Head of Brand Design and Creative

The role

You will define and lead Wave's brand design strategy and build a global team of brand designers and creative leads. You will establish creative processes and scalable brand systems to support growth across Africa.

What you will do

• Define and lead Wave's brand design strategy
• Conceive and implement scalable brand systems, guidelines, and quality standards
• Build, structure, and lead a global team of brand designers and creative leads
• Establish creative processes, intake systems, and prioritization frameworks
• Partner with Marketing, Growth, Product and leadership
• Lead high-level creative direction sessions and provide feedback
• Collaborate and optimize relationships with external agencies and vendors
• Set performance standards, mentor team members, and build career development paths

Required qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in brand design or creative leadership roles
• Experience leading and scaling creative teams in high-growth environments
• Proven ability to design and implement scalable creative systems and governance frameworks
• Experience operating across multiple markets or regions
• Strong strategic thinking paired with high creative standards
• Experience managing agencies and external partners
• Fluent in English
• BSc/BA in advertising, fine art, design, or a relevant field

Nice to have

• French is a strong advantage
• Successfully built and scaled creative or brand teams in high-growth, multi-market environments
• Strong organisational leadership, with the ability to implement structured processes and operating models
• Proven track record of translating brand strategy into scalable systems and consistent execution
• Experienced in cross-functional leadership and influencing senior stakeholders
• Experience managing external agencies and complex production workflows
• Strong business acumen and understand how brand contributes to growth, trust, and customer adoption
• Combine high creative standards with operational rigor and accountability

Benefits

• Competitive salaries calculated using a transparent formula
• Subsidised health insurance for you and your dependents
• Retirement contributions
• 6 months of fully paid parental leave
• Subsidised fertility assistance
• Unlimited vacation with a 20-day minimum requirement
• $10,000 annual charitable donation matching
• Up to three in-person get-togethers a year

About the company

Wave is building financial services to make Africa the first cashless continent. They have millions of users across 9 countries and are growing fast.