Head of Music

Nex is helping families reconnect with the joy of movement through fun, social, and interactive content that’s accessible to all ages. Its award-winning Nex Playground console, launched in December 2023, uses cutting-edge AI, mobile and vision technologies to merge digital and physical worlds, immersing players in the experience using their natural body movement. Nex Playground games range from original sports and fitness titles, to educational games and titles in collaboration with Hasbro and Sesame Workshop.

Since its founding, Nex has been recognised as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, TIME’s Best Inventions, Parents’ Best Entertainment System for Families, and has been awarded the prestigious Apple Design Award.  Nex Playground is also kidSAFE+ COPPA certified, highlighting the company’s firm stance on privacy and safety for kids and families.  To learn more, visit https://www.nex.inc or follow the company on Instagram and Facebook.

Location: USA OR Hong Kong
Annual salary: USD 100,000 - USD 175,000
Type: Contract / Full Time
Reports to: VP, Global Strategy and Partnerships

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Head of Music to lead all music-related initiatives for Nex. The ideal candidate will combine strategic thinking with hands-on music supervision experience, bringing both creative vision and practical execution skills to shape the musical identity of our games.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping the player experience through music, contributing directly to the emotional impact and commercial success of our games. Through strategic partnerships and artist collaborations, they will create unique experiences that benefit both the gaming and music communities.

Key Responsibilities

Music Licensing & Industry Relations

• Lead all music licensing efforts, including negotiating terms and securing rights
• Build and maintain relationships with key music industry stakeholders (labels, publishers, artists, managers)
• Oversee the clearance process for all music used in games and marketing
• Ensure proper documentation and compliance with licensing agreements
• Coordinate with legal team on contract terms and rights management

Budget & Project Management

• Develop and manage annual music budgets
• Track and report on music-related KPIs
• Maintain detailed records of licenses, clearances, and associated costs
• Supervise timeline and delivery of music assets

Strategic Direction

• Develop and execute the overall music strategy for our game portfolio
• Identify opportunities for innovative music integration that enhances gameplay experience
• Analyze market trends and player insights to inform music selection and implementation
• Provide strategic guidance on music-related features and initiatives

Creative Supervision

• Oversee music selection and placement across all game and marketing related projects
• Direct the creative implementation of music in both gameplay and marketing materials
• Collaborate with game directors and creative teams to ensure music aligns with artistic vision
• Evaluate and approve music-related creative assets

Music Industry Partnerships & Artist Relations

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with record labels, music publishers, artist managers, and talent agencies
• Identify and secure opportunities for exclusive artist collaborations and in-game and out of game appearances
• Create compelling partnership proposals that align artist objectives with game experiences and marketing experiences
• Conceive and execute innovative cross-promotional campaigns with artists and labels
• Foster long-term strategic partnerships that create unique value for both artists and games
• Stay current with music industry trends and emerging artists to identify partnership opportunities
• Represent the studio at music industry events and conferences

 

Qualifications

Required Experience

• 5+ years of music supervision experience, preferably in gaming or interactive entertainment
• Proven track record of successful music licensing and rights management
• Experience managing substantial music budgets
• Strong network within the music industry
• Demonstrated ability to lead creative projects from concept to completion
• History of successful artist partnerships and collaborations

Required Skills

• Deep understanding of music licensing and rights management
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building abilities
• Excellence in project management and budget oversight
• Strategic thinking and creative problem-solving
• Clear communication and presentation skills
• Knowledge of current music industry trends and practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in video game production or interactive media
• Understanding of game development processes
• Background in music production or composition
• Experience with music technology and digital audio workflows
• Established relationships with major record labels and artist management companies

 

We Offer

• Competitive compensation package.
• Flexible working hours and vacation policy.
• Product-driven culture that treasures talents and individual growth.
• Front-row seat and hands-on experience with cutting edge technologies in the evolving gaming field

Nex is located in San Jose, California, USA and Hong Kong. Learn more about us at nex.inc/who-we-are.

We encourage applications even if you don’t meet more than 50% of the requirements — we believe that experience comes in many forms!