VP, A&R Operations - Columbia

United States · 25 Madison Ave · USD 160,000-180,000 · 7-10 years experience · Hybrid · Posted Oct 14, 2026

At a glance

At Sony Music Entertainment, we fuel the creative journey. We’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from the first-ever music label to the invention of the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time.
Today, we work in more than 70 countries, supporting a diverse roster of international superstars, developing and independent artists, and visionary creators. From our position at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to the newest products and platforms, embrace new business models, employ breakthrough tools, and provide powerful insights that help our artists push creative boundaries and reach new audiences. In everything we do, we’re committed to artistic integrity, transparency, and entrepreneurship.
Sony Music Entertainment is a member of the Sony family of global companies.
The VP, A&R Operations will oversee the day-to-day operations of the A&R department and lead the A&R Operations team. This person will have overall accountability across the function, ensuring there is clear ownership across the team while serving as the primary escalation point for operational issues across the roster.

The VP, A&R Operations will oversee the day-to-day operations of the A&R department and lead the A&R Operations team.
This person will have overall accountability across the function, ensuring clear ownership across the team while serving as the primary escalation point for operational issues across the roster.

Lead and manage the A&R Operations team, establishing clear ownership across the group and developing the team over time.
Oversee production schedules and the timely delivery of all A&R-related assets, including masters, credits/label copy, lyrics and related agreements.
Oversee sample and side artist clearance processes in partnership with BA Admin and Business Affairs.
Work closely with A&R and A&R Admin on recording budgets and reforecasts, with a focus on identifying potential overages and issues earlier.
Work with A&R Admin and BA on option tracking, terminations, and other roster-related matters.
Oversee master verification, asset management, and archival processes.
Interface with Content Protection on music security, leaks, watermarking, fingerprinting, and takedowns.
Maintain oversight across roster onboarding, new signings/drops and projects requiring additional operational support.
Oversee key operational relationships with distribution and JV/label partners.
Partner closely with A&R, A&R Admin, BA, Release Planning, Finance, Sales and other internal teams to troubleshoot issues and ensure priorities remain on track.

7–10+ years of experience in A&R Operations, A&R Administration, or a related recorded-music function.
Strong knowledge of the recorded-music process, including audio delivery, clearances, recording budgets, and release operations.
Experience managing and developing a team.
Strong judgment and ability to prioritize and make decisions in a fast-moving environment.
Excellent communication and cross-functional relationship-management skills.
Comfortable working with senior executives, A&R teams, artist representatives, and internal business partners.
Able to understand detailed operational workflows while maintaining oversight of the broader function.
Proactive, solutions-oriented and interested in improving processes rather than simply maintaining them.