Lead Sound Designer

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leading salary package tailored to the

Prestigious film/TV projects in Durban

Access to advanced studios and gear

Health insurance and retirement plan

Generous annual leave

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a visionary Lead Sound Designer to helm our audio post‑production. You will lead a team of sound engineers and designers, guiding the sound from dialogue editing to final mix, collaborating with directors, editors and composers to elevate storytelling.

You bring extensive post‑production experience, deep DAW expertise, and a passion for crafting immersive soundscapes. This on‑site role offers access to advanced studios and exciting Durban projects.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Sound Designer with leadership exposure.
• Proficiency in DAWs (Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase) and strong acoustics knowledge.
• Experience in sound editing, mixing, foley recording and ADR supervision.
• Ability to interpret scripts/storyboards to craft sonic environments.
• Strong leadership and communication to mentor a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the sound design team to meet project timelines.
• Design, record, and edit sound effects, foley, and ambiences for film/TV.
• Oversee dialogue editing and ADR for clarity and consistency.
• Collaborate with composers to integrate score and sound.
• Perform final stereo and surround mixes for broadcast/cinema.
• Maintain recording equipment and facilities.
• Develop innovative sound concepts to enhance narrative impact.
• Mentor junior designers and technicians to foster excellence.

Skills

Sound design

Leadership

DAW proficiency

Audio engineering

Tools

Pro Tools

Logic Pro

Cubase

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a premier production house in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , renowned for its high-caliber film and television projects. We are seeking a visionary Lead Sound Designer to helm our audio post-production department. This role requires an individual with exceptional artistic sensibility and technical expertise to craft immersive sonic landscapes that elevate storytelling. You will lead a team of sound engineers and designers, overseeing the entire sound design process from dialogue editing and foley recording to sound effects creation and final mix. Working from our state-of-the-art facilities in Durban , you will collaborate closely with directors, editors, and composers to ensure the sound is an integral and powerful component of each production. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced professional to shape the auditory experience of acclaimed projects and mentor emerging talent within a respected organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the sound design team, delegating tasks and ensuring project timelines are met.
• Design, record, and edit sound effects, foley, and ambient soundscapes for film and television.
• Oversee dialogue editing and ADR processes to ensure clarity and consistency.
• Collaborate with composers and music supervisors to integrate score and sound effectively.
• Perform final stereo and surround sound mixes for broadcast and cinema release.
• Maintain and manage sound recording equipment and facilities.
• Develop innovative sound concepts that enhance narrative impact and emotional resonance.
• Ensure all sound elements meet the highest quality standards and technical specifications.
• Mentor junior sound designers and technicians, fostering a culture of creativity and technical excellence.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Sound Designer, with a proven track record in film and television, ideally with leadership experience.
• Proficiency in industry-standard Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Cubase.
• Strong understanding of acoustics, audio engineering principles, and surround sound mixing techniques.
• Experience with sound editing, mixing, foley recording, and ADR supervision.
• Excellent creative and technical skills in sound manipulation and synthesis.
• Ability to interpret scripts and storyboards to create fitting sonic environments.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage a team effectively.
• Experience with sound restoration and noise reduction techniques is beneficial.
• A portfolio showcasing a diverse range of sound design projects.

Benefits

• A leading salary package tailored to the expertise of the candidate.
• Opportunity to work on prestigious film and television projects in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal .
• Access to advanced sound design studios and equipment.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.