Senior Art Director

About SmartCodes SmartCodes is a leading pan-African hybrid marketing agency delivering creative innovation, media planning and buying, experiential activations, public relations, and integrated 360° campaigns. We forge new paths where technology meets consumer insight.

Key Responsibilities

1. Visual & Creative Leadership Lead the visual strategy and artistic direction for key client accounts and new business pitches. Develop compelling visual concepts, campaigns, and brand systems that align with client objectives and creative briefs. Oversee the end-to-end visual execution across all media—print, digital, social, video, experiential, and motion. Ensure all creative outputs are innovative, brand-consistent, and of the highest quality.
2. Team Mentorship & Development Mentor, coach, and inspire a team of designers, illustrators, and visual artists. Foster a collaborative, creative, and high-performance team culture. Conduct regular creative reviews, provide constructive feedback, and facilitate skill development. Identify training needs and organize workshops to elevate the team’s technical and conceptual abilities.
3. Client & Stakeholder Engagement Act as a key visual lead in client presentations, articulating creative rationale and strategic vision. Build strong, trust-based relationships with clients and internal stakeholders. Collaborate with Creative Directors, Strategists, and Account Leads to ensure creative alignment and client satisfaction. Present and defend creative work with confidence and clarity.
4. Project Oversight & Quality Assurance Oversee multiple projects from concept to delivery, ensuring they are on time, on budget, and on brand. Implement and enforce rigorous quality control processes for all visual deliverables. Manage resource allocation, workflow, and timelines in collaboration with project management teams. Troubleshoot creative and production challenges proactively.
5. Business & Creative Strategy Contribute to the creative vision and strategic direction of the agency. Support new business efforts by leading visual concepting and pitch development. Drive creative innovation that supports client growth and agency reputation. Stay informed on industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging visual technologies.
6. Operational Excellence Optimize design workflows, tools, and processes to improve efficiency and output quality. Manage the visual asset library and ensure brand consistency across all touchpoints. Uphold compliance with brand guidelines, legal standards, and accessibility requirements. Performance Expectations & KPIs Achieve a client satisfaction score of 4.7/5 or higher on visual deliverables. Ensure 95%+ of projects are delivered on time and within budget. Lead visual contributions to at least 3 new business wins per year. Mentor and develop 4+ team members into more senior roles within 18 months. Secure regional or industry award recognition annually for visual excellence. Maintain 100% brand consistency across supervised projects.