Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer
Company: Absolute Pets
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Marketing & Design Operations
Date Posted: 2026-02-09
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on supporting the marketing team through the creation of visual assets for both print and digital channels, ensuring brand consistency and high production standards.
• The position requires a blend of creative design skills and practical execution, including DTP, layout, and basic image/video editing for marketing campaigns.
• Success in this role hinges on meticulous attention to detail, efficient execution under pressure, and strong collaboration with the Senior Graphic Designer and various company departments.
• The role demands a proactive and resourceful individual with a passion for design and a keen understanding of brand guidelines to maintain Absolute Pets' visual identity across all touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Junior Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and required experience (2+ years) suggest a role that requires a solid foundation and the ability to work independently on defined tasks, rather than purely an entry-level support position. It sits between a trainee and a mid-level designer, demanding efficiency and adherence to brand standards. The "Operations" aspect is derived from the systematic execution of design tasks, adherence to brand guidelines, and support for broader marketing operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute DTP and layout for a variety of print and digital marketing materials, including social media artwork, web banners, mailer banners, company stationery, presentations, flyers, posters, and vouchers.
• Assist in the management and preparation of imagery, including basic photography, resizing, editing, and sourcing appropriate images for marketing collateral.
• Create and edit basic video content, such as GIFs and MP4s, for use across digital platforms.
• Interpret and strictly adhere to Absolute Pets' brand guidelines to ensure all visual assets are consistent and on-brand.
• Collaborate effectively with the Senior Graphic Designer, providing support and executing design tasks as directed, while also liaising with other internal departments.
• Manage design projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality assets, especially under tight deadlines.
• Maintain organized digital assets and project files for efficient retrieval and future use.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are heavily focused on the execution and production side of design within a marketing operations framework. The emphasis on "DTP and layout across print and digital" and adherence to "brand guidelines" highlights the operational rigor expected.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: National Diploma in Graphic Design or equivalent qualification.
Experience: Minimum of 2 years of full-time, professional working experience in a similar graphic design role.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Adobe Creative Cloud, specifically:
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and DTP across print and digital.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and raster graphics.
• Digital Asset Creation: Proven experience in designing for social media, web banners, and email marketing.
• Print Production Knowledge: Understanding of DTP principles for print, including experience dealing with printers and pre-press requirements.
• Brand Guideline Adherence: Demonstrated ability to interpret and consistently apply brand identity elements.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Ability to find innovative design solutions within defined constraints.
• Efficiency & Productivity: Demonstrated ability to work quickly and produce a high volume of work accurately.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic Video Editing: Experience with tools like Capcut for creating and editing short video assets (GIFs, MP4s).
• Presentation Software: Basic proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint for creating visually appealing company presentations.
• Additional Design Tools: Familiarity with Canva for quick design tasks or collaborative projects.
• Photography Basics: Fundamental understanding of photography principles for image selection and basic editing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a National Diploma and 2 years of experience positions this as a Junior role that still demands significant technical proficiency and practical application, rather than an internship or entry-level position. The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Cloud programs and DTP experience is critical for operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of DTP and layout projects across both print and digital media.
• Examples of social media artwork, web banners, flyers, posters, and potentially company stationery or presentation slides.
• Demonstrations of how brand guidelines were interpreted and applied consistently across different project types.
• Case studies or examples illustrating basic image editing and sourcing processes.
• Any examples of basic video creation (GIFs/MP4s) would be beneficial.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly a process documentation role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their workflow for managing design requests, from brief to final delivery.
• Ability to articulate how they ensure brand consistency and manage multiple design tasks efficiently.
• Examples of how they have collaborated with designers or departments to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Junior Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of practical skills and adherence to operational design standards. The emphasis is on showcasing execution and understanding of brand integrity rather than strategic process design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Junior Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Cape Town, South Africa, a competitive salary range would likely be between ZAR 180,000 - ZAR 280,000 per annum.

