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- Tasks: Provide legal advice on employment issues and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Join Universal Music, the world's leading music company with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, private healthcare, and discounts on music.
- Why this job: Shape employment practices in a creative environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified employment lawyer with 4-5 years' experience in UK and international law.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with hybrid working and opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Director, Legal Employment and Compliance Counsel
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.
About Us
Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world’s leading music company, committed to artistry, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Our extensive catalogue encompasses the most renowned artists globally, and we proudly foster a creative environment that values diversity, inclusion, and excellence. At UMG, we believe that our people are the heart of our business, and we strive to nurture a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture.
A Day in the Life
As Director Employment and Compliance Counsel your days will be diverse and engaging. You will provide trusted legal advice on various employment issues, collaborate closely with the People, Inclusion & Culture (PIC) department, and senior management, navigating both UK-specific and international employment law considerations. You will draft critical documentation, manage employment-related disputes, oversee consultancy agreements, advise on complex projects involving mergers and acquisitions, and lead strategic employment initiatives.
Typical Activities Include
- Drafting and negotiating executive contracts, bonus schemes, consultancy and settlement agreements.
- Advising daily on employment-related issues arising across the business supporting the People Inclusion and Culture team on operations, business partnering, learning and talent issues.
- Conducting and drafting preliminary employment litigation matters. Coordinating and overseeing employment litigation with external counsel when necessary.
- Providing employment law guidance for global corporate transactions such as acquisitions, mergers, and divestments.
- Supporting redundancy and TUPE processes, including consultations and related documentation.
- Drafting, reviewing, and updating company employment policies.
- Advising and supporting internal investigations and managing conflict of interest disclosures.
- Proactively developing and delivering legal employment training.
- Developing and delivering effective employment compliance training.
- Assisting with European Works Council meetings preparation.
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate is a confident, collaborative, and highly organised professional with strong commercial awareness. You have a pragmatic, business‑oriented approach, excellent communication skills, and the capability to foster productive relationships across multiple departments and stakeholders. With an adaptable, proactive mindset, you thrive in a fast‑paced global matrix environment and demonstrate professionalism and integrity in every interaction.
Your Impact as Director Employment and Compliance Counsel
As our Director Employment and Compliance Counsel you will significantly shape our employment practices, influencing both strategic decisions and daily operations. Your expertise will ensure compliance and manage risk effectively, while your guidance will empower our leadership to handle complex employment matters confidently and sensitively. Ultimately, your role will be pivotal in nurturing a fair, compliant, and innovative workplace culture across UMG’s UK and international operations.
Skills And Experience Required
- Qualified employment lawyer with at least 4‑5 years’ post‑qualification experience in employment law.
- Proven track record advising on UK and international employment matters, ideally from a multinational law firm or in‑house environment, ideally in a media, music or broader entertainment environment.
- Demonstrable experience handling executive agreements, litigation, complex workplace investigations, redundancy processes, and TUPE transfers.
- Strong drafting and negotiating skills with extensive experience developing employment contracts, settlement agreements, and related documentation.
- Familiarity with corporate transactions (M&A), providing employment‑related due diligence, documentation, consultation, and integration planning.
- Experience developing employment policies, compliance frameworks, and providing effective training to diverse stakeholder groups.
- Outstanding communication skills with the ability to provide pragmatic, commercially focused advice and effectively manage stakeholder relationships.
Why Join UMG
When you join Universal Music Group, you become part of a vibrant, creative, and culturally diverse environment at the forefront of the music industry. We offer rewarding careers, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a workplace where your contributions make a tangible impact. At UMG, you’ll collaborate with talented colleagues, drive meaningful change, and help shape the future of music and entertainment.
Your Reward And Benefits
At UMG, we recognise and reward your contributions through competitive compensation and extensive benefits, including:
- Competitive salary reflective of your experience and contribution
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Private healthcare and wellness initiatives
- Pension scheme with employer contributions
- Employee assistance programme and mental health resources
- Discounts on music, merchandise, events, and products
- Comprehensive training and career development opportunities
- A dynamic and inclusive workplace culture focused on professional growth and well‑being
- Hybrid working – 4 days per week in the London office
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.
Seniority level: Director | Employment type: Full‑time | Job function: Legal | Industry: Entertainment Providers
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Director, Legal Employment and Compliance Counsel in London employer: Universal Music Group
Contact Detail:
Universal Music Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Legal Employment and Compliance Counsel in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Legal Employment and Compliance Counsel in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director, Legal Employment and Compliance Counsel role. Highlight your relevant experience in employment law and how it aligns with our values at Universal Music.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills can impact our team. Use specific examples from your past roles that showcase your ability to handle complex employment matters and foster collaboration.
Be Authentic: We want to see the real you! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for music and how it connects to your professional journey in employment law.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Music Group
✨Know Your Employment Law Inside Out
As a Director, Legal Employment and Compliance Counsel, you’ll need to demonstrate a solid understanding of both UK and international employment law. Brush up on recent changes and landmark cases that could impact the music industry, and be ready to discuss how these laws apply in practical scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with various departments, especially the People, Inclusion & Culture team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, highlighting your ability to foster productive relationships and navigate complex workplace dynamics.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about past experiences where you handled executive agreements or managed employment disputes, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
Being commercially savvy is crucial for this position. Familiarise yourself with Universal Music Group’s business model and current trends in the music industry. Be prepared to discuss how legal decisions can impact business operations and contribute to strategic goals.
