Manager, Synch Creative & Licensing

Job Description

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Manager, Sync Creative & Clearance to join our close-knit Synchronisation team in London. Reporting into the VP of Synchronisation, this role sits at the heart of Kobalt’s creative sync activity, combining hands-on pitching with rights clearance and deal execution across our world-class publishing catalogue.

This is a creative, commercial role for someone who thrives on relationships, understands how music is used across screen-based media, and enjoys turning creative opportunities into meaningful revenue for writers and artists. You’ll work closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure Kobalt’s catalogue is consistently and intelligently represented in the sync market.

What You’ll Do

  • Creative Pitching & Deal Execution
    Handle creative pitching of the Kobalt Music Publishing catalogue across a range of media, including film, television, advertising, games and digital platforms.
  • Rights Clearance & Negotiation
    Manage, negotiate and close synchronisation requests, ensuring all rights are cleared accurately and efficiently while balancing creative and commercial priorities.
  • Client Relationship Management
    Build, develop and maintain strong relationships with music supervisors, advertising agencies, studios, production companies, directors, editors and other key decision-makers across media.
  • Proactive Business Development
    Regularly reach out to contacts to understand their creative needs, raise awareness of Kobalt’s catalogue and identify new revenue opportunities.
  • Strategic Pitching
    Create thoughtful, strategic proposals that align with upcoming artist releases, marketing campaigns and broader cultural moments.
  • Client & Writer Engagement
    Maintain positive working relationships with Kobalt clients, including songwriters, artists and their representatives, ensuring their music is positioned effectively for sync.
  • Industry Presence
    Attend industry events and organise showcases, playbacks and client events, bringing together artists and key creative contacts across media.

What You’ll Bring

  • Mid-to-senior level experience in synchronisation, with strong creative instincts and a solid understanding of music licensing and copyright (primarily publishing, with an understanding of masters).
  • Well-established UK and International relationships within the sync ecosystem, with confidence negotiating key deal points in licensing agreements.
  • A strong interest in the sync landscape across film, advertising, TV and games, with a good grasp of current market trends and challenges.
  • A proven ability to sell, negotiate and close deals, including complex or multi-layered licensing scenarios.
  • An entrepreneurial mindset, with ideas for improving efficiency, creativity and revenue generation.
  • Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects at once while working accurately and to deadlines.
  • Strong proficiency with common software and tools, including G-Suite, Microsoft Office, Excel, presentation tools and email marketing platforms.
  • Experience at a music publisher, label, production library or as a music supervisor is beneficial, but most importantly you enjoy working collaboratively while being comfortable operating independently.

What Success Looks Like

  • In the first 3 monthS: You’ve built strong internal relationships, understand Kobalt’s catalogue and workflows, and are actively pitching and clearing sync opportunities.
  • In 6 months: You’re closing deals independently, contributing to revenue growth and expanding Kobalt’s presence with key creative partners.
  • In 12 months: You’re recognised internally and externally as a trusted creative partner, consistently delivering strong sync outcomes for clients and writers.

Key Behaviours for Success

  • Creative Commercial Thinking: Balancing artistic instincts with commercial judgement to create win-win outcomes.
  • Relationship Building: Developing genuine, long-term partnerships across the sync and creative community.

Ownership & Proactivity: Taking responsibility for opportunities, following them through and spotting new ways to grow the business.

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, 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.

If this sounds like you, then please share your story by filling out the application below. To get you in the right mood, have a listen here to songs by our talented creators, especially curated to get you in the right mood when looking for the next challenge! 

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United Kingdom. A full DBS check will be conducted on acceptance of the offer. Kobalt is an equal opportunity employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.