Head of audio - Novelty Middle East

GROUPE NOVELTY; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Novelty Middle East is seeking an experienced Head of Audio to lead audio operations for high-profile live events and audiovisual projects. You will define the department strategy, set technical standards, and oversee equipment, resources, and personnel to deliver top-tier sound experiences.

The role requires strong leadership, deep technical expertise in professional audio systems, and a proven track record in demanding environments.

Qualifications

• Degree in Audio Engineering or related field and significant leadership experience.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior audio engineering or technical leadership role.
• Experience leading teams in live events or audiovisual industries.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the audio department strategy aligned with company objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop audio engineers, technicians, and freelance staff.
• Oversee maintenance, calibration, testing, and storage of audio equipment.
• Ensure compliant health & safety and quality control across audio operations.
• Coordinate budget, resources, and project costing for events.

Skills

Audio systems

Live sound

Signal processing

Audio networking

Digital consoles

Dante/AES67/AVB

Resource coordination

Equipment lifecycle

Health & safety

Technical English

Education

Degree in Audio Engineering or related field

Job description

Novelty Middle East is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Audio to join our team starting in September. In this key leadership role, you will oversee the management of audio operations, technical resources, equipment, and personnel, ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality live event and audiovisual projects while driving innovation, operational excellence, and client satisfaction.

ROLES & RESPONSABILITIES

Audio Strategy & Technical Leadership

• Define and implement the audio department strategy in line with company objectives.
• Establish technical standards, best practices, and operational procedures.
• Provide expert guidance on audio system design and deployment.
• Drive innovation and evaluate new audio technologies, equipment, and workflows.
• Act as the senior technical authority for all audio-related matters.

Project Planning & Event Delivery

• Analyze client requirements and translate them into effective audio solutions.
• Review technical specifications, riders, and event requirements.
• Ensure the successful preparation, installation, operation, and dismantling of audio systems.
• Validate technical feasibility, resource allocation, and project execution plans.
• Support complex or high-profile events requiring advanced audio expertise.

Team Management & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop audio engineers, technicians, and freelance staff.
• Coordinate workforce planning and resource allocation.
• Conduct performance reviews and identify training needs.
• Promote a collaborative, safety-focused, and customer-oriented culture.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of audio personnel.

Equipment & Asset Management

• Oversee the maintenance, calibration, testing, and storage of audio equipment.
• Ensure inventory accuracy and equipment availability.
• Develop investment recommendations and equipment renewal plans.
• Monitor equipment performance and lifecycle management.
• Ensure compliance with manufacturer recommendations and company standards.

Operational Excellence & Compliance

• Ensure all audio operations comply with health, safety, and industry regulations.
• Identify and mitigate operational and technical risks.
• Develop and implement quality control procedures.
• Monitor departmental KPIs and operational performance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across audio operations.

Budget & Resource Management

• Manage departmental budgets and operational expenditures.
• Optimize the utilization of human and technical resources.
• Support project costing and technical quotations.
• Monitor financial performance and identify cost-efficiency opportunities.

Client & Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as the primary escalation point for audio-related matters.
• Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, manufacturers, and technical partners.
• Ensure client satisfaction through high-quality service delivery.
• Participate in technical meetings, site visits, and post-event reviews.
• Contribute to business development by promoting innovative audio solutions.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Produce technical reports and post-project evaluations.
• Analyze project outcomes and identify improvement opportunities.
• Share best practices and lessons learned across the organization.
• Maintain awareness of emerging trends and industry developments.

REQUIRED PROFILE

You hold a degree in Audio Engineering, Sound Technology, Acoustics, Audiovisual Production, or a related field, and can demonstrate significant experience in a similar role within the live events, entertainment, broadcast, touring, or audiovisual industry.

You have a strong technical background in professional audio systems and proven experience leading teams, managing resources, and delivering high-quality audio solutions in demanding operational environments.

A minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior audio engineering, audio management, or technical leadership role is required. Equivalent combinations of education and professional experience will also be considered.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Hard Skills

• Advanced knowledge of professional audio systems, live sound reinforcement, signal processing, and audio networking.
• Expertise in the deployment, operation, optimization, and troubleshooting of large-scale audio systems.
• Proficiency with digital mixing consoles, audio processing platforms, and audio network protocols (Dante, AES67, AVB or equivalent).
• Ability to coordinate technical, logistical, equipment, and human resources while meeting project deadlines and operational objectives.
• Strong understanding of equipment lifecycle management, maintenance planning, inventory control, and health & safety regulations.
• Technical English proficiency.

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with the capacity to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent customer service and stakeholder management skills, ensuring strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and technical partners.
• Ability to work independently, make informed decisions, and resolve complex technical and operational challenges.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients, management teams, and technical personnel.
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.