illustrate your approach to optimizing content for search engines (GEO/AEO) and how you measure success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. It should not only display creative talent but also demonstrate a structured approach to digital operations, including brand management, content lifecycle management, and SEO/AEO strategy. The ability to articulate process is as important as the final output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: ZAR 25,000 per month.

Benefits:

• Contractor role with a defined monthly salary.

• Opportunity to work with a diverse portfolio of eight distinct hospitality venues.

• Potential for creative autonomy and direct impact on marketing activities.

• On-site work environment in Gqeberha, fostering in-person collaboration.

Working Hours: Full-time, office-based. An estimated 40 hours per week is standard for full-time roles, with the expectation of managing workload to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is fixed at ZAR 25,000 per month. Based on industry standards for a mid-senior level Graphic Designer and Digital Marketing Specialist with strong WordPress and GEO/AEO experience in Gqeberha, South Africa, this figure is competitive for a contractor role. Research indicates that comparable roles in South Africa can range from ZAR 20,000 to ZAR 35,000 per month, depending on experience, specific skill sets, and the employing entity's size and industry. This specific role's blend of creative and operational responsibilities justifies the stated compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality (operating eight venues in London), with the operational support likely based in Gqeberha.

Company Size: The employer, The Sales Centre co, is a recruitment/outsourcing entity, likely supporting multiple clients. The client they are recruiting for operates eight hospitality venues, suggesting a significant operational footprint in London. The Gqeberha office may house a team of specialists supporting these venues.

Founded: The founding date for The Sales Centre co is not provided, but the client operates established hospitality venues.

Team Structure:

• The role is likely part of a broader marketing or operations support team within The Sales Centre co, potentially structured to serve multiple clients.

• This specific position will report to a Marketing Manager or Operations Lead overseeing the digital efforts for the hospitality client's portfolio.

• Close collaboration is expected with venue managers and marketing teams in London, as well as potentially other design or digital specialists within The Sales Centre co. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making for digital marketing activities, with reporting on key metrics.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be crucial for managing multiple brands and projects efficiently.

• Automation practices are expected through tools like Metricool and Mailchimp, alongside efficient content creation processes.

Company Website: https://thesalescentre.co (Note: The provided URL was for the recruitment platform, assuming this is the parent company)

📝 Enhancement Note: The setup suggests an outsourced operations model where Gqeberha-based specialists support London-based hospitality venues. This requires strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across different geographical locations and business units. The culture likely balances creative freedom with strict adherence to client brand guidelines and performance metrics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Senior level role, indicated by the 5-10 years of experience requirement and the expectation of independent work and ownership of responsibilities. It's a specialist role blending creative and digital marketing operations.

Reporting Structure: The role will report to a manager within The Sales Centre co, likely overseeing digital marketing or operations for their clients. Direct interaction with stakeholders at the client's hospitality venues in London will also be a key component.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on brand perception, customer engagement, and ultimately, revenue generation for the eight hospitality venues. Effective graphic design, compelling social media content, well-maintained websites, and optimized online presence are critical for attracting and retaining customers in the competitive hospitality sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in GEO/AEO, advanced WordPress development, or specific hospitality marketing niches.

• Leadership: Potential to lead design or digital marketing efforts for other clients within The Sales Centre co, or to take on more strategic campaign management roles.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to gain experience in broader marketing strategy, analytics, and potentially team management as the company or client portfolio grows.

• Portfolio Growth: Exposure to a diverse range of hospitality venues can significantly enrich a professional's portfolio and industry knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a contractor role typically offers less structured internal growth, the opportunity lies in gaining diverse client experience, mastering specialized digital operations skills (like GEO/AEO), and potentially securing longer-term contracts or transitioning to full-time roles if opportunities arise with The Sales Centre co or its clients.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Office-Based in Gqeberha. This implies a traditional office setting where in-person collaboration with local team members is expected.

Office Location(s): 311 Cape Rd, Newton Park, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. This is a central location within Gqeberha, likely accessible by public transport or private vehicle.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with other design and digital marketing specialists who may be supporting various clients.

• Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) and digital marketing tools (WordPress, Metricool, Mailchimp) is expected.

• The environment will require a balance between focused individual work (designing, updating websites) and collaborative efforts (briefing, reporting, team discussions).

Work Schedule: Full-time, office-based. Standard working hours are anticipated, with flexibility potentially available depending on project deadlines and team agreements, but the core expectation is consistent on-site presence during business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Gqeberha is a key factor. Candidates should be prepared for a fixed location and an office-based team dynamic, which can foster stronger team cohesion and direct collaboration compared to remote setups.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and creative output.

• Skills Assessment: A practical exercise or technical interview focusing on WordPress proficiency, design software usage, and understanding of digital marketing concepts. This might involve a design task or a website audit.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their role, design process, and the impact of their work. Be prepared to discuss how you applied GEO/AEO principles.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions assessing problem-solving skills, ability to manage multiple brands, time management, and how you handle feedback and deadlines.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with the hiring manager or a senior team member to discuss the role in detail and assess cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work, particularly projects that demonstrate multi-brand management, hospitality experience, and digital marketing impact.

• Highlight Process: For each project, explain your thought process, design decisions, challenges faced, and how you overcame them. Detail your approach to GEO/AEO if applicable.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, include metrics demonstrating the success of your work (e.g., engagement rates, website traffic increases, conversion improvements).

• Brand Consistency: Clearly illustrate how you maintained brand integrity across different assets and channels for a single brand or across multiple distinct brands.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your technical skills with WordPress, Adobe Creative Cloud, and other relevant tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a small design task related to creating social media graphics or a simple web banner, often with a tight turnaround.

