Composer Sales & Development Manager

Birdsong Music Publishing, a HarrisonParrott Associated Company, is seeking a Composer Sales & Development Manager. This role is full-time (35 hours per week, Monday to Friday) and based in London, Somerset House, with hybrid working options.

About Birdsong Music Publishing

With a roster of internationally recognized composers and a growing catalogue of orchestral works, chamber music, and opera, Birdsong Music Publishing is creating the music of the 21st century. Established in 2021, we offer full publishing and management services to our composers, supporting them and helping to develop their careers by connecting them to artists and ensembles of the highest standing and bringing their music to the widest possible audience.

Job Purpose

The primary function of the Composer Sales & Development Manager is to develop, promote, and manage all aspects of the careers of a defined list of composers and catalogues, working across various areas of the music industry. The Manager shall be responsible for all day-to-day activity, sales, and strategy of a fixed roster of composers and take a proactive approach to constantly search for opportunities across all aspects of the industry.

Key Relationships

• Chief of Staff & CEO HarrisonParrott Group
• Composer Management and Publishing Team
• Finance Team

Key Accountabilities

• Artistic Strategy and Relationships and Sales: Establish and build relationships with artists to deliver on their strategic needs and aims, working closely with senior management to identify and deliver this strategy. Work with key promoters across the industry to deliver high quality and efficient work. Clearly plan and implement sales for each artist alongside the Associate Director, Polyarts. Procure and negotiate engagements to implement agreed sales strategy of 6-8 artists or projects ranging from composers to instrumentalists to vocalists. Set regular sales targets and meet said targets. Aim to increase revenue per artist by 10-20% on an annual basis.
• Career Planning: Show initiative in planning sales targets and strategies for composer roster and implementing these plans. Act as a key point of contact with assigned artists and handle requests independently while keeping the team in the loop. Work proactively with Director(s) and Senior Staff on the formulation of a strategic plan of performances and recordings for the development of each composer’s career.
• Contracts: Negotiate/advise on contract terms, ensure fee negotiations are finalized, process and manage the issuing and finalization of contracts. Ensure there is effective liaison with the Accounts department on all matters relating to timely accounting to artists, commission, and tax arrangements.
• Financial Administration: Ensure financial information on artist diary system is maintained and outstanding fee negotiations followed up on a timely basis. Review promoter invoices and monthly commission statements to ensure correctness.
• Business Development: Be alert to opportunities for collaborations, connections, and links between Birdsong Music Publishing and HarrisonParrott artists and projects. Develop proposals for potential project partners and commercial opportunities.

Skills and Experience:

• Essential: Proven experience (4+ years) and competency in managing composers including strategic career planning, sales and marketing, and contract negotiation. Excellent project management skills. Knowledge and passion for contemporary music across a range of genres and sub-genres. High level of accuracy and attention to detail. Solid organisation skills. Ability to manage and prioritise a large number of varied tasks with multiple deadlines. Excellent IT skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook. Prior experience in a relevant area of the music business.
• Desirable: Digital Marketing Experience. Experience managing composers, commissioning agreements, rights. Knowledge of the recording industry. Educated to at least undergraduate degree level or equivalent.