Audio Director

About Us

ZA/UM is a video game studio that in 2019 released the award-winning role-playing game Disco Elysium. We are based in the UK and Europe, we have offices in Porto, Brighton and London. Our team is spread across a number of countries around the globe. Currently, the team is composed of over 90 writers, artists, developers and producers.

The Role

We are looking for a talented and experienced Audio Director to join our video game development team. As Audio Director, you will oversee all audio production and implementation for our games across multiple platforms. You will manage and work with a team of sound designers, composers, audio programmers and more to create immersive auditory experiences for our players.

The Audio Director is responsible for the overall sound aesthetics, direction, budget, and quality control for our games. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams including art, design, narrative, programming, and production to ensure the audio aligns with the game’s vision. As Audio Director, you will establish workflow processes, guide the audio team’s work, and ensure delivered assets meet quality standards.

Important: For this role you must be based in the UK, Europe, or on Universal Time Coordinated UTC +/- 2 hours

Responsibilities:

• Decide on overall auditory style and tone for games in collaboration with stakeholders
• Lead final audio mix process to achieve intended aesthetics and player experience
• Manage audio department staffing, budget, schedules, workflows and deliverables
• Guide audio team’s work and provide direction to sound designers, composers and more
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure cohesion between audio and other game elements
• Oversee implementation of audio assets into game engine and runtime technical performance
• Resolve complex audio challenges and identify appropriate tools and solutions
• Assure quality standards for all audio content through final mix and game release
• Optimise licensing terms and costs for acquired audio assets and manage IP rights
• Stay current on industry trends and identify innovative techniques to enhance games’ audio

Qualification requirements:

• 7+ years experience in game audio development with at least 3 years in a senior audio role
• Leadership skills to guide audio team and collaborate effectively with stakeholders
• Deep knowledge of audio production pipelines, tools, and implementation for games
• Strong grasp of audio mixing, mastering, compression, EQ, and effects
• Solid understanding of audio licensing, rights management, budgets and contracts
• Passion for audio innovation and identifying future opportunities to improve game audio
• Portfolio demonstrating ability to create immersive, engaging audio experiences

Bonuses:

• Expertise in Unity and FMOD
• BA/BS or MA/MS in music production, sound design or related field

We Offer

• Competitive salary - Living Wage Accredited employer
• Excellent career development opportunities in a rapidly growing studio.
• Flexible hybrid work model - the ability to work remotely or from the office, with occasional required in person meetings.
• Private medical and dental cover
• Full studio closure over Christmas
• Industry leading parental leave
• Childcare support

ZA/UM is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. The organisation - in providing goods and/or services and/or facilities - is also committed against unlawful discrimination of customers or the public.

How to apply

To submit your Audio Director application: Please send your CV, portfolio and motivation letter here.