Graphic Designer (AI Focused)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (AI Focused)
Company: EY
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design
Date Posted: 2025-12-08
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to driving market leadership strategy through compelling, brand-aligned visual design, leveraging AI tools to enhance creative output.
• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for developing a wide range of branding materials, from digital content to print collateral, ensuring adherence to EY's strict brand identity and quality standards.
• A key aspect of this position involves integrating Artificial Intelligence into the design workflow to push creative boundaries, optimize processes, and produce exceptional digital and interactive content.
• The role demands strong communication and collaboration skills, working within a high-performing team to deliver impactful visual solutions for both internal and external audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title and description focus on graphic design, the inclusion of "Printing Coordinator" in the "Position Summary" and specific print responsibilities indicates a dual focus. This role requires not only digital design expertise but also hands-on experience with print production and management. The emphasis on AI integration suggests a forward-thinking team looking to innovate within the creative services function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and design a comprehensive suite of branding materials, including brochures, infographics, presentations, social media content, and other visual assets, ensuring alignment with EY's brand guidelines and strategic objectives under senior guidance.
• Analyze project briefs and provided information to conceptualize and produce initial design drafts, translating user needs and complex ideas into clear, impactful visuals.
• Maintain high standards of aesthetic quality, timeliness, and operational efficiency in all design outputs, consistently adhering to EY's established style and identity.
• Proactively research and stay abreast of current design trends, emerging AI technologies in creative fields, and best practices, sharing insights with team members and stakeholders to foster innovation.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues, internal project leaders, clients, and vendors to achieve optimal creative outcomes and project success.
• Manage multiple design assignments and deadlines concurrently, prioritizing tasks and communicating progress effectively with direction from supervisors.
• Engage directly with clients to clarify design requirements, gather feedback, facilitate idea exchange, and ensure client satisfaction with delivered visual solutions.
• Contribute creative input and innovative ideas throughout the decision-making process, actively participating in team discussions and brainstorming sessions.
• Respond promptly and professionally to client inquiries via communication platforms like Microsoft Teams and email, ensuring efficient client service.
• Actively participate in organizational initiatives, team-building activities, and professional development programs to contribute to EY's broader goals and foster a positive work environment.
• Execute print production tasks for various materials such as brochures, placemats, invitations, and name tags, ensuring high-quality finishing and binding.
• Manage and maintain an inventory of print production supplies, including toner and paper, proactively placing orders to prevent interruptions to printing jobs.
• Liaise with technicians and procurement departments regarding printer maintenance, material management, and resolving any print-related issues promptly.
• Utilize AI tools for advanced design creation, video content production (editing, motion graphics), and interactive content development, pushing the boundaries of digital storytelling.
• Apply AI to optimize creative workflows, identify efficiencies, and potentially train colleagues on new AI-assisted design methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a dual role: a digital graphic designer with a strong AI focus and a print production specialist. Candidates must possess skills in both areas. The AI responsibilities are not just about using tools but also about optimizing workflows and potentially training others, indicating a strategic integration of AI into the creative process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or National Diploma in Graphic Design or a related creative field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a preference for candidates who have worked within an agency environment.
• Demonstrated experience in print production, including managing various printing techniques and finishing processes.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Expert command of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, After Effects, and Premiere Pro.
• AI Tool Proficiency: Proven ability to effectively utilize various Artificial Intelligence tools for design creation, video editing, and interactive content development.
• Print Production Expertise: Hands-on experience with a range of print production tasks, including designing for and executing various folding, binding, and finishing techniques (e.g., trifold, z-fold, gatefold, lamination, wire binding, glue binding).
