Role: Release Planning and Product Operations Manager
Direct Reports: TBC
Location: London
What we do
[PIAS] champions and supports the best independent music in the world across our unrivalled international network. Established in 1982, we operate 16 global offices – all leveraging local relationships to influence local gatekeepers.
Our collective Mission
- To be at the very heart of the independent music ecosystem
- To relentlessly and passionately discover, promote, market, sell and distribute the music of independent labels and artists.
- To spread the music we champion with passion, integrity and care. To help it encounter audiences and success.
- To constantly challenge ourselves to improve.
What you’ll be doing
You will be responsible for the global release planning and the day-to-day management of the [PIAS] Label Group’s full catalogue. Working closely with the marketing managers across the group, the Integral distribution team and all other internal stakeholders, you will maintain production deadlines on all releases across the label group, advise on product forecasts.
Key responsibilities will include:
Production:
- Overseeing the manufacture of all [PIAS] Label Group’s repertoire
- Approving and proofing artwork files, wet proofs, test pressings / production copies in consultation with repertoire units/management and/or artists
- Issue manufacturing orders
- Management and approval of all capacity bookings and choosing of plants.
- Manage all production issues correctly and swiftly.
- Maintain production tools
- Run production meetings with both internal and external staff
- Responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of production: obtaining quotes; raising purchase orders, approving invoices and handling any disputes when necessary; liaising with the accounts department
- Ensure samples are order for archives, repertoire units as well as mgmt. and artists.
Planning:
- Maintain and distribute all release schedules and production planning
- Liaising with Repertoire Units and Labels, UK marketing managers, international managers, artist managers as well as our Production Team to ensure all teams are aware of deadlines and adhere to them.
- QC Product metadata.
- Approval and communication of release dates.
- Management of split deliveries and split pressing slots.
- Release date management.
- Check delivery status.
- Management of stock delivery dates.
- Gathering initial orders from all territories for planned productions/releases
- Manage sales forecasting
- Point of contact for [Integral] (product creation, stock control, pricing, rights mgmt., etc.)
- Providing guidance and sharing best practices with our A&R teams/rights holders and other internal stakeholders
- Onboard and train new staff members regarding production related matters
Skills and Experience
- Strong passion for and knowledge of music and music metadata requirements
- Experience of work where a high degree of attention to detail/accuracy is essential
- Methodical approach to work with/experience of having to deliver to deadlines
- Ability to learn new systems quickly and ability to work autonomously
- Excel proficiency
- Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize own workload
- Experience of music research work/label copy or production background
- Good communication skills – both online and via telephone
- Enthusiasm and keenness to learn
- Being organized and demonstrating an affinity with problem solving
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel
Personal attributes
- Gravitas and integrity
- Takes initiative and capitalises on opportunity
- Works to build up credibility and rapport at all levels of the business.
- Takes personal accountability for achieving individual and shared goals
- Adaptable within a dynamic, changing environment
- Organised, efficient and effective
- Passionate about music
- Languages would be real advantage
What do we offer
- Group Personal Pension Plan
- Great working environment – passion and love for music runs in our DNA
- Financial Planning drop ins with our Company Financial Advisor
- 25 days annual leave
- Hybrid working model
- Summer Fridays
- Group Life Assurance
- Season Ticket Loans Interest Free
- Eyecare vouchers
- Monthly stock out
- Free gig tickets and staff socials
- Perkbox Employee Reward Scheme
- Cycle to work Scheme
- Enhanced family leave
- A great team to work with, and much more!
[PIAS] is an equal opportunities employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to a working environment where no one will be treated less favorably on grounds of their sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or age.
