Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Allied Talent Partners

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Job Type: Contract / Temp

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-03-06

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute high-impact graphic design for executive-level presentations, reports, and collateral, ensuring brand consistency and visual storytelling excellence.

• Develop and implement robust template systems and asset management structures to streamline production workflows and maintain brand integrity across the organization.

• Manage the end-to-end design production process, from concept to print-ready artwork, adhering to strict brand guidelines and project timelines.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Social Media, and Events teams to deliver exceptional creative assets for campaigns and organizational initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer within the Operations department, reporting to the Marketing Manager. While the core function is creative, the emphasis on "template systems," "asset management," "production workflows," and "operational delivery" indicates a strong need for process-oriented thinking and systemization, typical of operations-focused roles. The contract nature (3-4 months rolling) suggests a project-based need for enhanced design infrastructure and immediate production support.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Produce executive-grade graphic design for PowerPoint decks, reports, one-pagers, case studies, and event collateral, ensuring clarity, narrative flow, and visual hierarchy.

• Refresh core corporate presentation decks and flagship one-pagers to align with current branding and communication strategies.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive suite of templates, including PowerPoint masters, report layouts, one-pager designs, and social media tiles.

• Establish and maintain a structured digital asset library with clear naming conventions, version control, and organized source file management for efficient retrieval and reuse.

• Implement and refine a brand Quality Assurance (QA) and review workflow to ensure all design outputs meet organizational standards and brand guidelines.

• Prepare print-ready artwork and detailed supplier packs for events and marketing campaigns, coordinating closely with external vendors.

• Collaborate with social media and Events teams to prioritize and deliver essential campaign and event-related visual assets.

• Define and manage clear production workflows and agreed-upon service level agreements (SLAs) for design requests, ensuring timely delivery.

• Manage multiple concurrent design projects, balancing competing priorities and meeting defined turnaround times with a structured revision process.

• Contribute to monthly performance updates, tracking delivery metrics, identifying areas for improvement, and recommending process enhancements.

• Systemize design processes by finalizing and delivering an updated template library, complete asset library structure, source files, and documented QA guidelines for ongoing internal use.

• Conduct internal enablement or walkthrough sessions to ensure smooth handover and adoption of new systems and templates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize not just creative output but also the establishment and optimization of design systems and workflows. This includes "template systems," "asset management structure," "production workflows," "brand QA and review workflow," and "systemisation and handover." This strategic focus on process and infrastructure points to a need for a designer who can not only create but also build scalable design operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5+ years of dedicated experience in graphic design within a corporate, professional services, or structured brand environment.

• Proven track record of producing high-quality, executive-level presentations and long-form reports that effectively communicate complex information.

• Demonstrated experience in building, refining, or significantly improving template systems to enhance brand consistency and usability.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, including mastery of master templates, slide layouts, and sophisticated design elements for presentations.

• Exceptional layout and information design skills, capable of translating data and complex ideas into clear, visually engaging graphics.

• High-level proficiency in professional design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) or equivalent industry-standard tools.

• Solid understanding of print production processes, including preparing and delivering supplier-ready artwork files.

• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) principles and experience working with structured file systems and version control.

• Strong attention to detail, with a keen eye for brand consistency, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Highly organized and structured approach to project management, ensuring efficient delivery and adherence to deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, competing priorities and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Confident and effective stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to communicate design rationale and collaborate with diverse teams (Marketing, Social, Events).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other presentation software or design tools relevant to the GTM or corporate communications space.

• Familiarity with project management tools for tracking design requests and workflows.

• Experience in sustainable development or emerging economies sector, understanding the nuances of visual communication in these contexts.

• Knowledge of web design principles or digital asset creation for online platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified technical requirements lean heavily into presentation software (PowerPoint) and foundational design principles (layout, information design), alongside standard Adobe Suite proficiency. The emphasis on "template systems," "asset management," and "production workflows" suggests a need for operational rigor beyond pure aesthetics.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Presentation Design Excellence: Showcase at least 2-3 examples of complex, executive-level presentation decks (e.g., board presentations, investor pitches, strategy reviews) that demonstrate sophisticated visual storytelling, clear information hierarchy, and professional branding.

