2 days ago
Manager, Member Relations
Manager, Member Relations
The Opportunity:
The Manager, Member Relations is an enthusiastic digital music executive with experience working at music distributors in a client-facing or label relations role. This position sits at the core of Merlin's Member Relations team, working closely with our global membership, contributing to our mission of empowering independents, and supporting members in maximising the opportunities made available to them via our best-in-class deals. Merlin is the global licensing partner for the world's leading independent record labels, distributors and artist/label services companies, and our members successfully manage their digital businesses in direct relationships with our licensing partners.
This is an excellent opportunity for a process driven, proven self-starter who is keen to dig deeper into how digital partner deals work, understands the value and needs of independent music companies, and is a confident communicator driven by the rewarding mission of serving the independents that comprise the Merlin membership. This person will be demonstrably capable of managing multiple projects, comprehending the complex developments across the ever-evolving digital marketplace and be equally comfortable leading and working collaboratively with Merlin's global team in a fast paced, success-driven and fun atmosphere.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead day to day communications and support for existing Merlin member companies
Contribute to member acquisition strategy
Manage the end-to-end application process for prospective members;, evaluating application materials, clearly communicating application outcomes and recommendations
Stay deeply knowledgeable about and effectively communicate the complexities of commercial deal terms, content operations and integrations, reporting and data specifics, pitching and marketing opportunities, tools and marketplace developments
Demonstrate strong commercial sensibility
Actively contribute toward improving processes and developing scalable solutions
Pursue professional development opportunities, represent the company at industry conferences and events, and be adaptable as the role and organisation evolve.
Required Experience:
Minimum of 3 years of experience working at digital music companies, record labels, distributors/aggregators or artist/label services companies
Strong understanding of the digital music industry, music distribution, the mechanics of the digital music supply chain and tools and opportunities available via digital music platforms
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a disciplined adherence to commercial awareness and confidentiality
Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven ability to foster commercial relationships and adapt communication styles to suit stakeholders of diverse backgrounds
Active listening skills to accurately respond to inquiries and requests
Ability to establish a high degree of credibility and rapport with senior level executives across independent music companies
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Airtable and familiarity with task management programs and contact management systems
Comfortable prioritizing multiple issues/tasks
Preferred Qualifications:
Established network of contacts with independent music companies and digital partners
Compensation:
A competitive salary, incentive, and benefits package will be offered, commensurate with the role and the relevant experience of the final hire.
Equal Opportunity and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Merlin is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law. Further, the company strives to create a diverse, welcoming, equitable and inclusive environment for all applicants, employees, member companies and partners.
The Company:
Merlin provides independents the means to control their digital business in direct partnerships with leading digital music services. Merlin is a member led, music focused organization providing digital music licensing for independents across the globe. Members benefit from Merlin's premium deals, but work directly with key digital partners. Our membership consists of independent labels, distributors, and other rights-holders, representing tens of thousands of labels and hundreds of thousands of artists from every country in the world.
Merlin's approach has enabled our membership to grow to represent 15% of the global market share. Merlin's membership includes independents such as Absolute Label Services, Amuse, anjunabeats, Armada Music, AudioSalad, Better Noise Music, Casete, Curb, Domino Recording Co, Epitaph Records, Exceleration, Hopeless Records, IDOL, Kontor New Media, Mad Decent, Measurable Accurate Digital Solutions, Mills Records, Mushroom Music, Nettwerk Music Group, Ninja Tune, Redeye, Republic of Music, Revelator, Secret City, Secretly, Stones Throw, Starbase, Sub Pop, Toolroom Records, Warp, Zebralution and hundreds more.
Merlin has deals with nearly 40 digital services, including partners like Apple, Audiomack, AWA, Boomplay, Canva, Deezer, JioSaavn, KKBox, Meta, NetEase, Pandora, Peloton, Snap, SoundCloud, Spotify, Tencent, Twitch, Vevo, YouTube, and many other global, regional and strategic partners, as well as being in conversations with dozens more. Merlin has team resources in London, New York, Berlin, North Carolina and Tokyo.
To apply please send your CV to hannah.keighley@handle.co.uk
Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
