Graphic Designer - Stellenbosch

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Hungry Lion Fast Foods (Pty) Ltd

Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-23

Experience Level: 4-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and conceptualize engaging graphics for a diverse range of marketing collateral, ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints.

• Develop creative ideas and execute projects with technical excellence, managing time, costs, and deadlines effectively within a fast-paced QSR environment.

• Prepare artwork for print and digital platforms, adhering to technical specifications and best practices for optimal output.

• Collaborate closely with the marketing team and broader business stakeholders to translate briefs into visually compelling designs that enhance customer experience.

• Leverage a strong understanding of design principles, typography, and brand identity to produce innovative and effective visual solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is firmly within the Marketing Operations and Creative Services domain, focusing on the visual execution of marketing strategies for a fast-food chain. The emphasis on fast-paced environments, QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) experience, and diverse collateral indicates a need for a designer adept at rapid iteration and brand adherence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create compelling mockups and visual representations for various products and marketing campaigns.

• Conceptualize and roll out artwork for all marketing platforms, including Point of Sale (POS), leaflets, Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising, social media, and web elements.

• Design and Desktop Publish (DTP) all elements related to the Hungry Lion brand, ensuring visual coherence.

• Prepare final artwork for print production, meticulously adhering to printer specifications and technical requirements.

• Manage and prioritize multiple design projects simultaneously, delivering high-quality creative output within tight deadlines.

• Support the marketing team by contributing to strategic and creative approaches to bring campaign narratives to life through design.

• Ensure design elements complement copy and photography to create a unified and impactful customer experience.

• Apply a deep understanding of design principles, including layout, color theory, contrast, typography, scale, and composition.

• Design collateral across a broad spectrum of styles while swiftly adapting to and maintaining the Hungry Lion brand identity.

• Work within the established brand CI (Corporate Identity), upholding required brand elements while producing innovative and effective designs.

• Assist with graphic design across all formats, including brand assets, digital content, print materials, outdoor advertising, press ads, POS displays, and event collateral.

• Originate creative digital graphic designs and concepts that directly support client briefs and marketing objectives.

• Generate and create polished, visually appealing, and highly conceptual designs under pressure and at a rapid pace.

• Create and edit videos and various video formats for marketing and promotional use.

• Collaborate effectively with the broader Marketing team and other business stakeholders to ensure prompt fulfillment of brief requirements.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of social media platforms and social media marketing principles.

• Solicit and incorporate feedback from senior team members and colleagues to enhance design quality and resolve creative challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role requiring versatility across various media. The emphasis on POS, leaflets, OOH, and social media indicates a need for a designer familiar with both traditional and digital marketing channels common in the retail and QSR sectors. The mention of "Conceptual DTP artist" suggests a role that blends creative concepting with technical execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, or a related field. Experience:

• 4-5 years of experience as a Graphic Designer or Conceptual DTP artist, preferably within the advertising, retail, or Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industries.

• Demonstrated experience with digital design work and best practices.

• Proven ability to creatively leverage online and social media channels for marketing initiatives. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite applications:

  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe After Effects

• Strong understanding of design principles, including layout, color theory, typography, scale, and composition.

• Expertise in preparing artwork for print according to printer specifications.

• Ability to maintain brand CI (Corporate Identity) while producing innovative designs.

• Experience in digital design, social media content creation, and web elements.

• Excellent understanding of social media marketing principles.

• Strong conceptualization and creative problem-solving skills.

• Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects efficiently. Preferred Skills:

• Videography skills.

• Photography skills.

• Knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro.

• Experience with 3D design software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly define a mid-level designer role. The specific mention of QSR or retail experience is crucial, suggesting the candidate should understand the visual communication needs of high-volume consumer brands. The advanced Adobe Suite requirement is standard, but the inclusion of After Effects and desirable video/photography skills points towards a role that supports dynamic content creation, especially for digital channels.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a wide range of relevant design work that meets Hungry Lion's high standards for excellence.

• Specific examples demonstrating experience with designing for various platforms: POS, leaflets, OOH, social media, and web.

• Case studies or examples that highlight the ability to conceptualize and roll out artwork for campaigns.

• Demonstrations of print-ready artwork preparation, adhering to technical specifications.

• Examples of digital design work, including social media graphics and web elements.

• Visuals that illustrate adaptability to different styles while maintaining a strong brand identity. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio will implicitly demonstrate the candidate's design process, from initial concept to final execution.

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their workflow for managing multiple projects, client briefs, and feedback integration.

