Head of Music

Job Summary

The Head of Live Music is responsible for defining and delivering the creative, cultural and commercial direction of KOKO’s live music programme across KOKO Theatre, Ellen’s and associated showcase and artist-led formats.

This is a strategic, outward-facing role responsible for shaping a live programme that is culturally relevant, commercially successful and distinctive to KOKO’s position in the market. You will bring a confident approach to creative and commercial risk, deep industry relationships and the ability to translate ideas into programming that drives both audience engagement and revenue.

Working closely with Marketing, Membership, Events and Partnerships, you will play a central role in evolving the live calendar, identifying new opportunities and ensuring that programming feels connected, intentional and forward-thinking across all touchpoints.

Working week: Full-time, 40 hours per week. This role requires flexibility to support client engagement and events, including evening and out-of-hours commitments aligned with business needs.

Role & Responsibilities

Live Programming & Creative Direction

- Own the end-to-end live music strategy and programming output across KOKO Theatre, Ellen’s and showcase formats

- Independently shape and deliver a commercially optimised and culturally leading live calendar

- Identify, secure and programme both established and emerging talent aligned to KOKO’s positioning

- Develop original formats, artist collaborations and programming concepts that elevate the offer beyond traditional live booking

- Maintain a forward-thinking approach, responding to cultural shifts and audience behaviour

Commercial & Strategic Ownership

- Hold responsibility for the commercial performance of live programming, including budgeting and P&L oversight

- Operate with autonomy in decision-making within agreed parameters

- Drive revenue through a mix of ticketed events, partnerships and collaborations

- Be responsible for identifying gaps in the calendar and independently sourcing solutions that strengthen both revenue and cultural impact

- Continuously review deal structures, pricing and commercial models to optimise performance

- Use performance data, audience insight and market intelligence to inform decisions, track trends and clearly report on outcomes and opportunities

- Align programming decisions with wider business priorities and growth plans

Partnerships & Artist Collaboration

- Build and maintain strong relationships with agents, managers, promoters and artists

- Develop partnerships and collaborations that enhance both audience experience and commercial performance

- Position KOKO as a leading platform for live performance, artist development and cultural moments

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Delivery

- Work closely with Marketing, Membership, Events and Operations to bring programming to life at the highest standard

- Ensure live programming is fully embedded into campaign planning, storytelling and audience development strategies

- Support the development of member-facing live experiences and exclusive programming

- Ensure clear communication of programming priorities across the business

Planning & Execution

- Oversee forward planning of the live calendar, ensuring strong pacing, variety, and commercial balance

- Monitor performance and adapt programming strategy in response to results and insights

- Lead change where required, evolving ways of working, team structure and programming approach to support future growth

- Conduct appropriate background research and risk assessment on artists, collaborators and live activity

- Identify potential reputational, operational or security risks at an early stage and develop proportionate mitigation strategies, consult with the COO and relevant stakeholders where material risk is identified.

Leadership & Representation

- Lead the live music team with clear direction, pace and intent, setting clear priorities and standards

- Foster a collaborative, ambitious and delivery-focused team culture

- Ensure the team is aligned on priorities at all times, with strong clarity around what matters commercially and creatively

- Champion strong internal collaboration between programming, marketing, events and operations to ensure seamless execution

- Act as a senior external representative for KOKO’s live music identity across industry, media and cultural platforms

About you

We are looking for a well-connected, commercially aware and creatively driven leader with a strong track record in live music programming, talent buying or artist development with the following key attributes;

- Deep, active relationships across the live music industry

- Strong experience in curating and delivering commercially successful live programmes

- A clear understanding of the live music landscape, including emerging trends and talent

- Commercial instinct, with the ability to balance creativity and performance

- Confidence operating in high-profile, fast-paced environments

- Strong collaboration skills and ability to work cross-functionally

- A proactive, ideas-led mindset with the confidence to challenge and evolve thinking

- Leadership presence and the ability to inspire