Senior Music Programmer (Partnerships)

Founded in 2011, NTS provides curious minds with a home for bold, diverse and discerning music discovery. Today, we’re a global platform and creative ecosystem — broadcasting from around the world and collaborating with some of the most exciting names in music, fashion, and culture. We’re seeking a Senior Music Programmer (Partnerships) lead talent booking and strategy within our Commercial Partnerships team.

As Senior Music Programmer (Partnerships) at NTS, you\’ll play a key role shaping the music programming and talent strategy for NTS’ commercial partnerships that fall under our in house creative studio, SOUP.WORLD

Reporting into the SOUP.WORLD Director and working closely with the NTS Music team, this pivotal role acts as a bridge between the broader NTS Music team and our commercial division. You will be responsible for identifying and curating established and emerging music talent, using your broad and nuanced understanding of global music scenes and your connections. You will use your vast knowledge on talent fees and the industry landscape to lead progressive and savvy business decisions for SOUP.WORLD.

This role would suit a natural connector – someone who is confident and very experienced in strategising, sourcing, pitching, and securing music talent that aligns with commercial partners and specific cultural moments, while simultaneously upholding NTS\’ programming ethos at all times. You\’ll be adept at speaking to both artists and clients, and commercially minded enough to know how to strike a deal that respects both. Working closely with strategy and creative, you will ensure our Music Programming choices drive narrative and music culture, not just reach, ultimately helping more music lovers around the world discover NTS.

Responsibilities include

• Identify and track emerging music scenes, movements, and artists that align with NTS’s programming ethos

• Lead talent strategy on partnership campaigns, aligning talent choices with brand positioning and creative direction

• Identify, evaluate, and pitch talent (artists, hosts, cultural figures) based on both strategic fit and cultural impact

• Craft compelling music and talent narratives for pitch decks, confidently presenting to clients

• Maintain and grow a deep network of music and cultural talent across genres and territories

• Advise on artist-brand alignment, potential risks, and long-term value

• Negotiate complex artist deals—usage rights, exclusivity, creative approvals, fees, etc.—with management and legal

• Build and maintain a strong global network across music talent, agents, managers, labels, and publicists

• Translate creative ideas into actionable artist partnership strategies, bringing both internal and external teams along on the journey

• Act as an internal thought leader on music culture

  Must Have

  • Deep knowledge of both global music subculture across multiple genres and the broader commercial landscape

  • Proven experience in music strategy

  • Proven commercial experience in programming, talent curation, and talent booking A deep understanding of the commercial talent landscape across live music events, DJ events, content and merch A strong international network of agents, artist managers, talent reps, label execs and promoters

  • Exceptional taste and a strategic mindset: able to see the cultural and commercial potential of emerging scenes and artists

  • Excellent communication skills—verbal and written—with the ability to brief creatives, represent NTS in industry conversations, and contribute to proposals.

  • Ability to balance creative instincts with data-informed decisions.

  • Comfortable working in a collaborative, fast-paced, and often experimental environment.

  • Care about working in an environment where creativity, community, and culture are at the heart of what we do.

  • Experience working with brands on music/culture campaigns.

    Bonus Points

    • Familiarity with NTS’s ecosystem and existing network of hosts and listeners.

      Returns

      • This is a permanent full-time position based in London

      • Monday, Friday WFH and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday work in the Dalston HQ

      • Flexible start time 9am – 5pm / 9:30pm – 5:30pm / 10am – 6pm

      • 23 days holiday/ year + bank holidays

      • 4 x days off between Christmas and New Year for office closure

      • Employee Assistance Program with Health Heroes

      • NTS goods allowance

      • Enhanced Maternity and Paternity

      • Auto enrolment into workplace pension after 3 months with Smart Pensions

      • A dynamic, inclusive, and supportive work environment.

      • The chance to work on exciting and diverse projects with high-profile clients.

      • Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.

        This is a permanent, full-time position based in Dalston, London, UK.

        NTS is a diverse team, and warmly welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups. If any potential applicants have accessibility needs and would like some assistance completing the application, we are here to help – please email us at

        To apply

        Please fill out this form by 11pm on Sunday 31st August 2025.
        No agencies or recruiters please.

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