At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate and draft music agreements while supporting artists and internal teams.
- Company: Dynamic music company with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
- Benefits: 25 days leave, gym membership, health insurance, and annual gig allowance.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced team and make a real impact in the music industry.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with music industry experience and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Inclusive office culture with excellent opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced music lawyer to join our Legal & Business Affairs team, providing dedicated legal support across our UK recorded music and publishing operations. You’ll work on a broad range of agreements and rights-related matters, ensuring our deals are clear, fair, and aligned with both creative and commercial goals. This role offers the chance to work closely with artists, songwriters, and internal teams, supporting the day‑to‑day legal needs of a fast‑paced, forward‑thinking music company. This is a 12 Month FTC paternity cover.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Negotiate and prepare a wide range of agreements in recorded music and publishing, including exclusive songwriting contracts, administration agreements, side letters, amendments, novations, writer buy‑out deals, joint ventures, and sub‑publishing arrangements.
- Draft and negotiate exclusive recording agreements, producer, mixer, and featured artist contracts, as well as video, artwork, and photographer agreements.
- Assist with more complex synch negotiations and contracts.
- Advise on intellectual property rights relating to compositions, recordings, and other creative assets.
- Review and negotiate controlled composition provisions.
- Support the Legal & Business Affairs team with new business initiatives and emerging projects.
- Work closely with other departments — including Royalties & Copyright, Finance, A&R, Investments, and Operations — to address contract interpretation, deal structuring, disputes, and general legal queries.
What You Bring
- Qualified lawyer in England and Wales with significant experience as a music industry lawyer, either in‑house or in private practice.
- Extensive background in negotiating and drafting complex recording and publishing agreements.
- Strategic thinker with strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to build consensus.
- Self‑aware, values‑driven, and able to balance local priorities with a global perspective.
- Well‑established contacts and trusted relationships across the music industry.
- Proven experience working effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
What Would Be A Plus
- Minimum of 3 years PQE.
- Previous experience at a major music publisher, record label, or large independent.
- Experience in dispute resolution within the music industry.
Now, What’s in It for You?
- 25 days annual leave plus 3 days between Christmas & New Year.
- Subsidised gym membership.
- Private Health Insurance.
- Annual gig allowance.
- Artist showcases and access to exclusive music events.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Season Ticket Loan.
- Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support.
- A fun, inclusive, and sociable office environment.
Senior Manager Legal & Business Affairs FTC employer: BMG
Contact Detail:
BMG Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager Legal & Business Affairs FTC
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the music industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in negotiating and drafting agreements. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex legal issues in the music world – it’ll show you know your stuff!
✨Be Ready for the Fast-Paced Environment
The music industry moves quickly, so be prepared to demonstrate your ability to think on your feet. During interviews, share stories that showcase your problem-solving skills and how you’ve successfully navigated tight deadlines or tricky negotiations.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager Legal & Business Affairs FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience in negotiating and drafting music agreements. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Senior Manager Legal & Business Affairs role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their skills with what we’re looking for.
Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re a fun and inclusive team, so showing us who you are beyond your legal qualifications can really make you stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at BMG
✨Know Your Music Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of music law, especially around agreements and rights. Be ready to discuss specific cases or examples from your experience that showcase your expertise in negotiating and drafting complex contracts.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to demonstrate how you've approached problem-solving in past roles. Think of scenarios where you had to balance creative goals with commercial realities, and be ready to share how you built consensus among different stakeholders.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company
Do your homework on the company’s recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their position in the music industry will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, practice building rapport during your interview. Be personable and engage with your interviewers, showing that you can communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.