At a Glance
- Tasks: Support legal and business affairs across 70 territories in the music industry.
- Company: Join Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company committed to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the music industry while working with top talent and brands.
- Qualifications: Experienced lawyer with a strong background in music, contracts, and commercial law.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for international experience and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Universal Music Group invites applications for the Senior Director Legal and Business Affairs – 12 month FTC role. This position is a temporary 12‑month role within Universal Music for Brands (UMGB) and will support legal and business affairs operations across 70 territories.
Key Focus
- Internal support and advice to legal and business affairs teams
- Internal and external compliance
- Contract drafting, negotiation, and execution
Skills & Experience
- Commercial Practice
- Proven experience negotiating and drafting bespoke contracts for unique deal types.
- Strong commercial aptitude for drafting contracts that deliver value and protect UMG’s interests.
- Ability to prepare and catalogue precedents.
- Managing internal approval processes with senior management and enforcing internal policies.
- Experience settling routine commercial contracts such as non‑disclosure agreements and data sharing agreements.
- Music
- Expert understanding of the music industry and rights holders (record labels, publishers, performing rights organisations).
- Experience drafting recording contracts, ancillary recorded agreements, publishing agreements, synch licences, and distribution agreements.
- Expertise in intellectual property law and commercial contracts.
- Experience commissioning bespoke music and overseeing the recording process.
- Understanding of the live music industry and tour promotion.
- Brand Partnerships
- Prior experience in brand partnerships, talent endorsements, and licensing agreements.
- Experience working with advertising and creative agencies.
- Understanding of data, insights, and strategy in modern marketing campaigns.
- Experience drafting talent agreements (artist, influencer, etc.).
Personal Specification
- Experienced qualified lawyer with a senior level business affairs track record in music, digital content, or entertainment.
- Solid experience in commercial, IP, contracts, and copyright work (drafting, negotiating, advising).
- Proven ability to forge strong relationships across multi‑functional and multi‑territory teams.
- Experience negotiating and implementing various deal types with business partners and brands.
- Experience working with top name acts, management, agencies, and brands.
- Track record in identifying commercial opportunities and advising on legal and revenue growth.
- Ability to manage multiple deals simultaneously in a fast‑paced global team.
- International experience.
Bonus Tracks: Your Benefits
- Group Personal Pension Scheme (3%‑9%)
- Private Medical Insurance
- 25 paid days of annual leave
- Interest‑Free Season Ticket Loan
- Holiday Purchase scheme
- Dental and Travel Insurance options
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Salary Sacrifice Cars
- Subsidised Gym Membership
- Employee Discounts (Reward Gateway)
Job Category: Business & Legal Affairs
Director Legal and Business Affairs - 12 month FTC employer: Universal Music Group
Contact Detail:
Universal Music Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Legal and Business Affairs - 12 month 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. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in negotiating and drafting contracts. We want to see how your skills can bring value to their team, especially in the fast-paced world of music and brand partnerships.
✨Be Ready for the Spotlight
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the music industry and current trends. We suggest having examples ready that showcase your ability to manage multiple deals and forge strong relationships. Show them you’re the go-to person they need!
✨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 and engaged with our brand. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Director Legal and Business Affairs - 12 month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director Legal and Business Affairs role. Highlight your experience in negotiating and drafting contracts, especially in the music industry, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on demonstrating your knowledge of intellectual property law and commercial contracts. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so include specific examples of your past work that relate to the music and entertainment sectors.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your experience and achievements, as this will make it easier for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This ensures that your application goes directly to us and helps streamline the process, making it easier for both you and our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Music Group
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your contract drafting and negotiation skills. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of bespoke contracts you've worked on, especially in the music industry. This will show that you understand the nuances of the role and can bring valuable experience to the table.
✨Showcase Your Industry Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in the music industry, particularly around rights holders and brand partnerships. Being able to speak knowledgeably about current events or recent changes in the industry will demonstrate your passion and commitment to the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations related to legal and business affairs. Think through potential scenarios involving contract negotiations or compliance issues, and prepare clear, structured responses that highlight your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Take the time to connect with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their experiences at Universal Music Group. This not only shows your interest in the company but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.