At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal and business affairs in the dynamic music industry.
- Company: Join Universal Music, the world's leading music company.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment with top artists and brands.
- Qualifications: Experienced lawyer with a strong background in music and commercial contracts.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to supporting all talents.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
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.
The key focus for this temporary, 12 month role within UMGB’s Legal & Business Affairs teams includes: Internal support and advice, internal and external compliance and contract drafting, negotiation and execution. We’re looking for a commercial transactional lawyer with proven music industry experience negotiating with artists and rights holders. Experience negotiating brand partnership deals within the music and/or entertainment industries is highly valued, but an understanding of the music industry is critical. You will oversee the legal and business affairs operations across UMGB to ensure smooth processes, best practices, and maximise returns.
Skills & Experience
- Commercial Practice: Proven experience of negotiating and drafting bespoke contracts to accommodate unique deal types. Strong commercial aptitude for drafting contracts which deliver value and protect UMG’s interests. Ability to help 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: An expert understanding of the music industry and the different rights holders (record labels, publishers, performing rights organisations etc.). Experience drafting recording contracts and ancillary recorded agreements (e.g. mixer agreements, producer agreements, side artist agreements etc.), publishing agreements, synch licences, distribution agreements etc. Expertise in intellectual property law and commercial contracts. Experience in commissioning bespoke music and the recording process. Understanding of the live music industry and tour promotion.
- Brand Partnerships: Prior experience of brand partnerships, talent endorsements, and/or licensing agreements. Experience working with advertising and creative agencies. Understanding of the role that data, insights and strategy play in modern marketing campaigns. Experience drafting talent agreements (artist, influencer, etc.).
Personal Specification
- Experienced qualified lawyer, with demonstrable track record in a senior level business affairs role within a music / digital content or entertainment business.
- Solid experience in commercial, IP, contracts and copyright work (drafting, negotiating and advising).
- Proven ability to forge strong relationships across multi-functional and multi-territory business.
- A solid experience of negotiating and implementing various deal types with business partners and potential other brands.
- Solid experience of working with top name acts, management, agencies and brands.
- Proven track record in identifying and understanding commercial opportunities and advising on legals and growing revenues within a business.
- A demonstrable track record working on a fast-paced, global team across multiple deals simultaneously.
- Experience of working at an international level.
Bonus Tracks: Your Benefits
- Group Personal Pension Scheme (between 3% and 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)
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.
Senior Director Legal and Business Affairs - 12 month FTC - Kings Cross, London employer: Universal Music Group
Contact Detail:
Universal Music Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director Legal and Business Affairs - 12 month FTC - Kings Cross, London
✨Tip Number 1
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. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand Universal Music's values and how they align with your own. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your experience and how it relates to the role. Highlight your achievements in negotiating contracts and working with artists, as this is key for the Senior Director position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director Legal and Business Affairs - 12 month FTC - Kings Cross, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Music: When you're writing your application, let your love for music shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your connection to the industry. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at Universal Music.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in negotiating contracts and working with artists, as well as any brand partnerships you've been involved in. We appreciate when candidates take the time to show us why they're a perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, especially those related to commercial practice and intellectual property law. We value clarity, so make it easy for us to see your qualifications!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your progress with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Music Group
✨Know Your Music Industry Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the music industry, especially around rights holders and contract types. Being able to discuss specific examples of contracts you've negotiated or drafted will show that you’re not just familiar with the jargon but have real experience.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss how you've added value through your legal work in previous roles. Think about specific instances where your negotiation skills led to beneficial outcomes for your company. This will demonstrate your strong commercial aptitude and understanding of the business side of things.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to contract negotiations or compliance issues. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, as this will highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure.
✨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. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
