At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI integration in music tech, enhancing products and operational efficiency.
- Company: Downtown Music Holdings, a global leader in the music industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming the music industry through technology.
- Why this job: Shape the future of music with innovative AI solutions and empower creators worldwide.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in AI product delivery and strong collaboration skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
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’re 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 in 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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 employer: Downtown Music
Downtown Music is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture in the heart of Greater London that fosters creativity and innovation. Employees benefit from a collaborative environment where they can grow their skills in AI and product development, alongside opportunities for professional advancement and engagement with cutting-edge technology in the music industry. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on meaningful contributions, Downtown Music stands out as a rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP, AI
✨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 make all the difference when it comes to landing that VP, AI role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies showcasing your previous AI projects and how they’ve driven results. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for the interview! Research Downtown Music Holdings and come armed with ideas on how you can embed AI into their products. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
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 take that extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace VP, AI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AI:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI shine through! We want to see how you can turn your love for technology into real-world solutions that benefit creators and rights holders in the music industry.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in AI and automation. We’re looking for someone who can bridge strategy and execution, so share specific examples of how you've delivered AI-enabled products or improved operational processes in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the VP, AI role. Remember, we want to understand your impact quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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
This role is all about bridging strategy and execution, so prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in implementing AI solutions. Highlight your experience in building high-impact functions and how you've driven measurable improvements in past roles.
✨Understand the Music Industry
Familiarise yourself with the music industry landscape, especially around rights management and creator services. Being able to speak knowledgeably about how AI can improve efficiency and fairness in this space will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about potential challenges Downtown might face in AI adoption and how you would address them, ensuring you align your answers with their mission of equity in the music industry.