• Report & Collateral Design: Include examples of long-form reports, one-pagers, case studies, or brochures that highlight strong layout skills, data visualization, and effective brand application.

• Template System Development: Present evidence of creating or refining template systems (e.g., PowerPoint master templates, report layouts) that promote brand consistency and improve efficiency for end-users. This could be demonstrated through before-and-after examples or a description of the system's benefits.

• Asset Management & Workflow Showcase: Briefly describe or illustrate your approach to organizing digital assets, managing source files, and implementing version control. If possible, showcase a simplified workflow for design request management.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you would design or optimize a workflow for handling design requests, from initial brief to final delivery, including revision cycles and approval stages.

• Implementation and Automation: Discuss your experience with implementing new systems, such as template libraries or asset management structures, and any approaches you've used to automate repetitive design tasks or processes.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Be ready to explain how you track design project delivery, measure quality, and identify opportunities for process improvement, potentially referencing key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's responsibilities heavily imply a need for a portfolio that demonstrates not only creative output but also an understanding of systemization, process, and asset governance. Candidates should highlight projects where they’ve built or improved design infrastructure.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the Senior Graphic Designer title, 5+ years of experience, and the location in Johannesburg, South Africa, a competitive hourly rate for a contract role would likely range from ZAR 350 to ZAR 600 per hour. This translates to an approximate annual equivalent of ZAR 728,000 to ZAR 1,248,000, assuming a standard 40-hour work week.

Benefits:

• As this is a contract/temporary position, benefits are typically not as comprehensive as for permanent roles. However, potential benefits may include:
  • Exposure to high-impact projects within the sustainable development sector.
  • Opportunity to work with a mission-driven organization focused on positive change in emerging economies.
  • Potential for contract extension based on performance and business needs.
  • Professional development through working on diverse and challenging design tasks.

Working Hours:

• Standard professional working hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be available, but the role is designated as On-site, requiring physical presence in the Johannesburg area.

• Occasional travel may be required in line with event schedules and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market rates for senior-level contract graphic designers in South Africa, considering the specified experience level and the nature of the role. Benefits are inferred based on typical contract positions, emphasizing project-specific value and experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Company Size:

Founded:

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The Senior Graphic Designer reports directly to the Marketing Manager, with a dotted line to the Head of Marketing/Communications for brand governance. This structure indicates a clear operational reporting line combined with strategic brand oversight.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with the Social Media and Events teams, as well as other internal stakeholders within the Marketing, Communications, and Corporate Affairs function. This suggests a highly integrated team environment where design supports broader organizational communication efforts.

• Operations Focus: The "Operations" department designation and the emphasis on workflow, templates, and asset management highlight a commitment to efficient and scalable operational processes within the creative function.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on "information design principles" and "improving clarity, narrative flow, and visual hierarchy" in executive outputs suggests a data-informed approach to design, aiming to make complex information digestible and impactful.

• Process Optimization: The role is fundamentally about improving existing design processes through systemization, template development, and workflow refinement.

• Agile Delivery: The contract nature and focus on "multiple concurrent design requests" and "defined turnaround timelines" point towards an agile approach to project delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission is central to its culture, implying a need for designers who are motivated by impact and can translate complex development goals into compelling visual narratives. The operational focus means efficiency and structure are as important as creativity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization within Operations: Successful performance in this role could lead to opportunities in broader marketing operations, focusing on campaign management, MarTech stack optimization, or digital asset management strategy.

• Portfolio Expansion: The experience gained in developing and implementing design systems and workflows can be a significant differentiator for future roles requiring operational design expertise.

• Project Leadership: Demonstrating strong project management and process ownership may open doors to leading design-focused projects or initiatives within Allied Talent Partners or similar organizations.

