Senior Manager, Copyright and Writer & Publisher Relations

The Role

This hybrid role is a key position within our regional office, bridging the gap between direct client service and copyright administration. You will be responsible for managing client relationships while overseeing the operational excellence of their catalogs. This role requires a unique blend of customer service, data-driven analytical skills, and local Copyright knowledge of the music publishing industry in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Key Responsibilities

1. Client Relationship Management (WPR Focus)

• Act as the primary administrative point of contact for Kobalt clients and manage all internal queries related to those accounts.
• Field questions and supply information relating to client accounts and internal operations to departments across the business.
• Respond to client queries via Zendesk with a specific focus on German-speaking clients.
• Work closely with the creative team to provide performance insights and updates regarding client accounts.

2. Copyright & Catalog Operations

• Ensure all relevant information for existing compositions is gathered prior to signing new agreements and assist with catalog ingestion.
• Oversee catalog management across local Collection Societies and represent Kobalt in relevant committees and industry functions.
• Optimize client account information to ensure efficient registration, royalty collection, and ongoing administration.
• Resolve complex issues with local societies and maintain relationships with external publishers and sub-publishers.
• Work closely with the rest of the Copyright team

3. Operational Strategy

• Execute pre- and post-statement tasks, to ensure accurate and timely completion.
• Propose, design, and implement improvements to departmental processes and administrative workflows.
• Track the performance of new processes using key metrics to assess impact on productivity.
• Identify key stakeholders both internally and externally to help shape departmental strategy.
• Advise deal makers and internal stakeholders of set-ups and local quirks

What You’ll Bring

• Experience: Minimum 5 years in the music industry with a solid grasp of publishing, copyright terms, client services and royalty flows.
• Languages: Native-level fluency in German and professional fluency in English (written and verbal).
• Regional Expertise: Deep knowledge of copyright regulations and collection society policies in the GSA (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) region.
• Technical Skills: High proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, formulas, large datasets)
• Soft Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build long-term relationships and remain calm under high-intensity situations.

What Success Looks Like

• By Month 3: Mastery of Kobalt’s internal royalty and statementing systems and the ability to navigate local society portals.
• By Month 6: Independent management of complex client processes and the ability to analyze distribution statements to explain trends to stakeholders.
• By Year 1: Proactive identification of automation opportunities and the implementation of strategic process changes that improve client service

Why Choose Us

At Kobalt, we’ve championed creators since 2000. Our technology and music services are built to make the industry more transparent, fair, and rewarding for artists, songwriters, and rights holders. We’re proud to work with some of the world’s most influential talents including Phoebe Bridgers, Sam Fender, Paul McCartney, Foo Fighters, Karol G, Young Thug, Kali Uchis, FINNEAS, and Andrew Watt as well as acclaimed writers like Simon Aldred (Rag’n’Bone Man, Liam Gallagher, Celeste) and Clarence Coffee Jr. (Dua Lipa, Lizzo, The Snuts).

We’re a company that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and progress. Our values: Music First, Transparent, Tech Powered, and Transformative. Shape how we work, build, and grow together. We are a community of people who care deeply about making a meaningful impact in music and technology.

Kobalt is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in equitable access to opportunities and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. If you need any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know we’re happy to help.

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