Factory International – Head of Music (UK)

Closing date: 12 May 2024

Interview date: w/c 20 May 2024
Yearly salary: £50-60,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Department: Curatorial
Locations: Aviva Studios, Manchester
Employment type: Permanent, full-time (40 hours per week)

Please feel free to contact us at recruitment@factoryinternational.org if you require any support in completing your application


Overview

Factory International will be a new resource for artists to make and present work at scale, in collaboration, across genres in a uniquely flexible space supported by an internationally renowned team. This role will lead on facilitating events promoted by external companies across a broad musical landscape and will work with the artistic team to commission, promote and co-promote music projects.

The Head of Music will play a pivotal role in building relationships with artists, their management and record labels. It will also work with our Creative Engagement team on talent development initiatives.

The key responsibilities for the Head of Music role include:

Strategic:

  • Working closely with the Artistic Director, Creative Director and Executive Director, the role is a leadership position in the sector and will contribute strategic thinking to the development of Factory International
  • Translating the business model into reality, programming music events that reflect Factory International’s ambition
  • Having or developing a strong presence in the Manchester music scene, to nurture cooperative relationships with Manchester-based musicians and promoters
  • Networking to ensure that Factory International is seen as a key player at national and international music industry events.

Programming:

  • Identifying and nurturing relationships with leading musicians and composers, including invitations to collaborate in our world-class programme of interdisciplinary, large-scale projects
  • Negotiation and overseeing the contracting of circa 80 artistic hires – externally promoted shows that must align with the artistic vision for Factory International, with the support of our in-house producing team
  • Working with the Creative Director and Artistic Director to curate Factory International’s own promoted music programme in all areas of the building
  • Supporting talent development and giving emerging talent access to the range of expertise held in the Factory International team
  • Working closely with the Creative Engagement team to develop and produce talent develop programmes for the sector
  • Working closely with our Digital Director to ensure that the organisation is a pioneer in the digital realm for commercial music events as much as with our own projects.

 Commercial income generation & financial management:

  • Responsibility for the music budget, working closely with the Creative Director, producers and the technical team to deliver the programme of music events within budget, measuring and assessing risk, and achieving rental income projections and audience target numbers.

Legal:

  • Working, with external legal support when necessary, to ensure that Factory International is leading in the protection of artists’ IP and associated content, as well as fair rights and permissions for Factory International where appropriate.

Production:

  • working closely with producing and technical departments to create project teams that support projects from load in through the show to load out, negotiating with visiting promoters where necessary, establish good, consistent and sustainable work practice and creating a venue where artists and promoters feel welcome and inspired.

The person specifications for the Head of Music role are:
  • Substantial experience of the commercial music sector, with existing international networks that includes artists, artist management, booking agents, record labels and music PR
  • Understanding of how to work with the funded music sector
  • Up to date knowledge of contemporary global trends in music, of culturally diverse and leading edge artistic practice
  • Understanding of contemporary development in the music business, particularly around digital distribution
  • Demonstrable experience with contract negotiation, financial reporting and risk analysis
  • Technical knowledge at a level to communicate the possibilities of The Factory to artists and promoters, and to work closely with our technical team to ensure high production values at all times
  • The ability to lead on specific programmes of work, collaborating with production, technical, communications and engagement teams;
  • The ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
  • The ability to communicate to a high standard in a way that both informative and accessible
  • Enthusiasm for training, mentoring and support of emerging talent
  • Commitment to championing representation and inclusion at every level of the organisation with a proven ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds.

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