Creative Director - Immersive Experiences

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Benefits package

Opportunities for innovation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Creative Director in Johannesburg to lead the conception and execution of groundbreaking immersive experiences. You will steer multidisciplinary teams across events, installations, and hybrid activations, shaping the artistic vision and ensuring high-quality, high-impact outcomes.

The role demands strong storytelling, leadership, and a hands-on approach to innovation in a fast-paced studio environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in creative direction for immersive experiences.
• Portfolio showing large-scale immersive projects.

Responsibilities

• Define and articulate the creative vision for immersive experience projects.
• Lead and mentor design teams across disciplines.
• Develop concepts for interactive installations, AR/VR experiences, events, and hybrids.
• Oversee creative development from ideation to execution.
• Translate client brand objectives into compelling experiences.
• Ensure output is original, impactful, and on budget.
• Stay ahead of trends in art, tech, and experiential design.
• Present concepts to clients and stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Manage resources and timelines to deliver projects.

Skills

Creative leadership

Storytelling

Concept development

Team mentorship

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Fine Arts/Design/Media Arts

Tools

AR

VR

AI

Projection mapping

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge entertainment and experiential design studio in Johannesburg, Gauteng , is seeking an visionary Creative Director to lead the conceptualization and execution of groundbreaking immersive experiences. This senior role demands a unique blend of artistic vision, strategic thinking, and leadership acumen to guide multidisciplinary teams in creating unforgettable events, installations, and digital/physical hybrid activations. You will be responsible for setting the creative direction, driving innovation, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and impact across all projects. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in conceptualizing and delivering large-scale immersive projects, possess exceptional storytelling abilities, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Join us in redefining the boundaries of artistic expression and audience engagement in Johannesburg .

Key Responsibilities

• Define and articulate the creative vision for immersive experience projects.
• Lead and mentor design teams, including artists, technologists, writers, and producers.
• Develop innovative concepts for interactive installations, augmented reality experiences, themed events, and more.
• Oversee the creative development process from ideation through to final execution.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their brand objectives and translate them into compelling experiences.
• Ensure creative output is original, impactful, and aligned with project goals and budgets.
• Stay ahead of industry trends in art, technology, entertainment, and experiential design.
• Present creative concepts and proposals effectively to clients and stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of experimentation, collaboration, and creative excellence within the team.
• Manage creative resources and timelines to ensure project success.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Fine Arts, Design, Media Arts, or a related creative field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in creative direction, with a significant focus on immersive experiences, themed entertainment, interactive installations, or large-scale events.
• Demonstrable portfolio showcasing innovative and impactful immersive projects.
• Exceptional conceptual thinking, storytelling, and visual design skills.
• Proven leadership experience managing creative teams.
• Strong understanding of emerging technologies (AR, VR, AI, projection mapping) and their application in experiences.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, hybrid work environment in Johannesburg .
• Experience working with diverse clients and understanding their strategic goals.
• Passion for pushing creative boundaries and exploring new forms of artistic expression.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package. This role provides an unparalleled opportunity to lead groundbreaking projects in the vibrant Gauteng arts and entertainment scene. You will work with a talented and passionate team in a creative and stimulating environment. We are committed to fostering professional growth and providing opportunities for innovation. Be part of shaping the future of immersive entertainment.