Senior Designer

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Grapevine Media

Location: Morningside, Sandton

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and creatively driven Senior Graphic Designer with strong experience in event activations, retail environments, and in-store brand execution. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of conceptualizing and producing impactful visual experiences—both digital and physical—across retail displays, mall activations, centre courts, and branded events.

This role requires a designer who not only excels creatively but can also add value to the wider team, provide guidance to other designers, and take on a leadership role as second-in-command to the Head of Studio. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, understand the customer journey in physical spaces, and can turn strategy into compelling visual work, we want to meet you.

Key Responsibilities

 Event & Activation Design (High Priority)

• Conceptualize and design event activation elements, including centre courts, mall activations, themed environments, immersive experiences, and consumer engagement zones.
  
• Develop visuals that consider foot traffic, customer flow, experiential touchpoints, and spatial layout.
  
• Translate experiential concepts into pitch decks, 3D renders, mockups, and detailed execution files.
  

 Retail & In-Store Design

• Create strategic retail design elements such as hotspots, FSUs, PSUs, shelf strips, wobblers, and other POS materials.
  
• Design with consideration for retail compliance, shopper behavior, and brand visibility.
  
• Prepare print-ready artwork and work closely with suppliers to ensure flawless production.
  

 Brand & Campaign Creative

• Execute high-quality visual content across print, digital, OOH, and brand collateral.
  
• Ensure brand consistency and uphold premium standards when working with luxury brands.
  
• Contribute to ideation sessions and propose creative ways to elevate campaigns and activations.
  

 Team & Workflow Contribution

• Support, and collaborate with other designers—providing guidance and feedback where needed.
  
• Act as the secondary design lead when the Head of Studio is unavailable.
  
• Manage multiple projects from concept through to delivery while meeting deadlines.
  

Production & Supplier Coordination

• Prepare accurate print-ready files and liaise with printers, fabrication teams, and activation partners.
  
• Oversee prototype samples, material selections, structure layouts, and environmental adaptation.
  

 Requirements and Skills

Technical Competencies

• 6–8 years' experience as a Graphic Designer, with at least 2–3 years in a senior or leadership role.
  
• Essential: Proven portfolio showing event activations, retail displays, 3D conceptualization, and physical space execution.
  
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
  
• Proficiency in 3D design software (e.g., SketchUp, Blender, Cinema4D, Dimension, or similar).
  
• Solid understanding of typography, layout, colour theory, and brand identity.
  
• Ability to interpret complex briefs and turn them into practical, high-impact designs.
  
• Experience working with fabrication agencies, understanding materials (wood, PVC, MDF, vinyl, etc.), and interpreting technical specs.
  
• Ability to present concepts to internal teams and sometimes clients.
  

 Soft Skills

• Exceptional conceptual thinking and problem-solving abilities.
  
• Strong communicator who collaborates well across studio, sales, and production teams.
  
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to remain calm under pressure.
  
• Proactive, enthusiastic, resourceful, and able to contribute to team culture and workflow improvement.
  

 Logistical Requirements

• Valid driver's license and own reliable, roadworthy vehicle.
  

 Personal Attributes

• Highly organized with strong time-management abilities.
  
• Thrives in deadline-driven environments.
  
• Positive, team-oriented, and willing to assist and lead when needed.
  

· Someone who brings fresh ideas, contributes to culture, and takes ownership of their projects.

Portfolio Requirements

Applicants MUST submit:

• A curated portfolio with specific examples of event activation work, including mall activations, centre courts, 3D mockups, and retail POS executions.
  
• Before/after case studies or process slides (where possible) showing approach and problem-solving.
  
• At least one project demonstrating collaboration with suppliers or production partners.
  

What We Offer

• Hybrid working model: 1 day per week in the Morningside office, 4 days remote.
  • Additional in-office days may be required during the first month for training.
    
  
  
  
• Opportunity to work on high-profile brands and experiential campaigns.
  
• Commission structure upon becoming permanent and achieving set targets.