Lead Sound Designer & Composer

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Sound Designer & Composer for an on-site role in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead sound design and music composition across projects, shaping the sonic identity from concept to delivery.

You will mentor junior designers, collaborate with directors and producers, and ensure assets meet technical specs while delivering immersive experiences for audiences in the arts and entertainment sector.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Music Composition, Sound Engineering, Audio Production, or related field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in sound design and music composition for media.
• Proficiency in DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live.
• Strong acoustics, signal processing and mixing knowledge.
• Experience with audio middleware (Wwise, FMOD) is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong portfolio of diverse sound design and composition work.

Responsibilities

• Lead sound design and music composition for all assigned projects.
• Develop sonic strategies to enhance storytelling and emotion.
• Create original scores, ambient soundscapes, SFX, and dialogue editing.
• Manage audio asset libraries and ensure quality and accessibility.
• Mentor junior designers and composers, providing guidance and feedback.
• Collaborate with directors, producers, animators, and others to meet goals.
• Operate and maintain professional audio recording and mixing equipment.
• Conduct Foley sessions and source effects from libraries.
• Ensure final mixes meet technical specs and platform requirements.

Skills

Sound design

Music composition

Audio engineering

Leadership

Audio mixing

Portfolio development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Music Composition

Tools

Pro Tools

Logic Pro X

Ableton Live

Wwise

FMOD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious organization within the arts and entertainment sector, is seeking an exceptionally talented Lead Sound Designer & Composer to join their team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . This is an on-site position, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a collaborative creative environment. You will be responsible for shaping the auditory landscape of our projects, from initial concept through to final delivery. This role requires a masterful command of sound design principles, composition, and audio engineering, coupled with the ability to lead and inspire a team of audio professionals. You will play a pivotal role in defining the sonic identity of our productions, ensuring a rich and impactful audio experience for our audiences. If you are passionate about crafting evocative soundscapes and composing compelling musical scores, this is the perfect opportunity to make your mark in a dynamic and exciting industry. Join us in bringing our artistic visions to life through the power of sound.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the sound design and music composition for all assigned projects, ensuring creative vision and technical quality.
• Develop and implement sonic strategies that enhance storytelling and emotional impact.
• Create original musical scores, ambient soundscapes, sound effects, and dialogue editing.
• Manage audio asset libraries, ensuring organization, quality, and efficient retrieval.
• Oversee and mentor junior sound designers and composers, providing guidance and constructive feedback.
• Collaborate closely with directors, producers, animators, and other creative team members to achieve project goals.
• Operate and maintain professional audio recording and mixing equipment.
• Conduct foley recording sessions and source sound effects from various libraries and databases.
• Ensure final audio mixes adhere to all technical specifications and platform requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Music Composition, Sound Engineering, Audio Production, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in sound design and music composition for film, television, gaming, or theatre.
• Proven ability to compose original music across various genres and styles.
• Expertise in industry-standard Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, or Ableton Live.
• Strong understanding of acoustics, signal processing, and audio mixing techniques.
• Experience with audio middleware (e.g., Wwise, FMOD) is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• A strong portfolio showcasing diverse sound design and composition work.
• Passion for the arts and entertainment industry.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, reflecting your expertise and contributions, along with a comprehensive benefits package. This position is based in our state-of-the-art facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA , providing a dynamic and collaborative on-site work environment. We provide opportunities for professional growth through ongoing training and development programs, including access to the latest audio technology. You will be part of a talented and passionate team, working on exciting and impactful projects that define the arts and entertainment landscape. The benefits include medical aid, a retirement fund, and ample paid time off, ensuring your well-being and long-term security. We believe in fostering a creative and supportive culture where your contributions are valued and celebrated.