📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Assistant Manager, Label & Retail Marketing
🔹 Company: Sony Music Entertainment - Asia & Middle East
🔹 Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Music Industry
🔹 Date Posted: July 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing day-to-day activities for key distributed labels
- Building and maintaining relationships with distributed music and video clients
- Overseeing release processing logistics within The Orchard’s distribution system
- Providing customer service and support for distributed clients
- Securing promotional opportunities with retail partners
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, communication, and technical skills to manage multiple aspects of label and retail marketing.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Maintain day-to-day relationships with distributed music and video clients
✅ Manage release processing logistics within The Orchard’s distribution system for digital music and video formats
✅ Provide customer service and support for distributed clients in adopting The Orchard’s proprietary client tools and technology
✅ Maintain close relationships with retail partners to secure promotional opportunities
✅ Manage assigned label’s digital product logistics and operations, ensuring digital content is delivered in a timely manner and to required specifications using Orchard technology systems
✅ Ensure the global sales and marketing organization has all assets to properly solicit and market priority releases
✅ Liaise with local retail and represent the full Orchard’s distributed content base and priority releases outside of assigned roster in support of The Orchard’s sales efforts
✅ Drive product adoption of The Orchard’s tools and services across the client base
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of multitasking and attention to detail, as well as the ability to work proactively and autonomously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Music Business, or a related field
Experience: 5 years’ experience within a label or distribution system working with labels or artists
Required Skills:
- High level of knowledge with digital retail outlets, release timelines, and marketing opportunities
- Knowledge of social marketing, online video platforms, digital advertising, and online promotional outlets
- High level of awareness and passion for local independent labels, artists, and the Arabic music scene
- Supreme organizational skills + written and verbal communication skills in Arabic and English
- Relationship-driven with a creative and analytical mind, with the ability to work proactively and autonomously
- Attention to detail, multi-tasking, and follow-through skills required
- Experience with digital music platforms and digital music best practices
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in additional languages
- Experience with The Orchard’s proprietary client tools and technology
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the Middle Eastern music industry and familiarity with local independent labels and artists may have an advantage.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this position is estimated to be between AED 25,000 - 35,000 per month, based on industry standards for a mid-level marketing role in Dubai. This estimate is subject to change based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
Benefits:
- Professional growth and development opportunities
- Modern office environment designed for employee empowerment
- Investment in employee growth and development
- Platform to champion positive change and contribute to social impact, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday - Thursday)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The benefits listed are subject to change and may be subject to specific terms and conditions.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of local, regional, and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history.
Company Size: Sony Music Entertainment is a large company with over 5,000 employees worldwide. This size allows for ample opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: Sony Music Entertainment was founded in 1929 and has since become a pivotal player in the regional music industry, operating across a vast territory of countries including Egypt, Pakistan, the Levant, GCC, and North Africa.
Company Description:
- Sony Music Entertainment is committed to supporting and developing the careers of regional artists while helping fans across the region access and enjoy their world-class global roster of music and talent.
- The company operates across a vast territory of countries, providing a unique opportunity for employees to work in a global environment with a local focus.
- Sony Music Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity, employing, retaining, promoting, and otherwise treating all employees and job applicants according to their merit, qualifications, competence, and talent.
Company Specialties:
- Music distribution
- Artist management
- Music marketing and promotion
- Music publishing
Company Website: http://www.sonymusic.me
ASSUMPTION: Sony Music Entertainment's large size and global presence provide employees with ample opportunities for career growth and development, as well as exposure to a diverse range of music and talent.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level marketing role with potential for growth and advancement within the company
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Label & Retail Marketing for the Middle East region
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with standard office hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday - Thursday)
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to a senior marketing role within the company
- Expansion of responsibilities to include additional territories or product lines
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and campaigns
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for candidates to gain experience in the music industry and develop their marketing skills in a global environment.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern office environment designed for employee empowerment
Office Location(s): Building 6, Floor 2, Dubai Media City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Geographic Context:
- Dubai is a major hub for the music industry in the Middle East, with a thriving independent music scene
- The United Arab Emirates offers a multicultural environment with a diverse range of cultural and entertainment options
- The Dubai Media City location provides easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities
Work Schedule: Standard office hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday - Thursday) with the possibility of occasional overtime or weekend work to meet project deadlines
ASSUMPTION: The modern office environment and convenient location provide employees with a comfortable and productive work environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or video interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with additional team members or executives
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Relevant industry experience and knowledge
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your passion for the music industry and the Arabic music scene in your application materials
- Prepare examples of your past work that showcase your ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
- Research the company and the role to show your understanding of the industry and the specific needs of the position
ATS Keywords: Music distribution, digital retail, marketing, customer service, release management, Arabic music, independent labels, social marketing, digital advertising, online promotional outlets
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may take several weeks, depending on the volume of applicants and the hiring timeline.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- The Orchard’s proprietary client tools and technology
- Digital music platforms and best practices
- Social media management tools
- Project management software
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with The Orchard’s proprietary client tools and technology is preferred but not required. Training will be provided as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation and creativity
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Integrity and accountability
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic work environment
- Opportunities for collaboration and teamwork
- Focus on results and achievement
- Emphasis on continuous learning and development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong passion for the music industry and the Arabic music scene?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities and deadlines?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative work environment and enjoy working with a diverse team?
ASSUMPTION: Sony Music Entertainment values a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, innovation, and creativity.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The fast-paced and dynamic work environment may be challenging for candidates who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment
- The need to manage multiple projects and deadlines may require strong organizational skills and time management
- The requirement to work in Arabic and English may present a challenge for candidates with limited proficiency in one or both languages
- The on-site work arrangement may not be suitable for candidates who prefer a remote or hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should carefully consider their personal and professional goals and preferences before applying for this role.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Marketing Manager or Label Manager position within the music industry, but with a focus on digital retail and distribution
- The Middle Eastern music industry is unique in its cultural and linguistic diversity, presenting both opportunities and challenges for marketing professionals
- Career progression in the music industry may involve moving between different roles and companies to gain experience in various aspects of the business
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research the music industry and related roles to gain a better understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges presented by this position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing the release of a high-profile album or single, including coordination with retail partners, marketing campaigns, and promotional events
- Developing and implementing a social media marketing strategy for an independent label or artist
- Conducting market research to identify trends and opportunities in the Middle Eastern music industry
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of responsibilities and initiatives that may be involved in this role. The specific projects and initiatives may vary depending on the company's needs and priorities.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
- How does this role fit into the overall marketing and retail strategy for the Middle East region?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within the company?
- How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the company's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are intended to help candidates better understand the role, the company, and the work environment. Candidates should tailor their questions to their specific interests and concerns.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past work that showcase your ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
- Research the company and the role to show your understanding of the industry and the specific needs of the position
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
