At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employment legal strategy and ensure compliance in a dynamic music environment.
- Company: Join Universal Music Group, the world's leading music-based entertainment company.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health perks, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive team committed to supporting all employees.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the music industry while shaping inclusive workplace practices.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with strong UK employment law experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
Music is Universal. It’s the passionate and dedicated team at Universal Music who help make us the world’s leading music company. From A&R to finance, legal to digital, sales to marketing, Universal Music is the place to grow and develop your career within a truly commercial and innovative business that leads in everything it does.
Everyone is welcome to apply for our roles, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment because of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, age, marital status, background, pregnancy or caring responsibilities. We also recognise the importance of diversity of thought within our teams and are fully committed to embracing the talents of people with autism, dyslexia, ADHD and other forms of neurocognitive variation.
We will always seek to make appropriate adjustments to recruitment, workplaces and work processes to be fully inclusive to people with different needs and working styles. If you need us to make any reasonable adjustments for you from application onwards, including alternatives to the online form or to disclose a neurocognitive condition, please email UniversalMusicCareers@umusic.com.
About our Legal Team: At Universal Music Group, we shape culture through the power of artistry. Our artists move the world. Our people make that possible. Our Legal team enables our artist-first business to operate with confidence and integrity. Working in a relationship-based business, we partner across labels and corporate teams, on a UK and international basis, to provide clear and commercially focused employment advice and robust compliance frameworks that support creativity, performance and long-term growth.
As Vice President, Employment Legal and Compliance, you will be a senior leader in the heart of the business, shaping employment legal strategy and strengthening compliance frameworks across a dynamic creative organisation. Balancing pace and ambition with rigor and care, you will help enable confident decision-making while protecting our people, our values and our reputation.
Legal & Compliance – Universal Music Group UK and International: We are Universal Music Group – the world’s leading music-based entertainment company. We exist to shape culture through the power of artistry, helping UK and international artists produce, distribute, publish and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to inspire and entertain fans at home and around the world.
Our Legal & Compliance team is central to that mission, acting as strategic partners to our labels, artists and corporate teams, protecting creativity, enabling commercial ambition and ensuring we operate with integrity in a fast-moving global industry. The function provides end-to-end legal expertise across the full music ecosystem, including artist and recording agreements, digital and brand partnerships, copyright and IP protection, corporate transactions, employment law, compliance and dispute resolution. Combining deep legal knowledge with commercial acumen, the team safeguards rights, manages risk and structures opportunity so that creativity can thrive responsibly and successfully at scale.
A day in the life: This is a visible, high-impact role operating across a dynamic creative organisation. You will:
- Advise executive and senior leaders, people business partners and Legal colleagues on complex and high-profile employment matters including day-to-day advisory work, restructures, investigations, senior exits, policy issues and organisational change.
- Lead on the most sensitive and high-risk employment law issues, bringing sound judgement, strategic perspective and commercial pragmatism.
- Oversee employment tribunal claims and other contentious matters, managing external counsel where required.
- Guide disciplinary, grievance, redundancy and TUPE processes with clarity and fairness.
- Review and shape employment policies in line with UK legislation, business priorities and inclusive best practice.
- Monitor regulatory developments and strengthen employment compliance and governance frameworks.
- Provide oversight and direction on day-to-day conflict of interest compliance processes.
- Work across UK and international teams to deliver a seamless employment law and compliance service.
- Translate legal complexity into practical, balanced advice that enables confident decision-making while protecting our people and our reputation.
Your impact: In this role, you will:
- Provide strategic, risk-based employment law advice to senior stakeholders and people business partners.
- Lead on high-risk and sensitive matters with sound judgement, credibility and integrity.
- Strengthen employment compliance and governance across the UK business.
- Support the development of fair, transparent and inclusive people practices.
- Contribute to the wider Legal function and cross‑functional initiatives.
Your expertise will help create a workplace that is legally robust, commercially confident and aligned to our values.
Who will thrive here: We welcome applications from qualified solicitors or barristers in England and Wales with strong employment law experience, gained in private practice and/or in‑house. You will bring:
- Deep knowledge of UK employment law and some experience of international jurisdictions.
- Experience advising senior stakeholders and people business partners on complex matters.
- The ability to manage sensitive situations in a calm and professional manner.
- Strong analytical skills, strategic perspective and sound commercial judgement.
- The ability to communicate clearly and influence with credibility, driven by the development of strong relationships.
- A collaborative approach and commitment to inclusive practice.
- An understanding of working internationally across US, ME and Asia time zones.
You do not need prior music industry experience. If you are excited by the opportunity to apply your expertise in a creative, fast-moving environment, we encourage you to apply. If you meet most of the criteria and believe you could add value in this role, we would love to hear from you.
Why Join Us: About UMG UK: We are Universal Music Group UK, the UK’s leading music-based entertainment company. We exist to shape culture through the power of artistry. We help UK artists produce, distribute, publish and promote critically acclaimed and commercially successful music that inspires and entertains audiences at home and around the world. Rooted in the UK and connected globally, we are an artist-first business. Our people build varied, impactful careers that directly contribute to the future of music and culture.
Reward and Benefits at UMG UK: Working at UMG UK is more than just a role. It is a total package designed to support you professionally and personally. Our uReward offering includes:
- Financial
- Group Income Protection
- Life Assurance
- Pension Scheme
- Mortgage Advice Service
- Health and Wellbeing
- Private Medical Insurance
- Annual Health Assessment
- Calm App subscription
- Digital Private GP scheme
- Family Friendly
- Equal Family Leave Policy
- Elder Care Concierge Service
- Family Leave Coaching
- Partner and Carer’s Network
- Music, Tech and Perks
- Apple Music annual subscription
- Discounts and cashback rewards platform
- Employee free products
- Long Service Awards
This is a snapshot of our industry‑leading benefits. Your Talent Acquisition Partner can share further details.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The best way to flourish in our ever-changing industry is to build teams that reflect the diversity of our artists, audiences and communities. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can belong, express themselves authentically and bring something unique to our shared passion for music. We value different perspectives and experiences, and we actively work to ensure all colleagues feel seen, supported, respected and heard. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Just So You Know… The company presents this job description as a guide to the major areas and duties for which the jobholder is accountable. However, the business operates in an environment that demands change and the jobholder’s specific responsibilities and activities will vary and develop. Therefore, the job description should be seen as indicative and not as a permanent, definitive and exhaustive statement.
VP Legal Employment & Compliance Counsel employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
Universal Music Group UK is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and diversity, offering a vibrant work culture where employees can thrive in their careers. With a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and wellbeing support, family-friendly policies, and opportunities for professional growth, UMG fosters an inclusive environment that values unique perspectives and experiences. As a leader in the music industry, working here means being part of a dynamic team that shapes culture and empowers artists globally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP Legal Employment & Compliance Counsel
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Dormont Manufacturing Co, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace VP Legal Employment & Compliance Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Dormont Manufacturing Co, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Dormont Manufacturing Co and the specific role of VP Legal Employment & Compliance Counsel. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Dormont Manufacturing Co’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Dormont Manufacturing Co.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Dormont Manufacturing Co.
