Background:

Merch Traffic is a powerhouse in the world of music and entertainment merchandising, known for crafting high-quality, artist-driven products that connect fans to their favorite performers. Founded in 2016 with a guiding principle to focus on meaningful partnerships with exceptional artists, the company has built an impressive roster of clients. From musical legends like Metallica, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney to global stars like Adele, Luke Combs, Lana Del Rey, Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter, Coldplay, Hozier, Kelsea Ballerini and Thomas Rhett, their work spans generations, shaping how artists connect with fans through iconic merchandise. 

With offices in New York, London, Los Angeles, and Nashville, Merch Traffic operates globally. It combines creative innovation with strategic branding to deliver high-quality apparel and accessories that truly resonate with music fans. Catering to a diverse range of genres and eras, the company offers merchandise that bridges the gap between fashion and fandom, connecting fans to the artists they love.  

Links: https://www.merchtraffic.com/  

Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly. 

Contacting Merch Traffic (Live Nation) will only delay consideration of your qualifications. 

Position Summary:  

Merch Traffic seeks a dynamic SVP of A&R, Nashville (SVP), who will serve as a founding member of the team in Nashville, Tennessee. This critical leadership role will focus on sourcing, negotiating, and finalizing merchandise deals with leading talent while driving the long-term success of those deals across tours, e-commerce, retail, and licensing. The SVP will collaborate across the enterprise, working closely with our executive, legal, and finance teams to drive the flawless execution of deals, positioning Merch Traffic as a trusted and strategic partner. 

Beyond deal-making, the Senior Vice President of A&R will serve as the primary strategic partner for clients, driving their brand and merchandise initiatives toward sustained growth and success. Leading a dedicated team of artist relations, production, and creative professionals in Nashville, the SVP will collaborate closely with cross-functional support teams both within and outside of Merch Traffic to ensure seamless execution of merchandise operations. This role is pivotal in transforming clients' visions into actionable strategies, delivering exceptional results, and positioning Merch Traffic as an industry leader. 

The ideal candidate will bring a robust, high-level network within the Nashville music community alongside the proven ability to forge new, meaningful relationships that drive business success. With exceptional team management skills, they will inspire, lead, and empower cross-functional teams to execute at the highest level, ensuring seamless collaboration across departments. This individual will possess the strategic influence to navigate complex projects, aligning team efforts with overarching business goals. A revenue-driven mindset is critical, as the SVP will be key to unlocking growth opportunities and driving profitability while consistently delivering exceptional value to clients. They will be an experienced leader in the music industry with a rolodex of top-tier talent and representation, substantial experience in the artist merchandise business, and a proven track record of profitable deal-making. 

The SVP of A&R, Nashville, will be the driving force behind sustained growth, leveraging strategic partnerships and profitable merchandising deals to shape the future success of both clients and the company.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead artist relations efforts for Merch Traffic in the Nashville market, serving as the senior executive responsible for building and maintaining high-level partnerships with top-tier talent and industry leaders. 

• Develop long-term strategic plans for client merchandise portfolios, including sales forecasts, expansion plans, and brand development initiatives. 

• Identify and cultivate emerging and established talent in the Nashville music scene and beyond whose brand and merchandise potential align with Merch Traffic’s strategic goals. 

• Source, negotiate, and close merchandise deals that deliver positive financial and strategic results for Merch Traffic while building long-term value for clients. 

• Manage the P&L for all deals, ensuring that financial targets—including revenue, cost of goods, expenses, and net profit—are consistently met.  

• Negotiate with top-tier talent/representation in a highly competitive environment; lead tough discussions with attorneys, artists, managers, and internal partners while demonstrating leading expertise in the merchandise and music business. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, artists, artist managers, music executives, and colleagues to facilitate deal flow and stay informed about market dynamics and competitor activities. 

• Maintain a detailed pipeline of all deals and ongoing conversations. 

• Build deal projections, proposals and contracts based on internal/external data and a deep understanding of artist merchandise deal points and best practices. 

• Lead cross-functional teams (i.e. production, e-commerce, accounting, inventory management, creative, marketing), ensuring they are aligned with client goals and are working cohesively to deliver results at the highest level. 

• Serve as the senior liaison between clients and Merch Traffic, acting as a partner, advocate, and expert while developing long-term, trusting business relationships. 

• Manage crises and solve problems under pressure to ensure client satisfaction amidst various challenges with production, creative, sales performance, and more. 

• Constantly ideate and proactively pitch creative and strategic concepts to clients, which maximize financial and brand equity impact. 

• Identify and implement cutting-edge merchandising trends and innovations that can set clients' merchandise offerings apart in the marketplace. 

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in A&R, artist relations, or a related field within the music, merchandise, or entertainment industry. 

• Proven leadership in high-pressure environments. 

• Advanced negotiation, communication, and leadership skills. 

• Strong analytical and financial acumen. 

• Proven track record of signing and developing successful artist partnerships. 

• Ability to balance creative vision with business objectives to drive revenue and artist growth. 

• Finger on the pulse of the latest branding and merchandising trends as well as overall trends within the Nashville and broader music community.

Background Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Music, Marketing, Business or any other related field.   

Benefits:

• Medical, vision, dental and mental health benefits for you and your family, with access to a health care concierge, and Flexible or Health Savings Accounts (FSA or HSA). 

• Free concert tickets, generous paid time off including paid holidays, sick time, and personal days. 

• 401(k) program with company match, stock reimbursement program. 

• New parent programs including caregiver leave and baby bonuses, plus fertility, adoption, foster, or surrogacy support. 

• Career and skill development programs with School of Live, tuition reimbursement, and student loan repayment. 

• Volunteer time off, crowdfunding match.