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

Kobalt Music•Los Angeles, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Kobalt is seeking an experienced, well-connected Senior A&R Executive to join its US Creative team, focused on Pop. The role centers on identifying, signing, and developing songwriters, artists, and producers, while creating opportunities for existing clients and strengthening relationships across the creative community. The final title and scope may vary based on the candidate’s background and expertise, with consideration for candidates at different career stages. The successful candidate will bring a track record of successful signings, strong relationships across the US music industry, and creative and commercial judgment. They will lead signing opportunities in partnership with Business Affairs, develop Kobalt’s existing roster, and work with global Creative teams to connect clients with opportunities in the US and internationally. The role is based in Los Angeles and requires at least three days per week in the local office. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Requirements

Significant A&R experience in music publishing, recorded music, management, or a comparable creative environment (listed as preferred).
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 the ability to evaluate opportunities from creative and financial perspectives.
Deep knowledge of Pop music and a strong understanding of the 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 across US and global Creative teams.
Strong ownership and initiative, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced creative environment.
Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Significant A&R experience within music publishing, recorded music, management, or a comparable creative environment.

Responsibilities

Identify, develop, and sign Pop songwriters, artists, producers, and shares of copyright.
Build and maintain a pipeline of signing opportunities using industry relationships, market knowledge, data, and insight.
Lead significant signing opportunities, working with Business Affairs on deal proposals and negotiations.
Evaluate talent, repertoire, and potential investments using creative and commercial judgment.
Build long-term relationships with roster clients and support their 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.
Monitor trends in Pop, music, culture, social media, and the wider digital landscape.
Use data and insight alongside creative judgment to inform signing decisions and A&R strategy.
Collaborate with global Creative teams to create international opportunities for the roster and identify talent across markets.
Contribute to the development 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.