Lead Sound Designer for Immersive Audio Experiences

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health insurance

Generous paid time off

State‑of‑the‑art equipment

Opportunities for professional dev and

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg is seeking a Lead Sound Designer to shape the sonic landscape of cutting‑edge projects, from AAA games to acclaimed films. You will lead a team of audio engineers, define the creative vision, and ensure top‑tier output within a collaborative environment.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in sound design, with at least 3 in a lead role, and a portfolio spanning diverse, high‑quality work across film, TV, and games. VR/AR audio familiarity is a plus.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in sound design, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Portfolio showcasing a diverse range of high‑quality sound design work.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of all sound elements, including sound effects, Foley, ambient soundscapes, and musical integration.
• Direct and mentor junior sound designers and audio engineers, fostering a collaborative and creative atmosphere.
• Collaborate with directors, game designers, and other leads to translate project visions into compelling audio experiences.
• Develop and maintain sound libraries, ensuring efficient organization and accessibility of assets.
• Oversee the mixing and mastering process for final audio delivery across platforms.
• Stay abreast of advancements in audio technology, techniques, and industry trends.
• Manage audio budgets and schedules to ensure timely, cost‑efficient project completion.
• Conduct quality assurance testing to identify and resolve audio issues.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious entertainment production house, is seeking an exceptional Lead Sound Designer to join their dynamic team in Johannesburg, Gauteng . This role is pivotal in shaping the sonic landscape of cutting‑edge projects, from AAA video games to award‑winning film scores. You will be instrumental in defining the creative vision for sound, leading a team of talented audio engineers, and ensuring the highest quality output. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of acoustic principles, a mastery of digital audio workstations, and a proven track record of delivering innovative sound solutions in a collaborative environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on globally recognized projects and to mentor emerging talent within the Johannesburg creative community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of all sound elements, including sound effects, Foley, ambient soundscapes, and musical integration.
• Direct and mentor junior sound designers and audio engineers, fostering a collaborative and creative atmosphere.
• Collaborate closely with directors, game designers, and other creative leads to translate project visions into compelling audio experiences.
• Develop and maintain sound libraries, ensuring efficient organization and accessibility of assets.
• Oversee the mixing and mastering process for final audio delivery across various platforms.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in audio technology, techniques, and industry trends.
• Manage audio budgets and schedules effectively, ensuring timely and cost‑efficient project completion.
• Conduct quality assurance testing to identify and resolve any audio‑related issues.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in sound design, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience with industry‑standard DAWs such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Cubase.
• Proficiency in audio middleware (e.g., Wwise, FMOD) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of audio post‑production workflows for film, television, and video games.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• A portfolio showcasing a diverse range of high‑quality sound design work.
• Bachelor's degree in Audio Engineering, Music Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and guide creative decisions.
• Familiarity with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) audio implementation is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health insurance, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional development and training.
• Employees also enjoy access to state‑of‑the‑art equipment and a vibrant, inspiring work environment in the heart of Johannesburg .
• We believe in work‑life balance and provide a supportive culture that encourages innovation and creativity.
• Further benefits include performance‑based bonuses and opportunities to attend industry conferences.