• WordPress Scenario: You might be asked to describe how you would update specific content on a WordPress site or troubleshoot a common issue.

• Content Strategy: Prepare to discuss how you would approach creating a social media content calendar for one of the client's venues, considering their specific audience and offerings.

• GEO/AEO Discussion: Be ready to explain these concepts in practical terms and how you would apply them to website content or social media posts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential practical challenges underscores the hands-on nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just creative talent but also operational efficiency and strategic thinking in digital marketing and web management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Premiere Pro (for graphic design, photo editing, video editing).

• WordPress: For website content management, updates, and routine maintenance.

• Canva: For quick social media asset creation and template-based designs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Metricool: Preferred tool for social media management, scheduling, and analytics.

• Mailchimp: For building, sending, and tracking email marketing campaigns.

• Website Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics (implied) for tracking website traffic, user behavior, and conversion data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a CRM role, understanding how marketing activities tie into potential CRM systems (e.g., tracking leads from website forms or email campaigns) would be beneficial.

• Mailchimp and Metricool serve as automation tools for email and social media, respectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite and WordPress is non-negotiable. Experience with Metricool and Mailchimp is highly desirable, indicating a need for candidates familiar with standard digital marketing operational tools. Understanding how these tools integrate and contribute to overall marketing performance is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: Upholding the distinct brand identity for each of the eight venues is paramount. This requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Efficiency & Productivity: As a contractor supporting multiple venues, demonstrating strong time management and the ability to deliver high-quality work within deadlines is crucial.

• Proactivity & Problem-Solving: Taking initiative to identify and resolve issues (e.g., website errors, content gaps) without constant supervision is valued.

• Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing analytics from social media, websites, and email campaigns to inform decisions and improve performance.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with remote venue teams and internal colleagues to achieve marketing objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with venue managers and staff in London for content gathering and approvals, alongside internal team members at The Sales Centre co.

• Process Review: Openness to feedback on designs and campaigns, and a willingness to refine processes for better efficiency.

• Knowledge Sharing: Potentially sharing best practices or insights with other team members supporting different clients or marketing functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values autonomy, accountability, and a strong work ethic, common in outsourced operational support roles. The ability to adapt to different brand voices and collaborate effectively across distances will be key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Brands: Juggling distinct brand identities, tones of voice, and target audiences for eight different hospitality venues without creating confusion or generic output.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively gathering assets and obtaining approvals from venue teams located in London, potentially across different time zones, while based in Gqeberha.

• Keeping Pace with Digital Trends: Continuously updating knowledge on social media algorithms, SEO best practices, and emerging digital marketing technologies like AI-driven search.

• Resource Constraints: As a contractor, managing workload efficiently to meet all demands without overstretching personal capacity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Development: Deepen expertise in GEO/AEO, advanced WordPress customization, or specific hospitality marketing strategies.

• Industry Exposure: Gain comprehensive understanding of the London hospitality market and diverse venue operations.

• Tool Mastery: Become highly proficient in advanced features of Metricool, Mailchimp, and potentially other digital marketing and analytics platforms.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with diverse, high-impact projects that can lead to future opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be balancing the creative demands of multiple brands with the operational rigor required for digital marketing execution and website management. Growth is tied to mastering these operational complexities and demonstrating measurable results.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for ensuring brand consistency across multiple distinct brands. How would you approach this for our eight hospitality venues?" (Focus on brand guidelines, mood boards, and systematic checks.)

• "Walk us through a social media campaign you managed from concept to execution. What were the goals, your strategy, the content you created, and the results?" (Highlight your process, creativity, and data analysis.)

• "How would you approach optimizing a venue's website content for GEO and AEO? Can you give a hypothetical example?" (Demonstrate understanding of content structure, keywords, and user intent.)

• "Imagine a venue is experiencing a dip in online engagement. What steps would you take to diagnose the issue and propose solutions?" (Showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with a portfolio of hospitality venues, and how do you see your skills contributing to their success?" (Connect your experience to the industry and company goals.)

• "How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects with competing deadlines?" (Discuss your time management and organizational strategies.)

• "Describe a time you had to work with a client or team member who had a different vision or communication style. How did you manage it?" (Assess your collaboration and conflict-resolution skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each selected project, tell a compelling story about the challenge, your solution, and the outcome.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your presentation is visually clean, professional, and aligned with design best practices.

• Data Integration: Clearly present any metrics or results achieved. Use charts or graphs where appropriate.

• Technical Explanations: Be ready to briefly explain the technical aspects of your work, such as WordPress implementation or GEO/AEO techniques.

• Enthusiasm for Brands: Show genuine interest in the hospitality sector and the specific types of venues managed by the client.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to demonstrate both creative flair and operational discipline. Highlight your ability to translate strategic objectives into tangible digital assets and campaigns, with a keen eye on performance metrics and brand integrity across a varied portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer & Digital Marketing Specialist position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Recruitee platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest design work relevant to hospitality or multi-brand environments, and clearly outlines your experience with WordPress, social media management, and any GEO/AEO projects.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as "Graphic Design," "Digital Marketing," "WordPress," "GEO/AEO," "Social Media Management," "Content Creation," and "Adobe Creative Cloud." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your thought process for design and marketing challenges, prepare case studies for your portfolio, and be ready to discuss your approach to managing multiple brands and remote collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the hospitality industry, particularly in London, and understand the potential operational structure of The Sales Centre co supporting its clients. Research current digital marketing trends in the hospitality sector.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.