Manager, A&R

Overview

Kobalt Music is seeking an experienced A&R Manager to join their Creative team based in Berlin, Germany. This full-time, permanent role will cover the territories of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, working from the local office three days a week. The primary responsibility is to discover, sign, and cultivate songwriters, artists, and producers in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively identify and engage with emerging and established songwriters, artists, and producers across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, developing a strong portfolio of signing prospects.
• Utilize an extensive network along with live music events, data analytics, digital platforms, and creative insight to spot fresh talent, industry trends, and new opportunities.
• Drive the signing process from initial contact to deal proposal, collaborating closely with Business Affairs to structure and negotiate agreements.
• Maintain and nurture productive relationships with Kobalt's existing roster by understanding their artistic goals and facilitating their development.
• Organize songwriting sessions, introductions, and collaborations to actively generate opportunities for the roster's writers, artists, and songs.
• Work in tandem with international A&R teams across Europe, the US, and APAC to broaden opportunities for talent on a global scale.
• Stay abreast of local and international music markets to share valuable market intelligence, emerging trends, and talent insights with the Creative team.
• Represent Kobalt with professionalism in the creative community while reinforcing the company’s presence and connections within the region.

Candidate Profile

• Proven A&R experience within music publishing, recorded music, or a related creative discipline.
• Well-established network within the German music industry, including relationships with artists, managers, legal professionals, and other key creatives.
• Demonstrable success in discovering, signing, and developing musical talent such as songwriters, artists, and producers.
• Strong judgement in assessing A&R prospects with a focus on long-term artistic and commercial potential.
• Comprehensive understanding of the German market and familiarity with the broader European and global music landscapes.
• Experience negotiating deals and collaborating with Business Affairs through signing processes.
• Ability to combine intuitive creative instincts with data analysis and commercial insights.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of representing the company credibly to talent and their management teams.
• A cooperative mindset and ability to work effectively with colleagues across a widespread international A&R network.
• Strong organizational skills and self-motivation to handle multiple relationships and priorities efficiently.

Additional Assets

• Existing contacts in Austria and/or Switzerland.
• Experience managing relationships across multiple European markets.
• Background in creating international avenues for songwriters, artists, or producers.
• Deep knowledge of streaming, social, and digital platforms influencing talent discovery and audience growth.
• Fluency in German and English.

Success Metrics

• Within three months: Establish solid relationships within the Berlin team and global A&R network, understand Kobalt's roster and processes, and build an active talent pipeline.
• Within six months: Advance credible signing opportunities, nurture trusted connections with the existing roster, and foster local and international collaborations.
• Within one year: Become recognized as a reliable Kobalt representative in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, contribute meaningful signings, and positively impact artist development.

Key Behaviours

• Strong talent intuition in evaluating creative and commercial potential.
• Effective relationship-building fostering trust and wide network connections.
• Balanced commercial judgment incorporating data, market insights, and deal economics.

Interview Process

• Introductory call with recruitment staff.
• Interview with the hiring manager.
• Final discussions with Creative team members.
• Feedback given throughout each stage.

About Kobalt

Kobalt Music has championed music creators since 2000, providing transparent, technology-driven music services for artists, songwriters, and rights holders. The Berlin-based GSA team supports an exciting roster including artists like Hitimpulse, Keinemusik, and Boys Noize. The company is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace environment and is an equal opportunity employer.