Lead Sound Designer - Hybrid

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work model

Health benefits

Professional growth

Access to pro audio equipment

Creative environment

Pension contributions

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Cape Town invites applications for a Lead Sound Designer to craft immersive audio across media. This hybrid role blends on-site collaboration with remote work flexibility, guiding the sonic direction and mentoring junior designers.

You will lead recording, editing, mixing, and the integration of audio into engines, while maintaining an audio vision and collaborating with directors, developers, and artists. Experience in a lead role and strong communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Portfolio demonstrating high-quality sound design across media
• 6+ years in sound design; at least 2 in lead/senior role
• Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, or Cubase proficiency
• Experience with audio middleware (Wwise, FMOD) and game engines (Unreal/Unity)
• Deep knowledge of acoustics and psychoacoustics
• Experience recording, editing, and mixing dialogue
• Excellent communication and teamwork; able to work in hybrid setting

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of sound effects, Foley, dialogue, and music
• Develop and maintain a consistent audio vision and style guide
• Collaborate with directors, developers, artists to translate concepts to audio
• Record, edit, mix, and master audio assets
• Manage sound libraries and ensure efficient workflow
• Mentor junior sound designers and audio engineers
• Oversee audio integration into game engines
• Conduct sound mixing sessions for clarity and impact
• Stay updated with audio tech and industry trends
• Manage audio timelines and budgets

Skills

Portfolio

Lead experience

Communication

Hybrid work

Detail oriented

Tools

Pro Tools

Logic Pro

Ableton Live

Cubase

Wwise

FMOD

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

WhatJobs Direct is looking for an innovative and experienced Lead Sound Designer to join our dynamic team in **Cape Town**. This position offers a hybrid work model, blending in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, creating, and implementing high-quality audio experiences for a range of exciting projects within the arts and entertainment sector. As a Lead Sound Designer, you will guide the audio direction, mentor junior team members, and ensure the sonic integrity of our productions. Your work will significantly contribute to the immersive storytelling and overall impact of our creative outputs. We value a collaborative environment where creativity thrives, and your expertise will be crucial in shaping the auditory landscape of our projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, creation, and implementation of all sound effects, Foley, dialogue, and music for various artistic productions.
• Develop and maintain a consistent audio vision and style guide for projects.
• Collaborate closely with directors, game developers, visual artists, and other stakeholders to translate creative concepts into compelling audio experiences.
• Record, edit, mix, and master audio assets to the highest professional standards.
• Source, create, and manage sound libraries for efficient workflow.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior sound designers and audio engineers.
• Oversee the implementation of audio into game engines or other relevant platforms.
• Conduct sound mixing sessions, ensuring clarity, impact, and emotional resonance.
• Stay updated with the latest audio technology, techniques, and industry trends.
• Manage audio aspects of project timelines and budgets.

Requirements

• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional sound design and mixing skills across different media.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in sound design, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior capacity.
• Proficiency in industry-standard Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, or Cubase.
• Experience with audio middleware (e.g., Wwise, FMOD) and game engine integration (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Deep understanding of acoustics, psychoacoustics, and audio mixing techniques.
• Experience in recording, editing, and mixing dialogue and voiceovers.
• Familiarity with music composition and arrangement principles is a plus.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a hybrid setting.
• A keen ear for detail and a passion for immersive audio.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Access to state-of-the‑art audio equipment and software.
• Creative and inspiring work environment.
• Contribution to high-profile arts and entertainment projects.
• Pension fund contributions.