• Industry Exposure: Working within the sustainable development sector provides unique insights and networking opportunities that can be leveraged for future career advancements in impact-focused organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, the emphasis on systemization and process improvement offers a pathway to developing expertise in operational design, which is a valuable specialization within marketing and GTM operations. The impact is measured by both creative quality and operational efficiency gains.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The need to coordinate with Social Media and Events teams implies an environment that encourages cross-functional interaction and communication.

• Operations Tools & Technology: The designer will likely have access to standard office productivity software, professional design software (Adobe Creative Suite), and advanced PowerPoint capabilities. The role also involves implementing and managing digital asset management systems.

• Team Interaction: While focused on execution, the role requires regular interaction with the Marketing Manager, Head of Marketing/Communications, and teams responsible for social media and events, fostering a connected and communicative workspace.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is implied. While the core hours are likely during business days, the nature of design work and campaign support might occasionally require flexibility to meet critical deadlines. The "On-site" designation means adherence to standard office operating hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement in Johannesburg is key. This implies a need for a designer who can actively participate in the local work environment, attend meetings in person, and contribute to a collaborative team dynamic, rather than working remotely.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess technical skills, experience, and alignment with role requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present selected pieces from their portfolio, explaining their design process, rationale, and the impact of their work. This stage will also delve into technical proficiency, particularly with PowerPoint and information design. Expect questions about how you've built template systems or managed asset libraries.

• Case Study/Design Challenge: A practical exercise may be given, such as refreshing a slide in a sample presentation or creating a concept for a one-pager, to assess problem-solving skills, design approach, and efficiency under a time constraint.

• Cultural Fit & Stakeholder Interview: Meeting with the Marketing Manager and potentially other team members (e.g., Head of Marketing/Comms, representatives from Social/Events teams) to assess communication style, collaboration skills, and alignment with the organization's mission-driven culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase executive presentation design, report layout, and template system development. Prioritize examples that demonstrate your ability to simplify complex information.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the problem you were solving, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact of your work. Quantify results where possible (e.g., efficiency gains from templates).

• Highlight Systemization: Include specific examples or descriptions of template systems you've built or managed. Explain the structure, benefits, and how you ensured adoption and consistency.

• Demonstrate Brand Sensitivity: Show an understanding of brand governance and how you apply brand guidelines consistently across different collateral types.

• Prepare for PowerPoint: Given the emphasis, be ready to discuss your advanced PowerPoint skills and showcase examples that go beyond basic template usage.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Allied Talent Partners and the Three Cairns Group to grasp their mission, target audience, and communication style.

• Focus on Efficiency: For any design challenge, consider not just aesthetics but also how your solution can be implemented efficiently and consistently. Think about template usability.

• Communicate Your Rationale: Be prepared to explain your design choices clearly and concisely, linking them back to the project brief and organizational goals.

• Practice Presentation Skills: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and any potential challenge solutions, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and confidence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "template systems," "asset management," and "production workflows" means interviewers will be looking for a candidate who understands design as an operational function, not just a creative one. Portfolio and challenge preparation should reflect this.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Advanced proficiency is essential, including mastery of master slides, templates, animation, and data visualization features.

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing and manipulation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and icons.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of reports, brochures, and long-form documents.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Familiarity with principles and potentially specific platforms for organizing and retrieving design assets.

• File Management Systems: Experience with structured file systems (e.g., cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, SharePoint) and version control practices.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how design assets are used within marketing campaigns may involve some interaction with CRM or marketing automation platforms indirectly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are standard for a senior graphic designer, but the specific emphasis on PowerPoint and system-based tools like DAM and structured file management highlights the operational aspect of this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A strong commitment to contributing to the mission of sustainable development and economic growth in emerging economies. This means design work should serve a purpose beyond aesthetics.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality, executive-grade outputs that reflect professionalism and attention to detail.

