Director, Business Development

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.

This role drives the continued growth and commercial success of UMG’s neighbouring rights business, with a focus on Perform Neighbouring Rights, by expanding its client base, negotiating competitive agreements, and delivering consistently exceptional client service. Success in the role is measured by revenue growth, client retention, quality of partnerships, and the organisation’s reputation within the global neighbouring rights community.

This is a highly collaborative, external facing role with significant influence across UMG’s global rights strategy.

• Drives new business growth by identifying, pitching to, and converting prospective artist and label clients into long-term partnerships.
• Partners with the VP, Business Development to develop and execute strategic client acquisition initiatives.
• Develops and delivers high-quality pitch materials that clearly articulate Perform Neighbouring Rights’ value proposition.
• Negotiates commercial terms with managers, lawyers, labels and internal stakeholders to secure competitive, sustainable agreements.
• Builds and maintains strong internal partnerships across UMG labels, Universal Music Publishing and key third-party organisations.
• Oversees the deal approval process in collaboration with the Director, Finance & Business Analysis and senior leadership.
• Works closely with the Client Account Manager to deliver a best-in-class service experience, supporting contract renewals and long-term client retention.
• Represents Perform Neighbouring Rights and UMG at industry forums and events, identifying new opportunities and strengthening market presence.

• Demonstrated success in business development, client acquisition and complex deal negotiation within the music or entertainment sectors.
• Proven experience in music rights, with strong expertise in neighbouring rights.
• Strong understanding of the global neighbouring rights landscape and relevant legislative frameworks.
• Ability to build and sustain high-value relationships with artist management, legal and business management partners.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively across international teams and time zones.

If you meet most of the requirements and are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.

• Experience working with collective management organisations and industry bodies.
• Advanced commercial and financial analysis skills within rights-based businesses.
• Experience supporting global growth strategies.

• Collaborates openly and effectively across diverse teams and perspectives.
• Demonstrates commercial curiosity and a growth mindset.
• Builds trust through integrity, accountability and clear communication.
• Embraces continuous improvement and innovation.
• Promotes an inclusive, respectful and supportive working environment.

This role is based in London, however the role could also be based in New York or Los Angeles, with a hybrid working model requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office. International travel is required from time to time. The role involves flexible working hours to support collaboration across global time zones.

UMG is committed to supporting work–life balance and provides reasonable adjustments and accessibility support throughout the recruitment process and employment lifecycle.

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.