• The portfolio should reflect an understanding of the end-to-end design process for both print and digital outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of design process, technical skill, and creative output. Applicants should curate their portfolios to prominently feature work that aligns with the requirements and responsibilities outlined, particularly showcasing experience in fast-paced, multi-platform design for retail or QSR.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on the experience level (4-5 years), location (Stellenbosch, South Africa), and industry (Fast Food/QSR), a competitive salary range for a Graphic Designer in this region would typically fall between ZAR 280,000 to ZAR 450,000 per annum. This estimate considers the cost of living in Stellenbosch and industry benchmarks for creative roles with these qualifications.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment benefits as per South African labor law.

• Potential for professional development and training in design software and techniques.

• Opportunity to work with a well-known brand in the fast-food sector.

• Exposure to a dynamic marketing environment with diverse creative challenges.

• Contribution to strategic marketing campaigns for a growing company. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility may be required during peak campaign periods or to meet urgent project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general market data for Graphic Designers in South Africa, adjusted for the specified experience level and location. Benefits are inferred based on standard employment practices for full-time roles in the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fast Food / Quick Service Restaurant (QSR)

Hungry Lion operates in the highly competitive fast-food industry, requiring dynamic and visually engaging marketing to attract and retain customers. This environment demands speed, efficiency, and a keen understanding of consumer trends.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (implied by the corporate structure and brand presence).

As a large fast-food chain, Hungry Lion likely has established marketing departments and brand guidelines, requiring designers to work within a structured framework while still fostering creativity.

Founded: The company was founded in 2004, indicating a mature brand with established operational processes and market presence.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing team.

• This team likely collaborates closely with various departments, including Operations, Franchise Management, and potentially external agencies.

• The reporting structure would typically involve a Marketing Manager or Head of Marketing overseeing the design function.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring strong communication skills to work with diverse stakeholders. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven marketing insights to inform design decisions, especially for digital platforms.

• Workflow planning and optimization focused on rapid turnaround times for campaigns and promotions.

• Automation practices might be leveraged for repetitive design tasks or content deployment, though the core role is creative.

• A strong focus on brand consistency and adherence to Corporate Identity (CI) guidelines.

Company Website: https://www.hungrylion.co.za/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and operational model (fast food, QSR) heavily influence the design requirements. The need for speed, brand consistency, and broad collateral creation suggests a fast-paced, results-oriented marketing culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer

This role is positioned for a designer with 4-5 years of experience, indicating a level beyond junior but not yet senior leadership. The responsibilities suggest a focus on execution, conceptualization, and contribution to campaign visuals.

Reporting Structure:

The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or a Senior Designer. This structure allows for guidance and mentorship while expecting independent contribution to design tasks.

Operations Impact:

The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts customer perception, brand recognition, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. High-quality, on-brand visuals are critical for driving sales, promoting offers, and maintaining Hungry Lion's market presence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like digital design, motion graphics, or video editing within the marketing team.

• Skill Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, learn new design software, and gain experience in videography/photography.

• Leadership Potential: With continued strong performance and experience, progression to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role within the marketing department is possible.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining broader marketing experience by working on diverse campaign elements for different channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a graphic designer in a corporate setting typically involves increasing responsibility for creative direction, project management, and potentially team leadership. The focus is on enhancing creative and technical skills while understanding the business impact of design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site (Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa)

The role is based in a physical office location, indicating a need for in-person collaboration and access to office resources.

Office Location(s): Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

This location is specific and suggests the candidate should be able to commute to this area.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office environment within the Marketing department.

• Access to industry-standard design software and hardware.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with marketing colleagues, project managers, and potentially other creative professionals.

• The workspace is expected to support a fast-paced workflow, requiring efficient design execution. Work Schedule:

• Typically a standard 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday.

• The fast-paced nature of the QSR industry may necessitate some flexibility to meet urgent project deadlines or campaign launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement implies a traditional office setup where collaboration and direct feedback are integral to the design process. The environment is likely dynamic, aligning with the fast-paced nature of the food industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

The interview process will likely involve several stages to assess creative skills, technical proficiency, cultural fit, and problem-solving abilities.

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience.

• Technical/Creative Assessment: A practical design test or a detailed discussion of portfolio pieces, focusing on design process, technical execution, and conceptual thinking. This might include a brief to create a sample design.

• Manager/Team Interview: Discussion about experience, role understanding, collaboration style, and how the candidate fits within the marketing team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior marketing leader to discuss strategic alignment and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select your strongest and most relevant work. Prioritize projects that demonstrate experience with fast food, retail, QSR, POS, social media, and print collateral.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly explain your thought process, from brief understanding to concept development, execution, and final delivery. Highlight any challenges you overcame.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any designs led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign launch), mention it.

• Brand Adaptability: Include examples that show your ability to work within different brand guidelines and adapt your style.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects.

• Organize Clearly: Make it easy for reviewers to navigate your portfolio. Categorize by project type or platform.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that simulates a real-world brief.

• Focus on understanding the brief thoroughly, asking clarifying questions.

• Demonstrate your ability to think creatively and strategically within brand constraints.