• Efficiency & Scalability: An emphasis on creating systems, templates, and workflows that enhance operational efficiency and allow for scalable design production.

• Collaboration & Communication: A value placed on working effectively with diverse teams, open communication, and seeking feedback to improve outcomes.

• Organization & Structure: A preference for organized approaches to project management, asset management, and file handling, ensuring reliability and consistency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires proactive engagement with Marketing, Social Media, and Events teams to understand their needs and deliver integrated campaign assets.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: Openness to structured revision processes and feedback loops to refine designs and ensure alignment with brand and project objectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to document processes, share templates, and conduct handover sessions to enable ongoing internal use and adoption of design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission-driven nature, combined with the operational focus of the role, suggests a culture that values both purpose and process. Designers who can align their creative output with strategic impact and operational efficiency will thrive here.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Operational Rigor: The primary challenge will be to deliver innovative and visually compelling designs while adhering strictly to brand guidelines, template structures, and efficient production workflows.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Demands: Juggling design requests from various departments (Marketing, Social, Events) and senior leadership, each with potentially competing priorities and feedback.

• Transitioning to Systemized Design: Establishing and maintaining robust asset management and template systems requires discipline and a proactive approach to organization, which can be a learning curve for some designers.

• Meeting Tight Turnaround Times: Delivering high-quality work consistently within defined project timelines for campaigns and events.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Presentation Design: Deepen expertise in creating impactful executive presentations, learning advanced techniques for data visualization and narrative structuring.

• Operations & Systems Design: Develop skills in designing and implementing operational systems for creative functions, including asset management, workflow automation, and brand governance processes.

• Project Management: Enhance project management capabilities by handling multiple concurrent design projects with defined SLAs and renewal reviews.

• Cross-functional Understanding: Gain a deeper understanding of how design assets support broader marketing, communications, and event strategies within a non-profit and development context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around the operational aspects of design, such as workflow management and system implementation, offering opportunities for growth in design operations and project management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a comprehensive template system for executive presentations. What are the key components you would include, and how would you ensure adoption by the team?" (Focus on system design, usability, and stakeholder buy-in.)

• "How do you approach balancing creative vision with strict brand governance and template constraints? Provide an example." (Highlight your ability to innovate within established frameworks.)

• "Walk me through your process for managing multiple design requests with competing deadlines. How do you prioritize and communicate status updates to stakeholders?" (Demonstrate project management and communication skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Allied Talent Partners' mission, how would you ensure your design work effectively communicates the impact and importance of sustainable development in Africa?" (Connect your design philosophy to the company's purpose.)

• "What is your experience working in a mission-driven organization or with clients in the non-profit/development sector?" (Assess cultural fit and understanding of the mission.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Lead with Systems: If you have projects involving template development or asset management system design, present these first to align with the role's operational focus.

• Showcase Presentation Prowess: Dedicate significant time to demonstrating your most complex and impactful executive presentation designs, explaining your approach to information hierarchy and visual storytelling.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, discuss the benefits of your work – e.g., time saved by using your templates, clarity improvements in reports, or successful campaign asset delivery.

• Explain Your Process: For each project, go beyond just showing the final output. Detail your thought process, problem-solving steps, and how you collaborated with stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the operational and systemization aspects of the role, alongside creative execution. Be ready to discuss process, efficiency, and how your design skills support broader organizational goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Allied Talent Partners platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature executive-level presentation design, report layouts, and any examples of template systems or asset management structures you have developed. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your advanced PowerPoint skills.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight your 5+ years of experience in corporate/professional services design, emphasizing achievements in template development, brand governance, workflow management, and stakeholder engagement. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, your approach to operationalizing design (e.g., template systems, asset management), and how you handle stakeholder feedback. Prepare to discuss your understanding of Allied Talent Partners' mission.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the Allied Talent Partners website and any related Three Cairns Group materials to understand their mission, organizational focus, and communication style. This will be crucial for demonstrating cultural fit and strategic alignment 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.

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