SoundCloud empowers artists and fans to connect and share through music. Founded in 2007, SoundCloud is an artist-first platform empowering artists to build and grow their careers by providing them with the most progressive tools, services, and resources. With over 400+ million tracks from 40+ million artists, the future of music is SoundCloud.
SoundCloud is looking for a commercial leader in music publishing and partnerships with a good understanding of copyright and music licensing, an aptitude for technology, and a strong familiarity with the current developments in the “creator economy” to lead global negotiations with publishers, collecting societies, performing rights organizations (RPOs), and songwriters directly across the globe. This is a rare opportunity to work right at the cutting edge of digital media, technology, and music. You will face unique challenges, work with an amazing and diverse team, and take on a role that will ultimately shape how music is created, consumed, and shared worldwide.
As the Content Music Publishing Licensing Expert, you will renew and manage agreements with music publishers, collecting societies, and PROs globally while also handling new licensing requests. You will play a key role in leading the music publishing strategy, focusing on negotiating commercial terms, managing partnerships, and driving revenue opportunities for SoundCloud. Your focus will be on driving business growth through successful partnerships that align with the platform's goals and provide a solid foundation for future business opportunities with key stakeholders in the music industry, primarily focused on Europe. This role will emphasize the commercial aspects of music publishing, supporting our distinctive business model and value proposition.
As part of the Content Licensing & Partnerships team within Business & Legal Affairs, you’ll be based in either Berlin or London.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Lead and negotiate complex commercial licensing agreements in the digital music and streaming space, especially with collecting societies, music publishers, and PROs to drive SoundCloud’s business growth and revenue generation by managing the costs and cost-effective reporting
2. Identify and secure new licensing opportunities with music publishers and societies to align with SoundCloud’s strategic goals
3. Manage key external relationships, acting as the primary contact for commercial negotiations
4. Collaborate with internal teams (Content Licensing Leadership, Finance, Royalties & Reporting, Business Development, Strategy, Music, Marketing, and Product) to optimize licensing agreements, drive growth, and manage risks
5. Develop strategies to enhance market position and maximize revenue from music publishing
6. Lead negotiations for bespoke partnerships and joint ventures to strengthen SoundCloud’s industry position
7. Advise on business strategies, licensing opportunities, and contractual obligations
8. Assess and mitigate business risks related to music distribution, including reputational, commercial, and operational risks
9. Align product development with commercial licensing strategies to enhance music distribution and royalty operations
10. Represent SoundCloud in industry discussions, public forums, and events to foster partnerships and drive commercial interests
Experience and Background:
11. 7-8+ years of relevant experience with preferably a legal or business background, ideally 4+ years coming from a music publisher, streaming platform, or any other company at the intersection of music and tech handling transactions with music publishing rights
12. Strong business acumen with the ability to manage costs in licensing strategies
13. Good understanding of the digital music rights landscape in the US, the UK, and Europe and a deep understanding of digital music rights and experience with DSPs or UGC platforms
14. Experience in negotiating complex rights deals in multiple territories with excellent negotiation skills
15. Ability to collaborate cross-functionally (Music & Tech teams) to drive business success
16. Experience working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
17. Strategic thinker and creative problem solver
18. Comfortable dealing with uncertainty and ambiguity
19. Pragmatic risk-based approach to problems
20. Resilient, self-aware, and values-driven
21. Strong network within the music, media, and/or consumer tech industry
22. Fluent in English and, ideally, one or more other European languages