Business Manager, Apple Music

Apple•Culver City, CA

5h•Onsite

About The Position

Apple Music is seeking an experienced, hands-on Business Manager to lead major platform initiatives and shape the service’s strategy, audience growth, and operational execution. The role develops business strategies, operational models, and platform enhancements that support long-term growth and improve the Apple Music ecosystem. It works at the intersection of music, technology, and digital product strategy, embedded with product and engineering teams and influencing partners across Product, Design, Engineering, Marketing, and Music without direct organizational control. The Business Manager owns initiatives end-to-end, guiding roadmaps and cross-functional delivery while navigating ambiguity and translating complex business concepts into customer experiences. The position requires business acumen, product development fluency, and deep understanding of the music industry, including market fundamentals, monetization, and fan behavior. The Business Manager will envision future fan engagement experiences, evaluate emerging business models, establish business and monetization frameworks for platform features, and support audience acquisition and retention. They will measure results using KPIs and data, optimize business models and user experiences, and keep leadership informed through performance updates, recommendations, and executive briefs. This is an in-person, onsite role with up to 15% domestic and international travel and availability to work some nights and weekends as needed.

Requirements

At least 10 years of experience in business management, product development or management, digital commerce, or commercial strategy within music, media, or technology.
Clear understanding of music business fundamentals, including licensing, royalties, label and distributor relations, and digital monetization, along with an intuitive grasp of artist-fan dynamics and fan culture.
Proven experience managing a commercial portfolio or business area, including financial modeling, P&L management, and revenue forecasting.
Experience working directly within a software or digital product development lifecycle and ability to discuss technical trade-offs and user experiences with engineers and designers.
Track record of owning and driving complex initiatives from start to finish, managing timelines, holding partners accountable, and delivering under tight schedules.
Success navigating matrixed organizations, aligning cross-functional partners, and building consensus in ambiguous environments where accountability exceeds formal authority.
Exceptional cross-functional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to work onsite and work some nights and weekends as needed.
Direct experience handling sensitive and confidential information with integrity and discretion.
Ability to travel up to 15%, domestically and internationally.
BA/BS degree required.

Nice To Haves

MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop, align, and execute business strategies and roadmaps for emerging fan engagement and business initiatives within Apple Music.
Define future iterations of the digital super-fan experience and identify ways listeners can engage with, support, and access content from artists.
Use music industry knowledge and consumer insights to evaluate emerging business models and prioritize opportunities.
Partner with Product and Design from concept through launch to establish business frameworks, define user journeys, and shape product definitions.
Develop and implement audience growth, acquisition, and retention strategies.
Work with Product, Design, and Engineering to define business requirements, monetization mechanics, and operational frameworks for platform features.
Collaborate with Content, Editorial, and Marketing to create and execute campaigns, cultural moments, and promotional launches.
Drive initiatives from inception to launch, owning delivery timelines, milestone tracking, and cross-functional momentum.
Partner with Engineering and Program Management to keep projects on schedule, identify dependencies, and clear roadblocks.
Navigate organizational ambiguity and translate complex problems into clear, actionable paths for multidisciplinary teams.
Establish KPIs, assess post-launch performance, and optimize business models and user experiences using data and partner feedback.
Provide leadership with regular performance updates, strategic recommendations, and executive briefs.