Art Director

Job Description

Smart Africa Group (SAG) operates through its creative and digital arm (SmartCodes), delivering branding, digital commerce, and technology-driven marketing solutions across African markets. The organization focuses on combining strategy, design, and innovation to build strong brand experiences for clients across multiple industries.

The Art Director role is a senior creative leadership position responsible for shaping and guiding the visual identity of client projects. The role ensures that all creative outputs are strategically aligned, visually compelling, brand-consistent, and delivered at a high professional standard across print, digital, and motion platforms.

Responsibilities
The Art Director leads creative execution from concept development to final delivery, managing design teams, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring all visual work aligns with client objectives and brand strategy.

• Lead visual development of campaigns from concept to final execution in line with client briefs and brand guidelines
• Direct and supervise Graphic Designers, Illustrators, and Multimedia Artists to ensure high-quality creative output
• Develop and present visual concepts to internal teams and clients, explaining creative direction and strategic intent
• Collaborate with Creative Directors, Copywriters, Strategists, and Account Managers on integrated campaigns
• Participate in client meetings, presenting design solutions and responding to feedback professionally
• Support agency pitches by creating mockups, prototypes, and campaign visual presentations
• Mentor junior and mid-level designers to improve creativity, technical skills, and conceptual thinking
• Conduct regular creative reviews and provide structured feedback to improve team output
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget and quality standards
• Review and approve all visual assets before client submission to ensure consistency and accuracy
• Stay updated on emerging design trends, creative technologies, and AI-powered design tools
• Improve workflow efficiency and contribute to better digital asset management systems
• Ensure brand consistency across all client deliverables
• Ensure all visual content complies with legal, regulatory, and accessibility standards

Qualification
Candidates are expected to have strong creative leadership experience, advanced design expertise, and the ability to manage teams and complex creative projects in fast-paced agency environments.

• Strong expertise in Art Direction, Graphic Design, and Visual Storytelling
• Experience in Brand Development and Creative Concept Development
• Advanced skills in Typography, Layout Design, and Composition
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects)
• Experience with motion graphics and digital design tools
• Familiarity with AI-assisted design tools and modern creative technologies
• Strong leadership, team management, and mentoring abilities
• Experience managing creative projects and coordinating cross-functional teams
• Strong stakeholder and client management skills
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• Strong creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and strong time management capabilities

How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official Smart Codes Careers portal. Applicants are encouraged to showcase a strong portfolio demonstrating creative leadership, visual storytelling, and brand development expertise.

• Prepare an updated CV highlighting senior design and creative leadership experience
• Include a strong portfolio of design, branding, and campaign work
• Submit your application online before the deadline of 30 June 2026

Apply via:
Smart Codes Careers – Art Director

Conclusion
The Art Director role is a high-level creative leadership position suited for experienced designers who want to transition into strategic brand leadership and team management. It offers strong career growth into roles such as Creative Director, Head of Design, Brand Director, or Chief Creative Officer within advertising agencies, digital studios, and large-scale marketing organizations.