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: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-08-04

Experience Level: 4-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for a creative Graphic Designer who excels in a high-volume, fast-paced environment, producing diverse visual content across print, digital, and video formats.

• The position emphasizes originating concepts and innovative ideas, rather than just executing briefs, requiring a strong conceptual portfolio.

• The designer will be responsible for the end-to-end design process, from conceptualization to preparing print-ready artwork and editing video content.

• Collaboration with the Marketing team and business stakeholders is crucial, ensuring a unified customer experience across design, copy, and photography.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description strongly emphasizes the need for a "creative who thinks, then executes brilliantly," indicating a preference for proactive ideation and problem-solving over mere technical execution. This suggests the role requires a strategic mindset alongside design skills, common in forward-thinking marketing departments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and create a wide range of marketing collateral, including Point of Sale (POS) materials, social media graphics, Out-of-Home (OOH) advertisements, digital assets, print materials, and event-specific designs.

• Develop original concepts and creative ideas for campaigns and brand initiatives, demonstrating conceptual range beyond executing predefined briefs.

• Produce and edit video content and motion graphics as an integral part of regular design output.

• Prepare print-ready artwork, ensuring adherence to precise printer specifications and quality standards.

• Manage and prioritize multiple design projects simultaneously, maintaining high standards of quality and creativity across all deliverables.

• Collaborate closely with the Marketing team and other business stakeholders to understand project requirements and bring creative briefs to life effectively and on time.

• Ensure design elements, copy, and photography are cohesively integrated to create a unified and impactful customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "originate concepts, not just executing briefs" highlights a need for a designer who can contribute strategically to campaign development, not just as a production artist. This implies involvement in brainstorming sessions and strategic planning meetings.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree in Graphic Design or Multimedia Design is required. Experience:

• 4-5 years of experience as a Graphic Designer or Conceptual DTP Artist.

• Agency, retail, or Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) background is preferred, indicating familiarity with fast-paced, high-volume creative demands. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically:

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

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

• Ability to work creatively within established Brand CI (Corporate Identity) guidelines while still innovating.

• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to run multiple projects concurrently without compromising quality.

• Aptitude for receiving and acting on feedback constructively, and the initiative to ask clarifying questions.

• Self-management skills, requiring minimal supervision to meet deadlines. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro.

• Experience with 3D software.

• Skills in videography.

• Photography experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio showing "conceptual range, not just technical execution" means candidates should curate their portfolio to showcase ideation processes, mood boards, and how they translated abstract concepts into tangible designs, in addition to showcasing final polished pieces.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong conceptual range and creative thinking, not solely technical execution.

• Examples of work across various media, including POS, social media, OOH, digital, print, and video/motion graphics.

• Case studies or project breakdowns that illustrate the design process from brief to final output, highlighting problem-solving and conceptual development.

• Evidence of ability to work within Brand CI guidelines while still injecting creativity and originality.

• Samples of print-ready artwork, showcasing attention to detail and technical specifications for production. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process, including conceptualization, ideation, execution, and final delivery.

• Understanding of workflow management for handling multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery.

• Experience in preparing artwork for various print and digital production methods.

• Familiarity with collaborative design processes, including receiving and incorporating feedback from marketing teams and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio that shows "conceptual range, not just technical execution" implies that candidates should be prepared to discuss their thought process, the challenges faced, and how they arrived at their creative solutions, rather than just presenting finished pieces.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 4-5 years of experience in a South African metropolitan area like Stellenbosch, and considering the fast-paced nature of the QSR industry, a competitive salary range would be approximately ZAR 25,000 - ZAR 35,000 per month. This estimate accounts for the advanced skill requirements, including video editing and conceptual work, and the high-volume demands of the role. Benefits:

• A brand with genuine creative ambition and the volume to keep skills sharp.

• A Marketing team that values design as central to brand competitiveness.

• Broad creative scope and the opportunity for diverse project involvement.

• A seat at the table during campaign development, offering strategic input beyond just artwork execution.

• Opportunity to work with a growing brand with a significant presence across multiple African countries. Working Hours:

• Full-time employment, typically around 40 hours per week, aligning with standard business operations. The fast-paced environment may occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on average market rates for Graphic Designers in South Africa, adjusted for the specified experience level and the unique demands of a QSR marketing environment. Cost of living in Stellenbosch and the competitive nature of creative roles were also considered.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage / Fast Food Retail

Company Size: Over 500 stores across multiple African countries, indicating a large, established, and growing organization. This scale suggests a dynamic and potentially complex operational environment.

Founded: 1997 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The company has grown significantly from its single-store origin, emphasizing innovation and people development.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the broader Marketing team at Hungry Lion HQ.

