Senior A&R Executive, Pop (Candidate led up to Vice President)

Kobalt Music•Los Angeles, CA

5d•$100,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Kobalt is seeking an experienced, highly connected Senior A&R Executive to join its US Creative team, focused on Pop. The final title and scope will be determined based on the candidate’s background and expertise, and candidates at different career stages are welcome. This senior A&R role centers on identifying, signing and developing songwriters, artists and producers, as well as evaluating shares of copyright. The position combines creative and commercial judgment, established US music-industry relationships, market knowledge and data-informed insight to identify opportunities for Kobalt’s roster. The role also supports existing clients’ creative and career development, creates opportunities for their music and strengthens Kobalt’s relationships across the creative community. The Senior A&R Executive works closely with Business Affairs and Kobalt’s global Creative teams to develop deals and connect the roster with opportunities in the US and internationally. The role is based in Los Angeles, with a minimum of three days per week in the local office. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Requirements

Significant A&R experience within music publishing, recorded music, management or a comparable creative environment.
A strong track record of identifying, signing and developing successful songwriters, artists and producers.
An extensive, established network across the US Pop music community and a strong industry reputation.
Significant experience developing and progressing writer management and publishing deals in the US market.
Exceptional creative judgment and an instinct for identifying songs and talent with long-term potential.
Strong commercial judgment and ability to assess opportunities through creative and financial lenses.
Deep knowledge of Pop music and a strong understanding of the wider music business, publishing landscape and copyright ecosystem.
Ability to combine creative instinct with data-led insight when evaluating talent and opportunities.
Strong relationships across management, labels, publishers, lawyers, artists, writers and producers.
Strong knowledge of social media, streaming platforms and the evolving digital music landscape.
Collaborative approach and ability to work effectively with Kobalt’s US and global Creative teams.
Strong ownership and initiative, and ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced creative environment.
Eligibility to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

Identify, develop and sign exceptional Pop songwriters, artists and producers, as well as shares of copyright.
Build and maintain a pipeline of signing opportunities through networks, creative relationships, market knowledge, data and industry insight.
Lead significant signing opportunities, working with Business Affairs to shape deal proposals and support negotiations.
Evaluate talent, repertoire and potential investments using creative and commercial judgment.
Build trusted, long-term relationships with Kobalt’s roster and identify opportunities that support clients’ creative and career development.
Create opportunities for clients, including writing sessions, collaborations, song and beat pitches, and industry introductions.
Maintain senior relationships with artists, writers, producers, managers, labels, lawyers and other industry partners.
Stay informed about trends in Pop, music, culture, social media and the wider digital landscape.
Combine creative instinct with data and insight to inform signing decisions and A&R strategy.
Collaborate with global Creative teams to develop international opportunities for the roster and identify talent across markets.
Contribute to the development and success of Kobalt’s US Creative roster and wider A&R strategy.
Represent Kobalt within the creative community and strengthen the company’s reputation and relationships in the market.