Graphic Designer

Kendrick Recruitment
Full-timeR17k-20k/month (ZAR)South Africa

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Kendrick Recruitment

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa (Remote Option Available)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: April 21, 2026

Experience Level: 7-10 Years (with potential for 10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote Possible

🚀 Role Summary

  • Drive the conceptualization and execution of elegant, high-quality design solutions for a luxury lifestyle management company, spanning both print and digital mediums.

  • Develop and refine brand identities, ensuring a consistent and premium visual representation across all client touchpoints and marketing materials.

  • Collaborate effectively with internal creative teams and senior leadership, while also demonstrating the ability to manage projects independently from brief to delivery.

  • Contribute to the visual storytelling and content creation for luxury travel portfolios and marketing campaigns, maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic.

  • Leverage advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and basic video editing skills to produce engaging content for social media and digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes a strong conceptual approach to design, a refined aesthetic suitable for the luxury sector, and the ability to work across diverse design outputs including branding, print, digital, and social media. The mention of "Johannesburg or Cape Town" with a remote option suggests flexibility and a focus on talent acquisition rather than strict geographical constraints for remote work.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Conceptual Design Development: Generate innovative and impactful design concepts from initial client briefs through to final artwork, ensuring strategic alignment with brand objectives.

  • Brand Identity & Refinement: Create and meticulously refine brand identities, logos, and visual systems, ensuring absolute consistency across all client-facing materials and internal communications.

  • Print & Digital Design Execution: Produce high-quality, aesthetically refined design assets for a wide range of applications, including brochures, newsletters, marketing collateral, social media graphics, and website elements.

  • Social Media & Digital Content Creation: Design engaging visual content specifically tailored for social media platforms and other digital channels, often requiring a blend of static graphics and light motion.

  • Light Video Editing Support: Assist with basic video editing tasks for digital and social media content, enhancing the multimedia capabilities of the marketing output.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, client management, and senior leadership teams to interpret design briefs and translate strategic objectives into compelling visual solutions.

  • Project Management & Delivery: Independently manage design projects, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work that meets or exceeds client expectations and brand standards.

  • Creative Direction Contribution: Support senior leadership with creative direction and contribute to the overall visual strategy for the company and its clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and project ownership, emphasizing the need for both artistic talent and professional discipline. The focus on "luxury lifestyle" and "premium positioning" indicates a requirement for a sophisticated design sensibility and an understanding of high-end brand aesthetics.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

  • 7–10 years of professional graphic design experience, preferably within reputable design studios or agencies that handle high-end clientele.

Required Skills:

  • Advanced Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level command of InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop is essential for creating polished and professional design assets.

  • Strong Typography & Layout Skills: Deep understanding of typographic principles, grid systems, and visual hierarchy to create clear, impactful, and aesthetically pleasing designs.

  • Conceptual Thinking & Visual Storytelling: Ability to translate abstract ideas and client briefs into compelling visual narratives and unique design concepts.

  • Brand Development Acumen: Experience in creating and maintaining brand guidelines, ensuring visual consistency across all touchpoints.

  • Digital Design Fundamentals: Proficiency in designing for web, social media, and other digital platforms, understanding responsive design principles where applicable.

  • Communication & Presentation Skills: Excellent ability to articulate design rationale, present creative concepts confidently, and communicate effectively with internal teams and leadership.

  • Problem-Solving Aptitude: Capacity to identify design challenges and develop effective, creative solutions.

Preferred Skills:

  • Basic Video Editing: Experience with video editing software for social media content is advantageous.

  • Luxury Brand Experience: Previous work with luxury goods, high-end services, or premium lifestyle brands.

  • Interest in Travel & Lifestyle: A genuine passion for and understanding of the travel and lifestyle industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (7-10 years) suggests this is not an entry-level position and candidates are expected to bring a significant level of expertise and independent project management capability. The emphasis on a strong portfolio is critical, as it will be the primary means of assessing conceptual ability and technical skill.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Branding Case Studies: Showcase end-to-end branding projects, detailing the conceptual process, visual identity development, and application across various collateral.

  • Print Design Examples: Include high-quality examples of brochures, newsletters, packaging, or marketing collateral that demonstrate sophisticated layout and typographic execution.

  • Digital Design Assets: Present examples of social media graphics, web banners, email templates, or other digital content that highlights aesthetic appeal and platform suitability.

  • Conceptual Thinking Demonstration: Evidence of the ability to develop unique and strategic design concepts that address specific client needs or marketing objectives.

  • Technical Proficiency Showcase: Ensure the portfolio clearly demonstrates mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud tools through the quality and complexity of the work presented.

Process Documentation:

  • While not explicitly stated as a deliverable, candidates are expected to articulate their design process during interviews. This includes:
    • Brief Interpretation: How you analyze and interpret design briefs.
    • Ideation & Concept Development: Your methods for brainstorming and developing initial design concepts.
    • Execution & Refinement: Your workflow for producing and iterating on design assets.
    • Collaboration & Feedback Integration: How you incorporate feedback from stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role emphasizing conceptual thinking and high-end aesthetics, the portfolio should not just be a collection of work but a curated narrative that highlights the candidate's strategic approach, creative problem-solving, and ability to deliver polished, on-brand results for luxury clients.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: R17,000 – R20,000 per month (ZAR). This range is dependent on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

  • Remote Work Flexibility: Opportunity to work remotely, providing a better work-life balance and flexibility.

