Manager: Design Studio

With more than 34400 students, and approximately 1700 members of staff, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading university of technology proudly located in the beautiful cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, along the warm east coast of South Africa. Founded in April 2002 through the historic merger of the former ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal, DUT has evolved into a modern, metropolitan, multi-campus university with roots tracing back to 1907.

Today, DUT is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in teaching and learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement. A proud member of the International Association of Universities, DUT continues to expand its influence across South Africa and the world. In the 2025 Webometrics Rankings, DUT was ranked among the Top 6% of all universities and colleges worldwide, reflecting its academic excellence, research impact and strong global visibility.

DUT’s Philosophy of Education, “Our creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society” reflects the institution’s deep commitment to meaningful impact for societal transformation. Guided by its inspirational and aspirational ENVISION2030 strategy, which is rooted in DUT’s DNA of being ‘people-centred and engaged’ and ‘innovative and entrepreneurial’ and underpinned by its bespoke Living Values Framework, DUT focuses on ‘contributing to the improvement of lives and livelihoods’.

The University comprises six diverse Faculties:* Accounting and Informatics

• Applied Science
• Arts & Design
• Engineering and the Built Environment
• Health Sciences
• Management Sciences

DUT also includes a Business School and the award-winning Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), amongst other research centres and institutes, reinforcing its role as a hub for knowledge, innovation and societal impact. Over the years, the University substantially grown its research output, dominating the UoT sector. This is evidenced by the steady increase of NRF-rated researchers and the notable, unprecedented award of seven NRF SARCHi Chairs in 2025. This impetus helps us to remain deeply engaged with our communities glocally, thereby transforming societies and economies.

At DUT, we believe in nurturing talent and empowering people to make a real difference. If you are passionate about contributing to education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement, DUT offers the ideal environment - Creative. Distinctive. Impactful. Corporate Communication and Marketing

POST: Manager – Design Studio

Reference Number: 20001352

Minimum Requirements:

• Postgraduate qualification (NQF 8 Honours) in Design, Multimedia, or Strategic Communication.
• 6-8 years’ experience in design and branding, of which 3 years must be in a supervisory or team leader role.

Key responsibilities:

Creative & Design Leadership

• Provide creative leadership and direction for all DUT design projects.
• Translate institutional priorities into impactful visual communication.
• Ensure consistency of brand application across print, digital, and multimedia.
• Review and approve design concepts, layouts, and final artworks.
• Maintain a balance between creativity, innovation, and brand compliance.
• Research and introduce new design trends and tools.
• Provide creative input for marketing campaigns, publications, and events.

Brand Identity & Reputation Management

• Safeguard DUT’s brand identity and ensure adherence to guidelines.
• Oversee the development and updating of brand manuals and templates.
• Conduct brand audits to monitor correct application across the University.
• Support faculties and departments with brand-compliant design materials.
• Develop internal awareness campaigns to reinforce brand standards.
• Ensure visual communication strengthens DUT’s institutional reputation.
• Advise leadership on brand risks and opportunities.

Studio & Production Management

• Manage the workflow of the Design Studio, allocating tasks and monitoring outputs.
• Oversee the production process from concept to delivery.
• Coordinate with printers, publishers, and suppliers for high quality outputs.
• Ensure cost-effective production through competitive quotations and procurement compliance.
• Maintain an archive of all design outputs for reference and reporting.
• Ensure deadlines are met for high-volume and urgent design projects.
• Implement systems for quality control and efficiency in the studio.

Digital & Multimedia Design

• Oversee digital design outputs for web, social media, and mobile platforms.
• Supervise production of multimedia content (animations, motion graphics, video branding).
• Ensure designs are optimised for digital accessibility and engagement.
• Collaborate with digital and multimedia officers on content design.
• Ensure innovation in digital storytelling and campaigns.
• Track digital engagement metrics to refine visual content.
• Align digital design with overall communication strategy.

Stakeholder Engagement & Liaison

• Engage faculties, departments and leadership to support design needs.
• Manage requests, briefs and consultations for design projects.
• Provide advice on appropriate design solutions and formats.
• Liaise with external suppliers, agencies, and freelancers where necessary.
• Ensure stakeholder satisfaction through responsive service delivery.
• Promote the Design Studio as a professional service hub.
• Promote collaboration between design, PR, events and publications teams.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Supervise and mentor designers and support staff within the studio.
• Conduct performance reviews and staff development plans.
• Identify training needs in new design tools and software.
• Build a culture of creativity, teamwork, and accountability.
• Manage workload distribution fairly and effectively.
• Promote innovation and recognize staff contributions.
• Ensure compliance with HR and institutional policies.
• Conduct DUT brand training workshops for staff.

Reporting & Administration

• Maintain accurate records of design projects, outputs, and costs.
• Submit regular reports to the Head: Corporate Communication & Marketing.
• Monitor and manage the Design Studio budget.
• Ensure procurement compliance in design-related projects.
• Support audits and reporting requirements for governan
• Maintain asset registers for design software and equipment.
• Provide ad hoc reports as requested by management.

Salary: Market related

Contact Person: Ms. ZJ. Ngcobo

Status of Position: Permanent

Applications should include:

• A fully completed prescribed application form which can be obtained from ac.za (under the QUICK LINKS tab - @careers)
• A detailed curriculum vita (explicitly stating experience or knowledge in the above-mentioned fields)
• Covering Letter
• Copies of all relevant academic records and certificates
• ID Copy
• Matric Certificate
• Current contact information of referees

Please note:

While the DUT strives to ensure equal opportunities, preference will be given to suitable candidates in accordance with the University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy and aligned to its strategic objectives.

The Durban University of Technology reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will only be made with shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive communication from the University, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Successful candidates will be subject to background checks, including qualification verification, reference checks, criminal record screening, and lifestyle audits for financially related positions. Submission of an application constitutes consent to these checks. The University may also require psychometric or other assessments where justified by the requirements of the position.