• Manage your time effectively during the challenge.

• Present your solution clearly, explaining your rationale and design choices.

• Be ready to discuss how your design aligns with marketing objectives and target audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical element for this role. Candidates must ensure it is polished, relevant, and effectively communicates their design capabilities and process. A practical design test or case study is highly probable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and DTP of print collateral (leaflets, POS, OOH).
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and detailed artwork.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics, video editing, and animated content.

• Video Editing Software: Potentially Adobe Premiere Pro for more advanced video production.

• 3D Design Software: Desirable, suggesting potential for 3D rendering or modeling in future projects.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly listed, the designer will likely work with marketing analytics to understand campaign performance and inform future designs, especially for digital platforms. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the design role, but awareness of marketing automation platforms or digital asset management systems might be beneficial for content deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects, is non-negotiable. Experience with video editing tools like Premiere Pro is a significant plus, aligning with the company's need for dynamic content.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce fresh, engaging, and effective designs that stand out.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in design execution, ensuring accuracy in typography, layout, and brand elements.

• Client Centricity: Understanding and effectively meeting the needs of internal marketing stakeholders and, ultimately, the end customer.

• Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, handle pressure, and adapt to changing project requirements or brand directions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with team members and stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Drive & Commitment: A strong work ethic and dedication to delivering high-quality results.

• Problem-Solving: Proactive identification and resolution of design challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely fosters an open and collaborative environment where feedback is shared constructively.

• Designers will work closely with marketing strategists, copywriters, and campaign managers.

• Clear communication and the ability to articulate design decisions are key to successful collaboration.

• A culture that values both individual creative contribution and team-based problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed competencies strongly suggest a culture that values high performance, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills. The emphasis on client centricity and collaboration indicates a team-oriented approach where individual contributions serve broader marketing objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The QSR industry demands rapid turnaround times for marketing materials, requiring designers to work efficiently and under pressure.

• Brand Consistency: Maintaining strict brand identity across a wide array of collateral while still producing innovative designs can be challenging.

• Multi-Platform Demands: Designing for diverse media (print, digital, social, video) requires versatility and mastery of various formats and specifications.

• Balancing Creativity with Objectives: Ensuring designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also strategically effective in meeting marketing goals.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly After Effects for motion graphics and video editing.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest design trends, digital marketing strategies, and visual communication techniques relevant to the QSR and retail sectors.

• Cross-functional Learning: Gaining insights into marketing strategy, campaign planning, and consumer behavior to inform design decisions.

• Portfolio Growth: Working on diverse projects will continuously build a robust and varied design portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in the role provide significant opportunities for professional growth. Mastering rapid design cycles and diverse media will build resilience and a comprehensive skill set valuable in any creative or marketing role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design brief from concept to final delivery, especially under tight deadlines." (Focus on workflow, time management, and communication.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various marketing collateral while still introducing creative elements?" (Highlight understanding of brand guidelines and creative problem-solving.)

• "Walk us through a challenging design project from your portfolio. What was the objective, what was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating your problem-solving skills and impact.)

• "How do you stay updated with the latest design trends and technologies, particularly those relevant to the QSR or retail industry?" (Showcase continuous learning and industry awareness.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Hungry Lion and our brand?" (Research the company's market position, recent campaigns, and target audience.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with marketing teams and other stakeholders?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and responsiveness.)

• "Describe a time you received constructive criticism on your design work. How did you handle it?" (Demonstrate openness to feedback and a growth mindset.)

• "Why are you interested in working for a fast-food brand like Hungry Lion?" (Align your passion for design with the company's industry and mission.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each selected project, tell a story that includes the client's objective, your creative concept, your design process, the challenges faced, and the final outcome or impact.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually clean, well-organized, and reflects your design aesthetic. Use high-quality images and clear annotations.

• Technical Detail: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques you used, especially for specific elements like typography, color palettes, or motion graphics.

• Adaptability: If possible, showcase a range of styles and project types to demonstrate your versatility.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time during your presentation. Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating practical design skills, an understanding of brand strategy, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The portfolio review will be a critical component, so thorough preparation is essential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Hungry Lion careers portal.

• Tailor Your CV: Customize your resume to highlight your 4-5 years of experience, specifically mentioning any QSR, retail, or advertising background. Emphasize your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and any video/photography skills.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best work relevant to the job description (POS, social media, print, digital), and clearly demonstrates your design process and technical skills. Be ready to present specific case studies.

• Prepare for a Design Challenge: Anticipate a practical design test or a request to create a sample design based on a brief, simulating real work. Practice time management and strategic thinking.

• Research Hungry Lion: Familiarize yourself with the brand's current marketing efforts, visual identity, and target audience to articulate your understanding and enthusiasm during interviews.

⚠️ 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.