• This team likely includes marketing managers, copywriters, digital marketers, and potentially other creative specialists.

• Collaboration will extend to various business stakeholders across different departments.

• The reporting structure is likely to be to a Marketing Manager or Creative Lead. Methodology:

• Hungry Lion emphasizes innovation, utilizing AI and technology for smarter operations.

• They foster an environment where people are empowered to think differently and solve real problems.

• Design is treated as central to how the brand competes, indicating a strategic approach to marketing and branding.

• A focus on creating a unified customer experience across all touchpoints (design, copy, photography).

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's growth from one store to over 500, coupled with its emphasis on innovation and empowering employees, suggests a culture that values initiative, problem-solving, and a forward-thinking mindset, which will be reflected in the expectations for this design role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, requiring 4-5 years of experience and the ability to work independently on conceptual projects, manage multiple tasks, and collaborate with stakeholders. It's a hands-on creative role with significant responsibility for brand output.

Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to a Marketing Manager or a Creative Lead within the Marketing department.

• This structure suggests a clear line of accountability and a supportive environment for creative direction and feedback. Operations Impact:

• The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, customer engagement, and ultimately, sales.

• By creating compelling visuals for POS, social media, digital campaigns, and other channels, the designer contributes to driving customer traffic and brand loyalty in a highly competitive fast-food market.

• The role's focus on originating concepts means the designer can influence brand strategy and campaign effectiveness. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like motion graphics, video editing, or specific campaign types based on project involvement and demonstrated skill.

• Leadership: With proven success and conceptual leadership, opportunities might arise to lead smaller projects or mentor junior designers in the future.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning is implicitly encouraged through exposure to a high-volume, diverse creative environment and the company's emphasis on innovation. The company's use of AI and technology suggests opportunities to explore new tools and workflows.

• Broader Marketing Involvement: A "seat at the table" in campaign building offers exposure to strategic marketing planning, potentially opening doors to broader marketing roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated value of "backing our people to think differently and solve real problems" suggests that individuals who demonstrate initiative and strategic thinking in their design work will likely find avenues for career advancement and increased responsibility within the marketing team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role within the Hungry Lion headquarters in Stellenbosch. This suggests a professional office environment conducive to collaborative work and focused design tasks.

Office Location(s): Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves close collaboration with the Marketing team and other business stakeholders, indicating a team-oriented workspace.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) is expected, with potential for exposure to newer tools and technologies as the company embraces innovation.

• Interaction Opportunities: Regular interaction with marketing professionals and potentially other creative minds within the company, fostering a dynamic creative exchange.

• Fast-Paced: The environment is described as "high-volume" and "fast-paced," requiring adaptability and efficiency.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected.

• Given the fast-paced nature and potential for multiple concurrent projects, some flexibility may be required to meet campaign deadlines and urgent creative needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of a "high-volume, fast-paced creative environment" suggests that candidates should be comfortable with rapid turnarounds and a dynamic workflow, where the ability to manage time effectively and stay organized is paramount to success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and conceptual range.

• Portfolio Presentation/Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their creative process, conceptual thinking, and how they've tackled similar challenges. This is a key stage to demonstrate originality and problem-solving.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or task to evaluate practical application of skills, particularly in areas like conceptualization, layout, or motion graphics within brand guidelines.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with the Marketing team and potentially other key stakeholders to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and ability to collaborate.

• Final Interview: Discussion with hiring manager or senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase a range of work that highlights conceptual thinking, versatility across different media (print, digital, video), and ability to work within brand guidelines.

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your conceptual approach, the challenges encountered, and the final outcome with measurable results if possible.

• Highlight Conceptual Work: Ensure examples of ideation, mood boards, or initial concept sketches are included to demonstrate the "thinking" part of the process.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Include polished final pieces that clearly showcase advanced Adobe Creative Suite skills, especially After Effects for motion graphics.

• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to articulate your design choices, defend your concepts, and discuss how you handle feedback and collaboration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect a task that requires conceptual thinking under a time constraint, potentially involving a brief similar to those described in the responsibilities (e.g., social post, store banner, short video concept).

• Focus on demonstrating your ability to translate a brief into creative ideas quickly and within brand parameters.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio showing "conceptual range, not just technical execution" means candidates should prepare to discuss their entire creative process, including the ideation phase, problem-solving, and how they translated abstract ideas into tangible designs. This is more than just showing final polished work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • InDesign: For layout and print production of materials like POS, brochures, and OOH.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and detailed illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, digital graphics, and social media assets.
  • After Effects: For creating motion graphics, animations, and video content.

