Sr. Lead of A+R & Label Partnerships

Company Description

Believe is a global artist development company. We empower local artists, labels and publishers to grow their audiences at each stage of their careers with expertise, respect, fairness and transparency. Operating in 50+ countries, with more than 2,000 employees, Believe covers a full range of services including audience development, publishing, marketing and distribution, with a tailor-made approach to fit any artist, label or publisher. Believe champions independence and innovation through a unique model that combines local expertise with a global tech platform, delivering exclusive solutions for artists to promote and monetize their music thanks to strategic partnerships with leading global digital service providers. With a leading portfolio of brands that includes Nuclear Blast, naïve, TuneCore, Groove Attack, Sentric, AllPoints and Byond, Believe artists generated more than 800 billion streams worldwide in 2024 across all genres, and were recognized with more than 70 leading industry awards. Believe is a simplified joint-stock company under French law.

Ready to set the tone with Believe ?

Job Description

The Sr. Lead of A+R & Label Partnerships is a senior commercial role responsible for executing Believe’s US sales strategy across priority label and artist segments. Reporting to the Head of A&R and working closely with the VP of Label & Artist Solutions, this role leads complex deal negotiations, drives new business acquisition, and contributes directly to revenue and portfolio growth.

This role is designed for an experienced music industry professional with strong industry relationships and a proven ability to close and manage high-value label and artist partnerships within defined strategic and financial frameworks.

Core Responsibilities

Sales Execution & Revenue Delivery

• Execute the pre-defined US sales strategy across assigned priority market segments

• Identify, target, and close new label and artist partnerships aligned with Believe’s revenue objectives and signing policy

• Lead complex commercial negotiations in collaboration with the Head of Sales

• Deliver against annual revenue, margin, and portfolio growth targets
   

Market & Segment Development

• Develop deep expertise within priority genres and regions

• Use market intelligence, competitive analysis, and streaming data to identify high-potential prospects

• Drive strategic account conversions and competitive takeaways within approved pricing frameworks
   

Commercial Structuring & Deal Governance

• Structure and negotiate deals aligned with margin, ROI, and risk guidelines

• Collaborate with finance, legal, and operations teams to assess deal feasibility and onboarding pathways

• Ensure all signings comply with Believe’s global signing policy and classification standards
   

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Central HQ in Paris, Label Management, Operations, Finance, and Product to ensure smooth onboarding and partner satisfaction

• Support retention and upsell strategies within the existing portfolio

• Provide market feedback to the Head of Sales to refine segmentation and targeting priorities

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of sales, label services, or distribution experience within the US music industry

• Demonstrated success closing label and/or artist partnerships

• Strong understanding of streaming economics, digital distribution models, and DSP ecosystems

• Experience negotiating commercial terms within defined pricing and ROI frameworks

• Ability to operate within a global organization while maintaining entrepreneurial drive

• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and stakeholder management skills

• Data-informed mindset with the ability to assess market opportunities strategically

• Comfortable working cross-functionally in fast-paced, growth-oriented environments

• Experience using third party CRMs (Salesforce preferred)

Additional Information

Salary: $135,000-150,000

Where you'll be 

This role will be based out of our Nashville/New York/ or LA office. Believe operates on a hybrid model giving our teams flexibility and choice in how they work. Employees have the option to work from our office 8 days per month on a flexible schedule organized at the department level. 

 Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities