Manager, A&R

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world’s leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.
 

Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) is the centralized U.S. catalog entity for the Universal Music Group. Working closely in concert with all of the company’s record labels, UMe provides a frontline approach to catalog management, a greater emphasis on strategic marketing initiatives and opportunities in new and emerging technologies. We manage a diverse and expansive catalog spanning the entire history of recorded music and nearly every genre of music from such renowned record labels as Capitol, Interscope, Def Jam, Geffen, A&M, Motown, Island, and Virgin. The UMe catalog roster includes many of the most iconic and legendary artists of all time, including: The Beatles, Bob Marley, The Rolling Stones, Eminem, Stevie Wonder, Nirvana, and Shania Twain.

How we LEAD:

UMe is seeking a passionate music enthusiast with A&R experience, deep catalog music knowledge, and strong music business background to join our Catalog A&R team as a Manager, A&R. This role reports to the VP, A&R and is based in Santa Monica, CA

How you'll CREATE:

• Support senior A&R staff on all aspects of Catalog A&R projects and priorities

• Ideate, develop and pitch concepts to drive consumption for releases and activations in both the physical and digital marketplace, including eCommerce / D2C initiatives

• Understand current and emerging music industry trends including: the ethical use of AI, alternate versions (remixes, sped-up/slowed, sleep/study, etc), ATMOS/Spatial audio, streaming and playlisting

• Manage projects and budgets with workflow tools (Monday.com, Sony Ci, Sharepoint, etc.) to ensure accurate status and data tracking

• Generate project kick-off documents and work w/Finance on timely payments to A&R vendors within approved budgets

• Research and request asset transfers to produce Catalog projects for commercial release

• Drive streaming consumption using creativity in new IP utilizing Catalog repertoire

• Deep catalog knowledge with an archivist/researcher-like mindset across a wide range of music genres, artists and music products and strong understanding of the music industry & recording methods and technology

• Ability to multi-task, ensure meticulous attention to detail, prioritize and work well under pressure & deadlines in a fast-paced, high volume environment

• Must be current on today’s music industry environment including streaming/digital and social media platforms

• Work well independently, take initiative, identify potential issues & successfully problem solve with sound business deliverables

• Effectively optimize processes and efficiencies, and manage budgets

• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT), along with high aptitude for learning new software programs

Bring your VIBE:

• 3+ years experience in the music business, preferably with catalog/heritage music and knowledge of recording methods and technology

• Experience successfully managing A&R and budget process for a product release from origination to product completion

• Proven track record initiating, originating, managing and successfully completing all relevant aspects of recorded music releases and projects

• Knowledge and experience in digital/streaming formats & platforms including playlist compilations, programming, and content curation

• Bachelor’s degree required in music, marketing, communication, business, or related major preferred

Perks Playlist:

• Be part of an entrepreneurial, global organization that values authenticity, drive, creativity, relationships, and a competitive spirit

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and FSA options, as well as:

  • 100% coverage for out-patient mental health services

  • Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)

  • A lifetime fertility support allowance of $30,000 to plan participants

  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement

  • 100% immediately vested 401(k) match on the first 5% of your contribution on eligible compensation

• Variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:

  • Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees

  • 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees

  • 2-weeks paid Winter Break

  • 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)

  • Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)

  • Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.
Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Job Category:A&R

Salary Range:

$41,130 - $81,740

The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. All candidates are encouraged to apply.