Benefits:

• Full-time Employment: Secure employment with a leading retail company.
• Creative Environment: Opportunity to work within a passionate and energetic marketing team.
• Career Development: Direct reporting to a Senior Graphic Designer provides mentorship and learning opportunities.
• Pet-Friendly Culture: A workplace that values and celebrates a passion for animals.
• Potential for Growth: As part of an ambitious team, opportunities for increased responsibility and skill development may arise.
• Standard Benefits: Likely includes standard South African employment benefits, which may encompass provident fund contributions, medical aid options, and annual leave.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, typical for full-time employment. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence during standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical Junior Graphic Designer roles in South Africa, considering the specified experience level and location. The benefits are inferred from the company's industry (pet care) and the typical offerings for full-time positions in South Africa. The "40 hours" is derived from the standard for full-time employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Pet Care) - As the leading pet care retail company in South Africa, Absolute Pets operates within a dynamic and consumer-focused market. This industry requires a strong understanding of consumer needs, brand loyalty, and effective visual communication to stand out. Company Size: The description implies a significant operation, with multiple departments and a productive marketing team, suggesting a medium to large enterprise. This offers opportunities for structured processes and cross-functional collaboration. Founded: While not specified, the company's leading position suggests a well-established history. This often translates to a mature brand identity and established operational procedures.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Graphic Designer reports to the Senior Graphic Designer, indicating a clear hierarchy within the design function.
• The role involves liaising with various individuals and departments, highlighting a collaborative, cross-functional approach within the broader marketing team and potentially other business units.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design Support: While not a data analysis role, design output will likely support data-informed marketing strategies, requiring designers to adapt visuals based on campaign performance or target audience insights.
• Process Optimization: The emphasis on "highly productive," "high standards," and "extremely efficient" points to a culture that values optimized workflows and efficient execution of tasks.
• Brand Consistency: A core operational methodology will be the strict adherence to established brand guidelines to maintain a unified visual identity across all marketing efforts.

Company Website: https://absolute-pets.breezy.hr (Note: This appears to be a careers portal link, a direct company website would be more appropriate if available, e.g., absolutepets.com)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as ambitious, highly productive, with high standards, passion, and energy. This suggests a fast-paced, results-oriented environment that values efficiency and strong work ethic. The pet care industry also implies a potential for a more playful or pet-centric element to the culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Junior" Graphic Designer role, typically representing the first or second step in a design career path after formal education and initial practical experience. It focuses on executing defined design tasks under guidance.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Senior Graphic Designer. This provides a clear line of mentorship and supervision, allowing for structured learning and feedback.

Operations Impact: The Junior Graphic Designer's impact is primarily through the efficient and accurate creation of visual assets that support marketing campaigns and brand communication. High-quality, on-brand visuals are crucial for customer engagement, brand perception, and ultimately, sales within the retail sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design software (Adobe CC) or explore areas like motion graphics, UI/UX design, or advanced digital marketing asset creation.
• Increased Responsibility: Potential to take on more complex design projects, manage smaller campaigns independently, or contribute more significantly to creative concepts as experience grows.
• Mentorship: Direct learning from a Senior Graphic Designer provides a strong foundation for professional development and understanding of industry best practices.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Liaising with various departments can broaden understanding of different business functions and how design supports them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential for a Junior Graphic Designer is significant, especially in a company described as ambitious. Progress typically involves moving from execution-focused tasks to more conceptual and strategic design contributions, and potentially into senior or specialized design roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This suggests a collaborative setting where team members work together in a shared physical space.

Office Location(s): Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. This is a major metropolitan area in South Africa, offering access to a vibrant professional community and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Working within a "highly productive team" and liaising with "various individuals and departments" suggests an environment that encourages teamwork and open communication.
• Tools & Technology: Access to the Adobe Creative Cloud suite and potentially other design and editing software (Canva, Capcut) will be standard. The company's position as a "leading" retailer implies investment in necessary design technology.
• Team Interaction: The reporting structure to a Senior Graphic Designer and interaction with other departments means regular opportunities for design discussions, feedback sessions, and collaborative project work.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week for a full-time, on-site position. This structure allows for consistent application of design principles and project management throughout the business week.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a busy marketing department typically involves a dynamic atmosphere, with regular team meetings, feedback sessions, and collaborative project work. The emphasis on efficiency suggests that time management and focused work periods are valued.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the application, CV, and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.
• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: Candidates will be expected to present their portfolio, discussing their work, design process, and technical skills. This may include specific questions about Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency, DTP, and brand guideline application.
• Situational/Behavioral Interview: Questions may focus on problem-solving abilities, working under pressure, attention to detail, passion for pets, and communication skills.
• Meet the Team: Potentially an opportunity to meet the Senior Graphic Designer and other marketing team members to assess cultural fit and collaboration style.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Wisely: Select projects that best showcase your DTP, layout, and digital asset creation skills. Prioritize quality over quantity.
• Highlight Brand Adherence: Include examples where you've successfully worked within or applied brand guidelines.
• Showcase Versatility: Demonstrate experience across different formats (print, digital, social media).
• Explain Your Process: Be prepared to discuss your approach to design briefs, problem-solving, and execution.
• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to speak to your mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud tools.
• Passion for Pets: If possible, include any personal projects or experiences that demonstrate your affinity for animals.