  • Creative Environment: Exposure to sophisticated, high-end projects within a fast-paced and creative industry.

  • Professional Development: The role offers growth within a prestigious luxury lifestyle management company, potentially leading to broader responsibilities and skill enhancement.

  • Team Collaboration: Opportunity to collaborate with a close-knit, high-performing team.

Working Hours:

  • The standard working hours are not explicitly stated but are assumed to be a typical 40-hour work week, common for full-time design roles. Flexibility may be offered, particularly with the remote work option, but adherence to project deadlines remains critical.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided for the Johannesburg and Cape Town markets, indicating the typical compensation for a Graphic Designer with 7-10 years of experience in South Africa. The benefits are inferred based on the role's description and the typical offerings for creative positions with remote flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Lifestyle Management and potentially Travel. The company operates in a sector that demands high standards of service, discretion, and aesthetic quality.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "internal teams," "senior leadership," and a "close-knit, high-performing team" suggests a medium-sized organization where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's focus on luxury lifestyle management implies a mature business with established brand positioning and client relationships.

Team Structure:

  • Operations Team Aspect 1: The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a dedicated marketing or creative team, working alongside other marketing professionals, content creators, and potentially client account managers.

  • Operations Team Aspect 2: The role reports directly to senior leadership, indicating a flat hierarchy where direct communication and impact are possible.

  • Operations Team Aspect 3: Cross-functional collaboration is key, involving close work with teams responsible for client services, sales, and marketing strategy to ensure cohesive brand messaging and client experience.

Methodology:

  • Operations Process 1: Emphasis on data-driven insights is implied through the need to design marketing materials and support sales efforts, requiring an understanding of target audience engagement.

  • Operations Process 2: Workflow planning and optimization are essential, given the need to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and ensure efficiency in a fast-paced creative environment.

  • Operations Process 3: Automation and efficiency practices are likely applied in digital content creation and potentially in managing design assets, leveraging Adobe Creative Suite features.

Company Website: www.kendrickrecruitment.com (Note: This appears to be the recruitment agency's website, not the client company's. The actual client company's website is not provided.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on luxury and lifestyle management suggests a culture that values sophistication, attention to detail, impeccable presentation, and strong client relationships. The design role is integral to maintaining this premium brand image.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level Graphic Designer. It requires substantial experience (7-10 years) and the ability to work independently, manage projects, and contribute creatively from concept to completion. The designer is expected to be a significant contributor to the brand's visual output.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to senior leadership. This indicates a direct line of communication, potential for significant impact on strategic creative decisions, and a need for strong presentation and reporting skills.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is critical to the company's success. They are responsible for visually communicating the brand's luxury positioning, attracting and retaining high-value clients through compelling marketing materials, and ensuring a consistent, premium aesthetic across all touchpoints. High-quality design directly influences brand perception, client acquisition, and overall market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization within Luxury Design: Opportunity to deepen expertise in designing for the luxury sector, understanding its unique demands and aesthetics.

  • Broader Creative Leadership: Potential to move into a Senior Designer or Art Director role, leading creative projects and mentoring junior designers as the company grows.

  • Cross-Functional Skill Development: Exposure to marketing strategy, client relationship management, and potentially business development within the lifestyle management industry.

  • Portfolio Enhancement: The sophisticated nature of the projects offers excellent opportunities to build a highly impressive portfolio for future career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The direct reporting line to senior leadership, coupled with the expectation of independent project management and conceptual contribution, suggests a role with significant autonomy and potential for career advancement within a niche, high-value industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is advertised as being based in "Johannesburg or Cape Town" with the possibility of remote work. This indicates a hybrid or fully remote work environment is feasible, offering flexibility to employees.

Office Location(s):

  • Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: While remote work is possible, the description mentions working "collaboratively with internal teams" and being part of a "close-knit" team. This suggests that even in a remote setting, active participation in team discussions and virtual collaboration will be expected.

  • Operations Tools & Technology: Access to and proficiency with the Adobe Creative Cloud suite is a fundamental requirement. The company likely provides necessary software licenses and potentially access to cloud-based collaboration tools.

  • Operations Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings, design reviews, and collaborative sessions are anticipated to ensure alignment and project progression.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule is implied, likely around 40 hours per week. However, the "remote when required" and "meet tight deadlines" clauses suggest that occasional flexibility may be needed to accommodate project demands or client needs, typical in creative roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of potential office presence (in Johannesburg or Cape Town) and remote work offers a modern, flexible work environment. The emphasis on collaboration suggests that candidates should be comfortable with virtual teamwork and communication.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess basic qualifications, experience, and design aesthetic.

  • Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, their conceptual approach, design process, and the impact of their work. This stage will assess communication skills and strategic thinking.

  • Technical Assessment/Skills Test: Potentially a small design challenge or a review of specific technical skills (e.g., demonstrating proficiency in a particular Adobe tool or solving a design problem).

