Head of Design

SUMMARY:
Lead the design function for a premier rugby franchise based in Durban while remaining a hands-on core contributor to creative output.

POSITION INFO:

 Head of Design

Lead the design function for a premier rugby franchise based in Durban while remaining a hands-on core contributor to creative output. Durban, R720 000 Annual Total Cost to Company

About Our Client

The company is one of South Africa''s premier rugby franchises based in Durban that competes in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup. The in-house Media House owns the full digital ecosystem and produces fan-first visuals and content for its fanbase.

The Role: Head of Design

As Head of Design, you will lead the design function within the Media House while remaining a hands-on, core contributor to the creative output. This is a designer-led role where time is spent actively designing, creating graphics, motion assets, and visual concepts alongside the production team. The role exists to set the overall design direction, maintain brand consistency, and elevate the team''s craft through personal creation and strategic oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and produce visual assets including social graphics, motion graphics, animations, and match-day materials with at least 7 years of professional experience.

• Set and evolve the design strategy, visual identity, and brand guidelines to keep the look bold and distinctive.

• Lead the design process from concepting and sketching to reviewing team work and final sign-off.

• Share day-to-day design workload with existing staff, stepping in on high-priority pieces during peak periods like match weeks.

• Collaborate with digital leads to create visuals that maximize engagement and align with digital strategy.

• Mentor, inspire, and develop the design team through hands-on guidance and skill-sharing.

• Ensure 100% brand consistency across all visual output while pushing design innovation.

• Manage design workflows, timelines, and asset libraries to support fast-paced delivery.

About You

• 7+ years of professional design experience.

• Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or equivalent proven experience.

• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere) and Figma.

• Proven hands-on expertise as a designer first, with a portfolio showcasing exceptional graphic design and motion graphics.

• Leadership experience mentoring design teams with a track record of active contribution.

• Deep understanding of how design performs on social platforms and drives fan engagement.

• Ability to thrive under tight, game-day deadlines in a seasonal, high-energy setting.

• Genuine passion for rugby or elite team sports and an intuitive feel for visuals that excite fans.