Agency Proofreader

Job description

Purpose of the role

To serve as the final checkpoint and quality steward across all Penquin communication, ensuring that copy is error-free, consistent, brand-aligned, and ready for client and internal presentation. This role is vital in upholding the integrity and professionalism of all copy output, from campaigns to client presentations, pitch decks and other marketing material across media.

Key responsibilities

Copy quality and consistency

• Proofread and edit all agency copy, including advertising, social content, web content, brochures, and OOH campaigns.
• Check grammar, punctuation, spelling, tone, brand voice, and alignment with client guidelines.
• Ensure consistent style and usage across all formats and platforms.

Review of strategic and presentation documents

• Review and quality-check internal and client-facing presentations, proposals, and pitch decks.
• Collaborate with strategists, creatives, and account managers to ensure language clarity, structure, and professionalism.

Script and creative material support

• Assist with checking storyboard text and video subtitles.

Cross-departmental collaboration

• Work closely with creative, accounts, media, digital, production, and strategy teams to embed quality assurance into every step of the process.
• Act as the “last pair of eyes” before anything goes out the door, internal or external.

Brand and tone guardianship

• Uphold and apply both Penquin’s tone of voice and those of our diverse clients.
• Proactively spot inconsistencies or red flags in tone, message, or formatting.

Why penquin?

We’re an integrated agency that believes in purposeful creativity, team collaboration, and ideas that drive results. We don’t just work for our clients; we work with them. And that includes creating a supportive, high-performance environment for our team.

At Penquin, every comma counts, and every person matters.

Key requirements

• 3–5 years of professional proofreading, editing, or copywriting experience (agency environment preferred).
• Strong command of the English and Afrikaans language, including grammar, punctuation, style, and usage.
• Someone who also understands SA slang will be a bonus.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a natural instinct for quality.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, you listen deeply and speak clearly.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines without compromising accuracy.
• Familiarity with AP, Chicago, or other style guides (and flexibility to adapt to client-specific guidelines).
• Bonus points for any other languages editing capabilities or visual layout sensibility.

Soft skills that matter at Penquin

• Integrity-first mindset: You’re consistent, ethical, and trustworthy, even when no one is watching.
• Structured creativity: You’re a guardian of rules who understands when a little poetic license is needed, as per head of copy directive.
• Supportive collaboration: You give and receive feedback respectfully. You’re not here for ego, you’re here for excellence.
• Calm under pressure: You manage urgency with grace and keep quality at the centre.
• Growth-oriented: You learn from every brief, every comment, every proof, and you help others do the same.

Posted on 30 Jul 17:30, Closing date 22 Aug