Key Skills

Job Description

Do you have a keen ear for great music and a sharp eye for the data and trends behind the next big record? Are you deeply connected to the global dance music scene and know how to spot artists, records and repertoire with real commercial potential? Do you combine strong musical taste with commercial instinct, data-driven thinking and a powerful industry network? Then you might be the A&R Manager we’re looking for. Our new A&R Manager will be part of an international A&R team and report to the Head of Music. You will proactively scout new artists, records, repertoire and licensing opportunities, using streaming, social, audience and market data alongside strong musical judgement to identify records and artists that are gaining momentum. You will turn data and market insights into clear A&R opportunities, build relationships with artists, management, labels and other industry partners, and take the lead in securing the right opportunities for Armada Music. You will also play an important role in developing the commercial strength of our catalogue by identifying and acquiring repertoire with strong market potential. What will you be doing? Scout proactively across streaming platforms, social media, charts, A&R intelligence tools and other relevant sources to identify artists, records and repertoire gaining momentum; Combine data, market insights and musical taste to identify growth signals and assess the commercial potential of artists, records and acquisition opportunities; Build and maintain a strong pipeline of opportunities, proactively approaching artists, management, labels and other rights holders; Lead the deal-making process, including building the commercial case, negotiating key terms and working closely with Legal & Business Affairs to secure agreements; Identify and pursue licensing, acquisition and other commercial opportunities that can strengthen the value and growth of Armada Music’s catalogue; Provide clear briefings and act as a key A&R contact for artists and management following a signing and throughout the relevant release process; Work closely with Product Management, Marketing, Publishing, Operations and Finance to support the successful commercial exploitation of signed repertoire; Monitor the commercial and financial performance of signed projects and report relevant outcomes and learnings to the Head of Music. Who are we looking for? You bring 2–5 years of experience in A&R or a similar role within the music industry; You are extremely passionate about dance music and have a strong understanding of the global electronic music landscape; You combine strong musical taste and commercial thinking with deep industry knowledge and a strong network across artists, labels, publishers and rights holder; You are comfortable working with streaming, social, audience and market data and can identify meaningful patterns, trends and growth signals; You are proactive, assertive and resourceful, with the ability to move quickly when you spot the right opportunity; You have excellent communication and negotiation skills and are confident dealing with artists, managers, labels and other industry partners; You are accurate and organised, with the ability to manage multiple opportunities, projects, changing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment; You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; You currently live in or near Amsterdam and are flexible to work changing hours when required. What will we offer you in return? We also offer an attractive pension scheme for when we finally decide to grow up. Our Amsterdam office features a gym and even an in-house club, because great music deserves a great workplace. At Armada Music, you’ll pursue your passion on an international scale. Working in an inspiring and music-driven environment, you’ll join a young, ambitious and dynamic team of talented professionals. ABOUT ARMADA MUSIC: Armada Music is the biggest independent dance music label in the world, founded in 2003 by Armin van Buuren, Maykel Piron and David Lewis (AR-MA-DA). Promoting dance music all over the world from its offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York and London, Armada Music represents and cultivates the creative exploits of some of the biggest players in the electronic music game, including Armin van Buuren, Lilly Palmer, D.O.D, Hannah Laing, ARTY, Audien, Giorgia Angiuli, Yulia Niko, Tensnake, Eelke Kleijn, Jan Blomqvist, Joris Voorn, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano and THEMBA.

Core Responsibilities

Scout artists, records, repertoire, and licensing opportunities using musical judgment and streaming, social, audience, and market data. Build and negotiate commercial opportunities, support signed artists and releases across internal teams, and monitor project and catalogue performance.

Requirements

Candidates need 2–5 years of A&R or similar music-industry experience, strong knowledge of global dance music, and a network across artists and industry partners. They should be commercially minded, comfortable interpreting data, skilled in communication and negotiation, organised, fluent in English, and based in or near Amsterdam.

Benefits

• Pension Scheme
• On-Site Gym
• In-House Club