• Video Editing Software: While After Effects is listed, proficiency in Premiere Pro is advantageous for more extensive video editing tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, understanding how design impacts campaign performance and engagement metrics is crucial. Familiarity with social media analytics platforms and digital ad performance metrics would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core design function, but understanding how marketing campaigns are deployed and tracked within CRM systems could provide valuable context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in After Effects is listed as required, highlighting the importance of motion graphics and video content creation in this role. Candidates with strong animation and video editing skills will be highly competitive.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: The company encourages "thinking differently and solving real problems," and values "genuine creative ambition." This means designers are expected to be innovative and bring fresh ideas.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working closely with the Marketing team and stakeholders is a key responsibility, emphasizing a collaborative approach to campaign development.

• Brand Consistency: The ability to work within Brand CI while still being creative suggests a value placed on maintaining a strong, unified brand identity.

• High Standards & Quality: The description emphasizes maintaining a high standard across all creative outputs, regardless of format, indicating a commitment to quality.

• Energy & Warmth: As a fast-food brand, these values likely translate into dynamic, engaging, and customer-centric marketing communications.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with marketing professionals and business stakeholders, requiring strong communication and understanding of diverse perspectives.

• Feedback-Driven: The role requires handling feedback well and asking good questions, indicating a culture that values constructive critique and iterative improvement.

• Proactive Communication: Managing own time and not needing to be chased suggests an expectation of proactive communication and updates regarding project progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "energy and genuine warmth" in its service likely extends to its internal culture, suggesting a dynamic and potentially positive work environment where collaboration is key to achieving brand goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume & Fast Pace: Consistently producing high-quality creative work under tight deadlines in a busy QSR environment.

• Conceptual Originality: The continuous need to originate fresh, innovative concepts for a wide range of campaigns and formats.

• Balancing Brand CI with Creativity: Effectively working within strict brand guidelines while still pushing creative boundaries.

• Multi-format Production: Seamlessly switching between diverse design needs, from social media graphics to print-ready artwork and video content.

• Stakeholder Management: Collaborating effectively with various internal teams and stakeholders to meet diverse project needs and expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in video editing and motion graphics (After Effects, Premiere Pro) through practical application and potential training.

• Conceptual Development: Hone conceptual thinking and strategic campaign ideation skills by working on diverse projects with a team that values creative input.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience in the fast-paced QSR retail sector, understanding its unique marketing dynamics and consumer engagement strategies.

• Technology Integration: Opportunity to work with a company that embraces AI and technology, potentially exposing the designer to new creative tools and workflows.

• Broader Marketing Insight: Involvement in campaign building provides exposure to strategic marketing planning beyond pure design execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be maintaining creative output and conceptual rigor in a high-volume, fast-paced setting. Successfully navigating this will require strong organizational skills, efficient workflows, and effective communication.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy and how you approach conceptualization for different media (social, print, video).

• Expect questions about how you balance creative ambition with brand guidelines and stakeholder feedback.

• Prepare to walk through a specific project from your portfolio, detailing your thought process, challenges, and solutions.

• Discuss how you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working on multiple concurrent projects. Company & Culture Questions:

• Research Hungry Lion's current marketing campaigns, brand aesthetic, and target audience.

• Be ready to articulate why you are interested in working for a QSR brand and how your design skills can contribute to their success.

• Discuss your understanding of brand consistency and how you ensure it while maintaining creativity.

• Prepare to share examples of how you handle constructive criticism and feedback. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Diverse Examples: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your conceptual range, technical skills (especially After Effects), and experience across different media.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the brief, your creative concept, the challenges, your solutions, and the final output. Use visuals to illustrate your process (e.g., sketches, mood boards).

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or outcomes related to the projects (e.g., engagement rates for social posts, successful print runs).

• Demonstrate Brand Adaptability: Show examples where you successfully worked within existing brand guidelines, and perhaps where you helped evolve them.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your presentation to keep it within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 15-20 minutes), allowing ample time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the explicit requirement for a portfolio showing "conceptual range, not just technical execution," expect interviewers to probe deeply into your ideation process. Be ready to discuss the 'why' behind your design choices and how you translate abstract ideas into compelling visuals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features work that demonstrates conceptual thinking, versatility across print, digital, and video formats, and your ability to work within brand guidelines. Tailor your presentation to highlight examples relevant to the QSR industry if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly highlight your 4-5 years of experience, advanced Adobe Creative Suite skills (especially After Effects), and any agency, retail, or QSR background. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, conceptual strategies, and how you handle feedback. Prepare a concise presentation of your best work, focusing on the story behind each project.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Hungry Lion's brand, current marketing efforts, and values to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.

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