Challenge Preparation:

• While not explicitly stated, be prepared for a potential design challenge. This could involve creating a social media graphic, a flyer, or a web banner based on a brief provided during the interview process.
• Practice creating assets quickly while maintaining quality and adhering to specific (hypothetical) brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical element for this role. Interviewers will be looking for demonstrated technical skill, an understanding of design principles, and the ability to produce on-brand assets efficiently.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite:
  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for DTP and layout across print and digital.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Key for image editing, manipulation, and raster artwork.
• Microsoft PowerPoint: Basic proficiency is required for creating company presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a data analysis role, the designer will likely interact with performance metrics of their created assets (e.g., web banner click-through rates, social media engagement). Understanding how design impacts these metrics is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but awareness of how marketing automation platforms (e.g., for email newsletters) utilize design assets can be advantageous.

Other Potential Tools (Preferred/Optional):

• Canva: For quicker design tasks or collaborative projects.
• Capcut: For basic video creation and editing (GIFs/MP4s).

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is centered around the Adobe Creative Cloud. Proficiency here is non-negotiable. Familiarity with supporting tools like Canva and Capcut can be a differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• High Standards & Meticulousness: A strong emphasis on attention to detail, quality, and producing work that meets exacting standards.
• Efficiency & Productivity: A drive to be organized, productive, and extremely efficient in executing tasks, especially under tight deadlines.
• Passion & Energy: A culture that thrives on enthusiasm, particularly for the pet care industry, and a proactive, action-oriented approach.
• Creativity & Problem-Solving: Valuing innovative thinking and the ability to overcome design challenges effectively.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively within a team and across departments to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Supportive & Directive: The Junior Graphic Designer supports the Senior Graphic Designer, implying a style where guidance is provided, and tasks are executed as directed, but with scope for input.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Liaising with various departments requires strong communication and the ability to understand and translate the design needs of different stakeholders.
• Service-Oriented: A commitment to providing design services that meet the needs of internal clients and contribute to overall business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture described as "ambitious, highly productive, with very high standards and a great deal of passion and energy" dictates a collaborative yet results-driven environment where efficiency and quality are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Tight Deadlines: The need to produce high-quality work quickly and consistently for a fast-paced retail environment.
• Balancing Creativity with Brand Constraints: Finding innovative design solutions while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines.
• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling various design requests from different departments simultaneously and prioritizing effectively.
• Adapting to Evolving Marketing Needs: Staying current with design trends and platform requirements for digital assets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud and exploring advanced features.
• Creative Concept Development: Learning to translate marketing briefs into compelling visual concepts.
• Industry Trends: Understanding current design and marketing trends relevant to the retail and pet care sectors.
• Mentorship: Gaining practical experience and insights from a Senior Graphic Designer.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a junior role in a creative operations setting; mastering time management, detail accuracy, and collaborative workflows are key to overcoming them.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to work under a tight deadline to produce a design asset. How did you manage your time and ensure quality?" (Focus on process, prioritization, and quality control).
• "How do you ensure your designs adhere strictly to brand guidelines, especially when working with multiple clients or departments?" (Highlight attention to detail, understanding of brand books, and communication).
• "Tell me about a design challenge you faced and how you creatively solved it." (Demonstrate problem-solving skills and design thinking).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Absolute Pets and the pet care industry?" (Show passion for animals and understanding of the company's market).
• "How do you approach receiving constructive feedback on your designs?" (Assess coachability and willingness to learn).
• "Describe your ideal work environment. How do you thrive in a productive and ambitious team?" (Align with the company's described culture).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically. Start with your strongest or most relevant pieces.
• Narrative: For each piece, explain the brief, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome. Emphasize how you met the objectives and adhered to brand standards.
• Technical Demonstration: Be ready to speak confidently about your proficiency with InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Conciseness: Keep your explanations clear and to the point, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating practical design execution, adherence to brand operations, and a proactive, detail-oriented approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Breezy HR link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features DTP and layout work across print and digital, demonstrating your ability to create social media artwork, web banners, and other collateral. Highlight examples of strict brand guideline adherence.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 2+ years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), and any experience with Canva or Capcut. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Produced X social media graphics per week").
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, particularly how you manage deadlines and ensure brand consistency. Prepare to discuss your passion for pets and your understanding of the retail environment.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Absolute Pets' brand identity, current marketing efforts, and their position in the South African pet care market.

⚠️ 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.