  • Team/Leadership Interview: A meeting with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, alignment with the company's luxury brand values, and overall suitability for the role and team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate for Luxury: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to design for a sophisticated, high-end audience. Highlight work that showcases elegance, attention to detail, and premium brand representation.

  • Showcase Conceptual Strength: For each project, explain the brief, your thought process, the challenges, and how your design solutions addressed them. Emphasize the "why" behind your design decisions.

  • Highlight Process: Briefly outline your design process, from initial brief interpretation and research to concept development, execution, and refinement.

  • Quantify Impact (if possible): If any projects led to measurable outcomes (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign launch), present that data to demonstrate ROI.

  • Technical Mastery: Ensure your portfolio visually communicates your proficiency with InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop through the quality of your execution.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Luxury Aesthetic: Research current trends in luxury branding, lifestyle management, and high-end travel marketing.

  • Prepare for Conceptual Tasks: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing for a new luxury service or product launch.

  • Practice Articulating Your Process: Be clear and concise when explaining your design methodology and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also to articulate the strategy, process, and impact behind each piece, particularly as it relates to the luxury market.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud Suite:

    • Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout design, brochures, newsletters, and print collateral.
    • Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for logo design, vector graphics, and brand identity elements.
    • Adobe Photoshop: Necessary for image manipulation, digital asset creation, and social media graphics.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

  • No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified for this design role, but understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM campaigns can be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite is non-negotiable and forms the core technical requirement for this role. The emphasis is on the creative output rather than intricate system management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Excellence & Quality: A commitment to producing work of the highest standard, reflecting the premium nature of the luxury lifestyle industry.

  • Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas and sophisticated design solutions that stand out in a competitive market.

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in every aspect of design, from typography and spacing to brand consistency.

  • Client-Centricity: Understanding and catering to the needs and expectations of discerning luxury clients.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively within a team to achieve collective goals and support senior leadership.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: The designer will need to collaborate closely with marketing, sales, and client management teams to ensure design efforts are aligned with broader business objectives and client needs.

  • Feedback & Iteration: A culture that embraces constructive feedback and iterative design processes to refine work and achieve optimal results.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing insights and best practices within the creative team and broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely to be refined, professional, and focused on delivering exceptional quality, mirroring the luxury services they provide. Candidates should exhibit professionalism, a strong work ethic, and a passion for high-end aesthetics.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Maintaining Luxury Aesthetic: Consistently delivering designs that meet the exacting standards of the luxury market and differentiate the brand from competitors.

  • Balancing Creativity with Brand Guidelines: Innovating within established brand parameters to create fresh, engaging content.

  • Managing Multiple Projects & Deadlines: Effectively prioritizing tasks and managing workload to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

  • Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Staying current with design trends and best practices across digital and social media platforms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Deep Dive into Luxury Branding: Gaining specialized knowledge and experience in designing for the luxury sector.

  • Exposure to Lifestyle Management: Understanding the intricacies of the lifestyle and travel industries.

  • Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in motion graphics, interactive design, or other emerging creative areas.

  • Strategic Design Impact: Learning how design directly influences business outcomes and client perception in a high-value market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a creative role in a premium industry, requiring a blend of artistic talent and professional project management. The growth opportunities are significant for a designer looking to specialize and build a strong brand portfolio.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to develop a brand identity for a luxury product or service. What was your process, and what were the key considerations?" (Focus on conceptualization, execution, and alignment with luxury values.)

  • "How do you ensure visual consistency across various print and digital platforms for a premium brand?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines, typography, and asset management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about working within the luxury lifestyle management industry?" (Show genuine interest and understanding of the sector's demands.)

  • "How do you stay updated on design trends, particularly those relevant to high-end brands?" (Demonstrate continuous learning and industry awareness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Storytelling: Structure your presentation around narratives for each key project, explaining the context, your role, the challenges, your creative solutions, and the results.

  • Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation slides are clean, well-designed, and do not detract from the work itself. Use high-resolution images and clear typography.

  • Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on your strongest, most relevant projects and articulate your points efficiently.

  • Highlight Luxury Relevance: For each project, explain why it's relevant to a luxury brand and how your design choices support that positioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily test your conceptual thinking, your ability to articulate your design process, and your understanding of the luxury market. Your portfolio is your primary tool; ensure it is polished, relevant, and well-presented.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the Kendrick Recruitment application portal.

  • Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features branding, print, and digital design work relevant to luxury or high-end clients, showcasing your conceptual abilities and technical proficiency.

  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 7-10 years of experience, advanced Adobe Creative Cloud skills, and any experience within the luxury, travel, or lifestyle industries. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, conceptual rationale, and project outcomes. Prepare to discuss your experience with luxury branding and your approach to maintaining a premium aesthetic.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the luxury lifestyle management sector and potential trends in client service and marketing within this industry.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Kendrick Recruitment or the hiring organization before making application decisions. The company's specific website is not provided, so research may need to focus on the recruitment agency and the general luxury lifestyle management sector.

Application Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Design and 7–10 years of experience in reputable design studios. Candidates must possess a strong portfolio and advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud software.