Job specification
Job title:
Copywriter/ QA
Department:
Creative studio/operations
Reports to (function):
Creative director and head of operations
Job purpose:
The copywriter and QA will primarily be responsible for delivering strong, brand-aligned copy across a variety of clients, campaigns, and communication channels. This includes both conceptual and corporate copywriting, with the ability to translate strategy and briefs into clear, engaging, and effective written communication.
The role will support a wide range of outputs, including campaign concepts, digital content, social media copy, editorial, scripts, website copy, internal communications, and brand messaging across multiple formats and audiences.
As a secondary function, this role will also provide QA support to the studio by assisting with proofreading, copy checks, and quality control to ensure all work is accurate, polished, on-brand, and client-ready.
The ideal candidate is a strong writer and thinker, able to move confidently between creative campaign work and more structured corporate or brand communication, while maintaining a high standard of detail and language accuracy.
Key objectives and accountabilities
1. Copywriting (primary function)
Interpret and respond to creative, content, and campaign briefs with clear understanding and strategic intent.
Write compelling, brand-aligned copy across a range of formats including but not limited to:
Campaign concepts and headlines
Straplines and slogans
Social media copy
Digital ads and mailers
Website copy
Articles, editorial, advertorial, and long-form content
Internal communications
Scripts for video, radio, or other audio/visual content where required.
Produce both conceptual copy and corporate/brand communication copy depending on project needs.
Ensure all written work aligns with the client’s brand tone of voice, messaging framework, and communication objectives.
Translate strategy and insights into copy that is relevant, engaging, and audience appropriate.
Collaborate closely with designers, creative leads, strategists, content curators and client service teams to develop strong and effective creative outputs.
Contribute copy-led thinking into concept development and creative problem solving.
Provide copy direction and recommendations where needed to strengthen work and sharpen messaging.
Write copy for internal communication and marketing requirements as needed.
Conduct research where required to support messaging, campaign development, and brand relevance.
2. QA (secondary function)
Support the studio with quality assurance and proofreading across creative outputs.
Review copy for:
Grammar
Spelling
Punctuation
Clarity
Consistency
Tone of voice
Brand and CI alignment
Assist in ensuring all final creative work is accurate, polished, and ready for client delivery.
Flag copy, content, or messaging issues proactively and recommend improvements where needed.
Work with internal teams to maintain high language and content standards across all outputs.
Skills, experience and requirements
Strong copywriting portfolio demonstrates both creative/conceptual and corporate/content writing ability.
Proven ability to write across multiple channels, brands, and audience types.
Strong understanding of brand tone of voice, messaging, and audience-led communication.
Excellent command of English, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and editing.
Ability to move between big idea thinking and detail-focused execution.
Strong conceptual thinking and the ability to contribute meaningfully to creative development.
Good research skills and the ability to interpret information into clear, effective messaging.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced agency or studio environment with multiple deadlines and stakeholders.
Strong collaboration and communication skills.
Previous QA/proofreading/editorial review experience is advantageous.
Key results
Performance will only be satisfactory when:
All work is completed within the set material deadlines as detailed in the brief per project.
Client approval is received and satisfactory.
Attention to detail and immaculate quality of work are always provided.
Continuous interpretation and execution of all briefs are achieved.
Creation and presentation of all assets without errors and according to specification (Corporate CI) is attained.
All administrative duties required are completed within deadlines and responsibly.
Progress on all active jobs/ projects and/or tasks is communicated appropriately.
Timesheets are completed and submitted as per daily deadlines.
Any other reasonable task as assigned by your reporting manager from time to time is performed.
Ideal background
Education :
Related and/or preferred degree in Copywriting, English or Journalism
Languages:
Business English/ South African languages would be advantage
Experience:
A minimum of +3 years as a copywriter within an ad agency.
Competency profile
Specific professional competencies:
Excellent English language skills.
Must be bilingual (English and a South African language/s).
An eye for both detail and consistency.
The ability to spot errors in your own work.
A wide vocabulary.
Curiosity.
The ability to consider and see different points of view.
Research skills.
Problem-solving abilities.
Great active listening skills.
Excellent self-motivation.
Adaptability.
Commercial awareness.
Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
Good teamwork ability.
Impeccable administrative and organizational skills.
IT proficiency.
Accuracy in terms of grammar, spelling, and information.
Plain language understanding.
The ability to give and take criticism gracefully.
Must have a great understanding of the South African Market.
Proficient in Chase.
Plus
Creativity and the ability to contribute to the production of innovative and original ideas.
Solve problems and provide creative input and guidance as and when required.
Strong research ability to provide strategic guidance to clients and internal teams.
Have a strong ability to conceptualize proactive campaign ideas and direct roll-outs with relevant teams.
Creative guidance and creative ideas are conceptualized proactively or when required.
All applications with a portfolio can be emailed to: [email protected]
Note: communications will only be made with shortlisted candidates. Should you not receive communications within 2 weeks of sent application, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful.
REQUIREMENTS
As per above !!