• Brand Adherence: Strong understanding and application of brand guidelines to ensure consistent visual identity across all deliverables.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to effectively articulate design concepts, receive feedback, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Creative Problem-Solving: A proactive and innovative approach to tackling design challenges, generating unique solutions, and meeting project objectives.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on accuracy in design elements, typography, layout, and print specifications to ensure error-free outputs.
• Time Management & Organization: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-assisted design platforms and generative AI tools.
• Knowledge of typography fundamentals and a strong eye for layout balance and aesthetic composition.
• Familiarity with video editing, motion graphics, and interactive content development using AI tools.
• Experience in inventory management for print production materials (toner, paper, etc.).
• Ability to proactively liaise with technical teams and procurement for print-related operations.
• A keen interest in emerging design technologies and a drive for continuous learning and upskilling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a blend of traditional graphic design skills with a significant emphasis on AI integration and print production. Proficiency in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications is crucial, as is practical experience with AI tools for creative tasks. The print production aspect is detailed, suggesting a need for hands-on capability rather than just conceptual understanding.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2 years of diverse graphic design work, with a strong emphasis on projects demonstrating AI integration in the creative process.
• Visual examples of branding materials designed for internal and external audiences, including brochures, presentations, infographics, and social media assets.
• Specific case studies or examples of print production projects, illustrating the design, production process, and final output of items like brochures, placemats, and invitations.
• Demonstrations of AI-assisted design creation, such as graphics generated or enhanced by AI, or examples of AI-driven video/interactive content.
• Evidence of understanding and applying brand guidelines, with examples of how brand consistency was maintained across various projects.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how design briefs were interpreted and translated into visual concepts, detailing the initial stages of the design process.
• Include examples of workflow optimization through the use of AI tools or improved print production processes, highlighting efficiency gains.
• Present a clear understanding of the print production workflow, from file preparation to final output, including inventory management and issue resolution.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects, showing how tasks were prioritized, organized, and executed to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio is essential and must explicitly highlight AI integration. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their process for both digital design and print production, showing how they manage projects and leverage technology to achieve results. The emphasis on AI suggests a need for candidates to showcase experimental or innovative use of these tools.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Johannesburg, South Africa, a competitive salary range is estimated between ZAR 300,000 to ZAR 450,000 per annum. This estimate considers the specialized AI focus and dual print production responsibilities, which may command a premium.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training on new design software and AI technologies.
• Access to EY's global network and resources for learning and collaboration.
• Paid time off, including annual leave and public holidays.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses and career advancement within the firm.
• Exposure to cutting-edge AI tools and innovative design projects.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with specific timings to be confirmed by the hiring team. While adherence to core business hours is expected, there might be flexibility for urgent print production or project deadlines, requiring occasional overtime.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on market data for similar roles in Johannesburg. The dual nature of the role (AI-focused digital design and print production) suggests a salary reflective of specialized skills. Benefits are typical for a large professional services firm like EY.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services (Consulting, Assurance, Tax, Strategy, Transactions, and Law). EY operates globally, providing a wide array of services to businesses. Company Size: EY is a very large, global organization, one of the "Big Four" accounting firms, employing over 400,000 people worldwide. This indicates a structured environment with extensive resources and opportunities. Founded: Ernst & Young was formed in 1989 through the merger of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co. Its history dates back much further, with predecessor firms established in the 19th century.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Creative Services team, which falls under the EY Clients & Industries and Business Development function.
• This team likely operates within a matrix structure, collaborating with various service lines, market-making teams, and business development professionals across the Africa market.
• The designer will report to a Creative Lead or Senior Designer, receiving mentorship and guidance within a supportive team environment.

