At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI innovation and delivery across Downtown's products and operations.
- Company: Join Downtown Music, a global leader in the music industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving equity in the music industry.
- Why this job: Shape the future of music with cutting-edge AI technology.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in AI product delivery and strong cross-team collaboration skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
About Downtown
Downtown Music Holdings (Downtown) is a modern global music company. We help millions of creators, rights holders and their partners to manage their music as a business and get paid fairly for their work. We are working to build a more equitable global music industry because we believe when creators and their partners are fairly compensated, they are empowered to keep creating and investing back into the world. We service over 50 million music assets from hundreds of countries across six continents, including some of the most well-known songs in popular music. Working with creators at every stage of their career, from emerging songwriters to iconic performers, our business model drives equity across the entire global music industry supply chain.
Role Overview
Downtown Music is hiring a VP, AI to lead the introduction of AI across our products and operational processes. This role will be responsible for turning AI from experimentation into delivery — embedding AI capabilities into Downtown's technology platforms, while also driving measurable efficiency and quality improvements across operational teams. Working across engineering, product, data, and business operations, the Head of AI will ensure Downtown builds practical, secure, and differentiated AI systems that support creators, rights holders, and internal teams. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can bridge strategy and execution, and who knows how to ship.
Key Responsibilities
- AI Product Innovation & Delivery
- Identify and deliver AI-powered enhancements across Downtown's product suite (royalties, publishing, distribution, creator services).
- Partner with Product and Engineering teams to build AI features that create clear customer value.
- Ensure AI is embedded into product roadmaps, not treated as a side lab.
- Develop reusable AI components (LLM services, retrieval, evaluation, tooling) to support multiple teams.
- Operational Optimisation & Automation
- Drive the use of AI to improve efficiency across internal workflows (rights operations, finance, support, reporting, onboarding).
- Identify repeatable opportunities for automation and process redesign.
- Deliver measurable improvements in cycle time, cost-to-serve, and operational quality.
- Establish best practices for AI-assisted internal work across the group.
- AI Strategy, Governance & Enablement
- Define Downtown's approach to responsible AI adoption, including privacy, compliance, and IP considerations.
- Partner with Security, Legal, and IT to ensure safe deployment of AI systems.
- Build frameworks for model evaluation, monitoring, and quality control.
- Provide clear guidance on 'what good looks like' for AI usage internally.
- Leadership & Capability Building
- Build and lead a small, high-impact AI function supporting product and operations.
- Act as the senior internal advisor on AI opportunities, risks, and execution.
- Upskill teams through training, playbooks, and embedded collaboration.
- External Awareness & Partner Management
- Track developments in AI, music tech, and rights-related applications.
- Manage relationships with key vendors, platforms, and strategic partners where relevant.
- Represent Downtown externally as a leader in applied AI for music services.
What Success Looks Like (First 12–18 Months)
- AI features are live in core Downtown products, improving customer outcomes.
- Operational teams see significant automation and reduced manual workload.
- Downtown has shared AI infrastructure rather than scattered pilots.
- Clear governance exists for safe and compliant AI usage.
- AI becomes a compounding capability across the organisation.
Required Experience
- Senior experience delivering AI-enabled products or automation in a production environment.
- Strong understanding of modern AI systems (LLMs, workflow automation, retrieval, evaluation).
- Proven ability to work across engineering, product, and operational teams.
- Track record of execution: shipping, scaling, and measuring outcomes.
Preferred Experience
- SaaS or platform businesses with complex data and workflows.
- Experience in music, media, fintech, or rights-driven industries is a plus.
- Familiarity with operationally heavy domains (royalty processing, publishing admin, distribution logistics).
Personal Attributes
- Builder mindset: pragmatic, delivery-focused, outcomes-driven.
- High judgment around risk, compliance, and real-world constraints.
- Able to create momentum across multiple business units.
- Excited by AI as infrastructure, not theatre.
Vp, Ai in London employer: Downtown Music
At Downtown Music Holdings, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions creativity and innovation in the music industry. Our collaborative work culture fosters growth and development, offering employees the chance to lead transformative AI initiatives that directly impact creators and rights holders globally. With a commitment to equity and fair compensation, we empower our team members to thrive in a dynamic environment where their contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vp, Ai in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the music and AI industries on LinkedIn or at events. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than a CV.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a project that highlights your AI expertise, especially in music tech. This hands-on evidence can really impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow news about AI in music and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to Downtown's mission. Knowledge is power, and it shows you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Downtown team.
We think you need these skills to ace Vp, Ai in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the VP, AI role. Highlight your experience with AI product innovation and operational optimisation, as these are key aspects of what we're looking for at Downtown.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've delivered AI-enabled products or automation in previous roles. We want to see your track record of execution and measurable outcomes!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We're looking for someone with a builder mindset who is excited about AI as infrastructure. Share your passion for the music industry and how you can contribute to our mission.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead AI at Downtown!
How to prepare for a job interview at Downtown Music
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in AI, especially those relevant to music and operational processes. Be ready to discuss specific AI systems you've worked with and how they can be applied to enhance Downtown's products.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a VP, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams and delivered AI solutions that improved efficiency and quality in previous roles.
✨Understand the Business Model
Familiarise yourself with Downtown's business model and how AI can create value for creators and rights holders. Think about how you can align AI initiatives with the company's goals of fairness and equity in the music industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific challenges related to AI implementation. Think through potential scenarios where you might need to balance innovation with compliance and risk management, and be ready to share your thought process.
