Lead Music Curator & Playlist Architect

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Generous paid time off

Professional development funds

Industry events access

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal seeks a Lead Music Curator & Playlist Architect to shape sonic identity across platforms. You will drive music discovery, curation, and trend analysis while collaborating with marketing and editorial teams to deliver engaging audio experiences.

The role demands 5+ years in music curation, deep genre knowledge, and strong licensing understanding, with a passion for storytelling through sound and a drive to mentor others.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in music curation or playlist management within entertainment or digital media.
• Broad knowledge of diverse genres and emerging artists.
• Strong data interpretation of music consumption and user feedback.
• Solid understanding of licensing, copyright, and royalties.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement music curation strategies across platforms.
• Design playlists tailored to moods, genres, and audiences.
• Analyze consumption data to optimize performance and trends.
• Collaborate with A&R and licensing to secure rights and discover new artists.
• Work with sound designers to integrate licensed music into content.
• Mentor junior curators and stay updated on global music trends.
• Manage music budgets and vendor relationships.
• Present detailed reports on performance and strategies to stakeholders.

Skills

Music curatio n

Playlist management

Data analytics

Licensing knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Music, Audio Engineering, Marketing, Communications, or related field

Tools

DAWs

Music discovery tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic force in the entertainment industry, is seeking an exceptionally talented and visionary Lead Music Curator & Playlist Architect to join their team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This pivotal role is responsible for shaping the sonic identity of various platforms and campaigns, ensuring a captivating and cohesive audio experience for diverse audiences. You will be at the forefront of music discovery, trend analysis, and strategic content curation, working closely with marketing, production, and editorial teams to deliver unparalleled auditory journeys. This is a unique opportunity to influence the soundscape of major projects and contribute to the cutting edge of digital entertainment. We are looking for someone who possesses an innate understanding of musical genres, cultural trends, and how music drives engagement and emotional connection. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment and have a passion for discovering and showcasing emerging talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative music curation strategies across multiple platforms, including streaming services, social media, and in-game environments.
• Design and maintain high-quality playlists tailored to specific moods, themes, genres, and target demographics.
• Analyze music consumption data and user feedback to optimize playlist performance and identify emerging trends.
• Collaborate with A&R and licensing teams to secure rights for featured music and discover new artists.
• Work with sound designers and composers to integrate licensed music seamlessly into original content.
• Mentor and guide junior curators, fostering a culture of creativity and musical exploration.
• Stay abreast of global music trends, cultural shifts, and advancements in audio technology.
• Manage music budgets and vendor relationships effectively.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on music performance and curation strategies to stakeholders.

Requirements

• Proven experience (5+ years) in music curation, playlist management, or a related role within the entertainment or digital media industry.
• Deep and broad knowledge of diverse musical genres, including contemporary, classical, and niche subgenres.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and champion emerging artists and musical trends.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in interpreting music data and user behavior analytics.
• Excellent understanding of music licensing, copyright, and royalty processes.
• Proficiency in music discovery and management tools, and digital audio workstations (DAWs) is a plus.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Music, Audio Engineering, Marketing, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• A keen ear for sonic detail and a passion for storytelling through music.
• Familiarity with the specific cultural music landscape of South Africa is highly advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits program designed to support your well-being and professional growth. This includes health insurance, a generous paid time off policy, and opportunities for continuous learning and development within the fast-paced world of entertainment technology. Employees also benefit from access to industry events and networking opportunities, fostering career advancement. The Pietermaritzburg office provides a vibrant and inspiring work environment, with facilities designed to encourage collaboration and innovation. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their best work. Professional development funds are available to attend conferences and workshops relevant to the music and entertainment industry.