A&R Manager, MENA

Role Mission

Key Responsibilities

• Talent scouting across social channels (TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat — critical in KSA), local platforms, showcases, clubs, and music competitions.
• Manage candidate pipeline and lead signing negotiations for FreshTunes services (distribution, label services, marketing).
• Oversee release cycles end-to-end: release plan, marketing assets, coordination with the Account team for DSP promotion.
• Track regional chart movements and competitive landscape (Mass Appeal Arabia, Empire MENA, Universal Arabia).
• Mentor artists on metadata, creative packaging, and release strategy.
• Deliver monthly A&R reporting to HQ.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in A&R, label management, artist management, or music marketing in the MENA region.
• Deep knowledge of the music scenes in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, and the Levant — emerging artists, current hits, trending producers.
• Arabic — native (with comprehension of 2-3 dialects).
• English — fluent.
• Active portfolio of case studies: artists signed / developed by the candidate, with growth metrics (streams, follower growth).
• Established network of contacts: artists, managers, producers, and music journalists in the region.
• Strong grasp of streaming economics and metrics: monthly listeners, save rate, skip rate, playlist conversion.
• Sharp ear for trends: ability to identify hits before they break.

Nice-to-Have

• Background at a label or distributor with a MENA catalogue.
• Working knowledge of sync licensing.
• Experience managing soundboards / playlists on DSPs.
• Familiarity with sharia-compliance nuances for the KSA market.
• Visible industry profile — publications, speaking engagements, recognition as a domain expert.
• KPIs (variable compensation)
• Number of artists / labels signed per quarter.
• Average streaming volume of signed artists at 6 and 12 months.
• Hit rate — percentage of releases landing in editorial playlists on DSPs.
• Revenue per signing.
• Artist retention in catalogue (year-over-year).