What does a talent manager do?

A talent manager is typically involved in identifying promising talent and guiding them in their careers to help them negotiate the best contracts. By networking with a wide range of contacts in the sector, talent managers foster key relationships with publishers, producers, casting directors and other industry professionals.

To achieve their goals, talent managers typically need to be skilled in negotiation and diplomacy. This helps them to build strong, trusting relationships with their contacts. With robust skills and industry knowledge, talent managers are able to secure the most advantageous deals and favourable terms for their clients to ensure the successful progression of their careers.

Talent manager skills and qualifications

A successful talent manager candidate may have skills such as:

• Expertise in business dynamics, market values and knowledge of how to profit in a competitive environment.
• An excellent understanding of traditional and digital marketing, including building brands, SEO, social media management and public relations
• The ability look ahead and connect clients with opportunities that align with their potential for success
• Exceptional communication and analytical skills, and the ability to identify the characteristics of true talent within a given field of expertise
• Financial acumen, proficiency in managing resources and maximising ROI
• Persuasion, negotiation and schedule management skills for attracting clients and securing contracts with high-profit margins
• Creative thinking

Talent manager experience requirements

When creating a talent manager job description, it is useful to specify both work experience and educational requirements that align with the position’s responsibilities. Being a managerial role, talent managers usually benefit from having a degree in fields related to marketing, accounting, business or music management. A background in social media management may also be beneficial, especially if the job emphasises digital promotion and branding.

Practical experience in the industry is highly valuable. Ideal candidates might have worked as artists and repertoire (A&R) personnel, recruitment agents or artist managers. Experience in creative sectors such as record labels, publishing houses, theatre or other artistic institutions is also advantageous, particularly because it may be possible for them to draw on their previous contacts.

Talent manager education and training requirements

While a degree qualification may not be necessary to become a talent manager, the skills gained during a relevant course could work well in combination with on-the-job experience. This may be particularly useful if their degree includes solid training in budgeting, finance, negotiation, social media or creative industry trends. 

Some talent managers may choose to supplement their knowledge with a certification in talent management such as a certified short-course. While this is not usually required for the role, it can help to boost their credentials. However, in the sphere of talent management, it may be more valuable to build up industry contacts and learn skills on-the-job to adapt to different artists.

Talent manager salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a talent manager is £44,131 per year. However, salaries may be dependent on experience, location and company. 

Job description samples for similar positions

If this role is not quite what you’re looking for, job description samples are available for related positions. Here are some related titles which could be more relevant to your search:

• Recruiter
• Creative director
• Brand manager
• Social media manager

Talent manager job description FAQs

Do talent managers work in HR? 

Talent managers have a similar role to HR professionals, except they operate within creative fields. HR managers tend to work as part of a larger team working towards a range of company goals, while talent managers usually work independently. While they may also be part of a team, they are likely to have a portfolio of clients they have responsibility for.

Can anyone be a talent manager?

Anyone who possesses the necessary skill set can become a talent manager, even without a degree. Being confident, having an eye for talent, making connections with industry professionals, negotiating contracts and being resilient in the face of rejection are among the most sought-after skills required to thrive as a talent manager.

Do talent managers earn commission?

If hired by a client on a freelance basis, then yes, talent managers may take some of the pay cut. They might earn around 10% and 20% of an artist’s profits as compensation for their work. This means that many talent managers don’t earn a regular salary and instead are paid on a commission basis.