Methodology:

• EY emphasizes a data-driven approach to business development and client engagement, which translates into design needing to be strategic, impactful, and measurable.
• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, especially with the integration of AI, aiming for efficiency and high-quality output.
• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, particularly through the adoption of new technologies like AI to streamline creative processes.

Company Website: https://www.ey.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: EY's culture is generally characterized by professionalism, collaboration, and a strong emphasis on client service and business integrity. The "AI Focused" aspect suggests a progressive approach within its Creative Services team, aiming to leverage technology for competitive advantage. The large company size means structured processes but also ample opportunities for growth and specialization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Graphic Designer, requiring 2-5 years of experience. It offers a blend of hands-on creative execution and the opportunity to explore and implement new technologies like AI. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Creative Lead or Senior Designer, providing a clear line of mentorship and operational direction. This structure facilitates skill development and project oversight. Operations Impact: Through the creation of compelling branding materials and visual communications, this role directly impacts EY's market presence, client engagement, and internal communications. High-quality design supports brand perception, enhances marketing campaign effectiveness, and contributes to overall business development strategies within the Africa market. The AI integration aspect further amplifies impact by potentially improving efficiency and enabling more innovative campaign concepts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design tools, video production, and interactive content development, becoming a subject matter expert within EY's creative services.
• Print Production Mastery: Develop advanced skills in print management, vendor relations, and complex print project execution, potentially leading to a Print Production Specialist or Manager role.
• Art Direction & Strategy: Grow into roles with greater creative oversight, contributing to the strategic direction of visual campaigns and brand messaging.
• Mentorship & Leadership: With experience, mentor junior designers, lead small projects, and contribute to team process improvements.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Collaborate with diverse teams across EY's service lines, gaining broader business acumen and understanding of different market needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth, particularly by specializing in AI integration or print production management. The EY environment provides opportunities to gain experience across various business functions, enhancing overall career development within the creative and operations space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a traditional office environment within EY's Johannesburg premises. This setting typically fosters direct collaboration, team cohesion, and access to office resources. Office Location(s): Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. This location places the designer within a major economic hub, offering access to a vibrant professional community and potential for networking. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a collaborative office environment with dedicated desk space for design work.
• Access to industry-standard hardware, software (Adobe Creative Suite, AI tools), and potentially specialized printing equipment for production tasks.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues in the Creative Services team, as well as cross-functional collaboration with marketing, business development, and other EY professionals.
• A professional setting that encourages teamwork, knowledge sharing, and adherence to company policies and procedures.

Work Schedule: The role operates on a standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday). While core hours are expected, there may be a need for flexibility to manage urgent print production deadlines or project requirements, necessitating occasional overtime.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the collaborative and hands-on nature of the role, particularly for print production. The Johannesburg location is a significant advantage, placing the designer in a key business center.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess relevant experience, skills, and AI integration capabilities.
• Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a design challenge, either pre-interview or during an interview, focusing on creating a piece of collateral, incorporating AI elements, or solving a print production problem. This assesses practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager or a senior team member, focusing on your experience, technical skills (especially with AI and print), understanding of brand guidelines, and fit with the team. Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, highlighting specific projects and your role in them.
• Second Interview/Panel Interview: May involve meeting with other team members or stakeholders. This stage often assesses collaboration skills, communication style, and how you handle feedback and challenging situations. Questions might delve deeper into your approach to AI in design and print workflows.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader, focusing on cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and alignment with EY's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight AI Integration: Clearly label and explain projects where AI tools were used, detailing the specific tools and their impact on the creative process or final output.
• Showcase Print Production: Include examples of printed materials, detailing the type of print job, any challenges faced in production, and how they were overcome. Mention specific print techniques used.
• Demonstrate Brand Adherence: Have examples that clearly show how you applied EY's brand guidelines, or how you would adapt to new brand guidelines.
• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the challenges, your solutions (especially AI/print related), and the outcome. Quantify results where possible.
• Organize Logically: Present your strongest work first and group similar projects or skills together. Ensure easy navigation.

Challenge Preparation:

• AI Tool Familiarization: Practice using various AI design tools (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E, Adobe Firefly, AI-powered editing features) for ideation, asset creation, and refinement.
• Print Production Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of common print specifications, file preparation for print, and different finishing techniques.
• Brand Guideline Application: Study EY's brand guidelines (if publicly available) or prepare to demonstrate how you quickly learn and apply brand standards.
• Communication Practice: Rehearse explaining your design process and decisions clearly and concisely, particularly how you integrated AI and managed print aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, evaluating both creative and technical skills, especially in AI and print production. A well-prepared portfolio that explicitly addresses the AI focus and print responsibilities will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, After Effects, and Premiere Pro for all aspects of digital design and video editing.
• AI Design Tools: Practical experience with various AI platforms for image generation, content creation, editing, and workflow optimization (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E, Adobe Firefly, AI-powered features within Adobe suite).
• Microsoft PowerPoint: High proficiency for creating and designing impactful business presentations.
• Print Production Software: Familiarity with RIP software or specific print management tools may be beneficial for direct print operations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media analytics, website engagement) is advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools mentioned as primary requirements for this design role, but familiarity with how design assets are used within marketing automation platforms could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack heavily emphasizes the Adobe Creative Suite and a range of AI tools. Proficiency in these areas is non-negotiable. Experience with print-specific software is also highly relevant given the print production responsibilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding professional standards and ethical conduct in all design and production activities.
• Teaming: Fostering collaboration, mutual respect, and shared responsibility within the creative team and across departments.
• Client Focus: Delivering high-quality, impactful visual solutions that meet client needs and contribute to their success.
• Innovation: Embracing new technologies, particularly AI, and creative approaches to drive continuous improvement and deliver cutting-edge work.
• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in design quality, operational efficiency, and timely delivery of all projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with marketing, business development, and service line teams to understand project requirements and strategic objectives.
• Feedback Exchange: Openness to constructive criticism and active participation in design reviews, providing and receiving feedback to refine creative outputs.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share insights on AI tools, design trends, and print production best practices with team members.
• Agile Approach: Adapting to changing project needs and priorities in a dynamic professional services environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: EY's core values of integrity, teaming, excellence, and courage to lead are likely to permeate the team culture. The "AI Focused" aspect suggests a culture that values innovation and continuous learning.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing AI and Human Creativity: Effectively integrating AI tools without compromising originality, brand integrity, or the unique human touch in design.
• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the fast-evolving landscape of AI in creative fields and continuously learning new tools and techniques.
• Print Production Complexity: Managing the intricacies of print processes, vendor relationships, and ensuring quality output within budget and time constraints.
• Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Translating varied and sometimes conflicting requirements from different internal clients into cohesive and impactful visual designs.
• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Ensuring all creative outputs, whether digitally generated or printed, strictly adhere to EY's global brand identity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Specialization: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, and gain certifications in cutting-edge AI design platforms and methodologies.
• Advanced Print Techniques: Training or hands-on experience with specialized printing processes, materials, and finishing techniques.
• Creative Leadership Development: Potential to grow into roles where you influence creative strategy, mentor junior designers, and manage creative projects.
• Industry Exposure: Engaging with professionals across EY's global network, learning about diverse market needs and design applications.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining insights into EY's various service lines and business functions, broadening your understanding of the professional services industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling the challenges of AI integration and print production, areas that are increasingly critical in the modern creative landscape.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you successfully integrated AI tools into your design workflow. What was the impact on your process and the final output?"
• "How would you approach designing a complex print collateral piece (e.g., a multi-page brochure with special finishes) from brief to final delivery, including managing print vendors?"
• "Given EY's global brand guidelines, how would you ensure consistency while also bringing innovative AI-driven creative elements to a campaign?"
• "Imagine a scenario where a client has a tight deadline for a presentation. How would you prioritize tasks, leverage AI, and manage print needs to deliver on time?"
• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in graphic design and AI technology, and how do you apply this knowledge to your work?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about EY's commitment to innovation and technology, particularly in areas like AI?"
• "How do you see yourself contributing to a collaborative team environment within a large professional services firm?"
• "Describe a time you received constructive feedback on your design work. How did you handle it, and what did you learn?"
• "What are your career aspirations within graphic design, and how does this role at EY align with them?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio to prominently feature AI-integrated projects and detailed print production examples. Use clear titles and descriptions for each piece.
• AI Emphasis: For AI projects, articulate the specific AI tools used, the prompts or parameters you employed, and how AI augmented your creative vision or efficiency.
• Print Process: For print projects, detail the type of print job, the challenges (e.g., color matching, paper choice, binding complexity), your solutions, and the final outcome. Mention any vendor collaboration.
• Storytelling: For each case study, clearly outline the brief, your role, the problem, your solution (highlighting AI and print aspects), and the results or impact.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant and impactful projects for this specific role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical experience with AI tools and print production, alongside strong design fundamentals and an understanding of corporate branding. Be ready to discuss your creative process and problem-solving skills with specific examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer (AI Focused) position:

• Submit your application through the EY careers portal via the provided URL.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of AI-integrated design work and detailed print production projects. Tailor your presentation to highlight skills relevant to EY's brand and the role's specific requirements.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly list proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, AI design tools, and print production processes. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on efficiency gains or innovative solutions.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, particularly your approach to AI integration and print production challenges. Prepare to discuss EY's brand guidelines and how your work aligns with them.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with EY's services, global presence, and any recent initiatives related to technology or innovation. Understand their brand values and how creative services support their business objectives.

⚠️ 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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