Manager, Production and Operations

About the role

As our business continues to expand, we are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Production & Operations Manager to play a key role in delivering operational excellence across our Artist & Label Partnerships division.

Responsibilities

• Own the operational delivery of Republic Collective's physical and digital release schedule across a portfolio of independent labels and artists.
• Lead release planning from product set-up through to commercial delivery, ensuring all milestones are achieved on time and to the highest quality standards.
• Develop and manage production timelines and critical paths across multiple concurrent projects.
• Cook up physical manufacturing, digital distribution, metadata, artwork and asset delivery to ensure release readiness.
• Partner closely with Commercial, Marketing, Digital Operations, Supply Chain, Finance and International teams to deliver successful release campaigns.
• Maintain best practice across production, release management and operational processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, scalability and partner experience.
• Artist & Label Partnerships
• Act as the primary operational relationship manager for Republic Collective's independent label and artist partners.
• Build trusted, long-term relationships through exceptional communication, responsiveness and service.
• Advises partners on production timelines, release planning, manufacturing and distribution best practices.
• Manage expectations effectively while balancing partner needs with business priorities.
• Collaborate across Universal Music Group to deliver a seamless and market-leading partner experience.
• Business Operations & Process Improvement
• Support the ongoing development and optimization of Republic Collective's production and operational workflows.
• Analyze operational performance and recommend improvements that increase efficiency and scalability.
• Prepare release reporting, operational updates and business insights for senior leadership.
• Contribute to business planning and cross-functional projects that support the continued growth of Artist & Label Partnerships.
• Champion best practice across release management, metadata integrity and operational delivery.
• Lead or support strategic operational initiatives as the business evolves.

Requirements

• Bring Your VIBE
• You'll be an experienced operations professional who enjoys balancing project management, stakeholder engagement and operational delivery within a fast-moving music business.
• Demonstrable experience in music production, label operations, distribution or supply chain management.
• A strong understanding of both physical manufacturing and digital music distribution.
• Proven experience managing complex release schedules across multiple projects and stakeholders.
• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of the independent music landscape.
• Experience driving operational excellence and improving business processes.
• Outstanding organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with the confidence to make decisions and deliver results.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Experience with music metadata, release management systems and digital supply chain platforms is highly desirable.
• A genuine passion for music and supporting the independent artist and label community.

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Including 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services.
• Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants.
• Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year).
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement.
• 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution.
• A variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including: Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees, 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees, 2-weeks paid Winter Break, 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day), Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day).