A&R Manager - SharpTone Records

Since 2016, SharpTone Records has established itself as a worldwide force in alternative and heavy music, earning a trusted global reputation. With a roster of diverse and influential bands, including Loathe, We Came As Romans, and Currents, the label benefits from innovative marketing strategies and strong industry partnerships, as well as global digital distribution and promotional solutions.

Acquired by Believe in 2018, SharpTone continues to expand its influence, recently earning its first-ever Grammy nomination, further solidifying its impact on the modern heavy music landscape. Operating independently, the label has staff based in North America and Europe, along with a dedicated team scouting and supporting talent worldwide, from Australia to the UK, Germany, and beyond.

For our label SharpTone Records, specializing in alternative and heavy music, we are currently seeking an A&R Manager (m/f/d) to be based in North America.

What You’ll Do

• Identify and interpret emerging musical, cultural, and audience trends within metal, alternative, and hard rock, translating insights into clear A&R priorities and roster strategy.
• Proactively source emerging talent across digital platforms, live scenes, manager networks, and grassroots channels, maintaining a strong and diverse discovery pipeline while partnering closely with internal stakeholders.
• Lead artist assessment and deal recommendation processes, balancing creative potential, brand fit, growth trajectory, and commercial viability for a developing label ecosystem. · (Partner with Legal to support) transparent, fair, and strategic contract negotiations with artists, managers, and partner labels, ensuring agreements create long-term value and mutual trust.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, digital, distribution, finance, and operations teams to align on release planning, artist development, and resource prioritization.
• Act as a key advocate for signed artists, contributing to creative direction, release strategy, and long-term career planning in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Help shape SharpTone’s A&R vision and reputation across North America, positioning the label as a trusted home for innovative and culturally relevant artists.

• 4-6 years music industry experience, established network, creative vision, strong business sense & understanding of contracts, publishing, licenses, budgets & strategic marketing.
• You have an ear to the ground and recognize and evaluate cultural changes and their impacts on relevant markets; always staying abreast to make the next musical discovery for Believe and SharpTone.
• As a strong communicator, you value acting consciously, clearly, and beneficially in your conversations; building connections with artists, managers and producers.
• You're open-minded, possess a modern mindset, and uniquely connect your drive for successful outcomes with your creativity. Using these skills to guide artists creatively and professionally from signing to releasing music.
• You value having the right tools and conditions to help you become a successful "matchmaker" in the interplay between A&R, artists, and Believe.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Salary: $106,000-110,000 

Working At Believe

Set the tone with us.

Working at Believe means having individual and collective impact in a fast-growing company.

At all stages of their careers, Believers are an important part of what we are doing: shaping the future of the music industry.

We need teams that truly reflect the diversity of our clients: our international presence is an inspiring and enriching work environment for each one of us, with daily opportunities to connect with our colleagues all over the world.

We have two hearts at Believe – our People and our Artists.

We believe in THE POWER OF OUR PEOPLE, who grow every day to develop their potential… We aim to provide our Believers with the best environment to thrive.

ROCK THE JOB

We’re committed to the well-being of our employees and aim to create a workplace that fosters both personal and professional growth. Our inclusive benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Paid Time Off including vacation, holidays, paid bereavement, unlimited paid sick days, and company-wide week off between Christmas and New Years—every employee needs time to take care of themselves and their family.
• Paid Parental Leave for both parents - because we know your newest family member(s) deserve your undivided attention.
• Comprehensive health, vision, dental, FSA and dependent care from day 1 of employment - your health comes first.
• 401k match - an investment in your future.
• Company wide events, outings and volunteer days – we have team spirit and know how to have fun!
• Hybrid Work (potentially remote) - employees have the option to work remotely on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Employees are in-office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week.
• Learning and development opportunities and career development training – we believe in promoting and growing our leadership from within the company and proactively invest in our people.

SING IN HARMONY

• Corporate Social Responsibility Priorities and Global Initiatives: commitment to CSR pillars across DEI, gender equity, environment, industry and wellbeing.
• Ambassador’s Program: employee volunteer groups dedicated to actions and events in support of our CSR pillars. Global volunteer month coordinated for all Believe teams.
• One volunteer day offered as paid time off, to dedicate time to a charity of your choice. Believe and its affiliates (including: TuneCore, Nuclear Blast, and SharpTone Records) are equal opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.

Any voluntary demographic information you provide for Equal Employment Opportunity reporting will be kept confidential and stored separately from your application, in accordance with applicable law. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. Please inform us if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process.