Senior Director, A&R

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world's leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.

Talent Discovery & Signing
• Identify and evaluate emerging and established songwriters, producers, and artists for potential signing.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of talent through industry relationships, showcases, and market research.
• Lead contract negotiations in partnership with legal and senior leadership.

Creative Development
• Oversee the creative growth and career development of signed writers and producers.
• Facilitate collaborations, co-writing sessions, and strategic partnerships.
• Provide feedback on songs, demos, and works-in-progress to maximize commercial potential.

Catalog & Release Strategy
• Work closely with internal teams and external partners to place songs with recording artists and projects.
• Drive exploitation of the catalog across recordings, film/TV, advertising, gaming, and other media.
• Identify opportunities for catalog growth and value optimization.

Industry Relationships
• Build and maintain strong relationships with record labels, managers, artists, producers, and music supervisors.
• Represent the company at industry events, showcases, and networking functions.
• Act as a key ambassador for the publishing division.

Business Strategy & Leadership
• Contribute to overall A&R strategy and long-term vision for the publishing roster.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sync, licensing, marketing, and legal teams.
• Mentor junior A&R staff and contribute to team development.
• Additional duties as position requires.

Qualifications
• 8-12+ years of experience in A&R, music publishing, or a related field.
• Proven track record of signing and developing successful songwriters or producers.
• Strong understanding of music publishing, copyright, and royalty structures.
• Deep network within the music industry.
• Excellent creative judgment and ear for commercially viable music.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.

Preferred Skills
• Experience working across multiple genres.
• Knowledge of sync licensing and emerging revenue streams.
• Ability to analyze streaming and market data to inform A&R decisions.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for discovering and developing talent.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Number and quality of signings.
• Commercial success of signed writers (chart performance, streams, placements).
• Sync and licensing revenue generated.
• Catalog growth and utilization.
• Internal and external relationship strength.

Work Environment
• Fast-paced, creative, and collaborative environment.
• Some travel required for showcases, sessions, and industry events.
• Flexibility to work outside standard hours as needed.

Perks Playlist:

Join an entrepreneurial, global organization where authenticity, boldness, creativity, connection, drive, and insight aren't just values-they're how we work every day. Here are some of the ways we support you along the way (and just a few of the benefits we offer):
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Including 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services
• Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants
• Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
• 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution

A variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:
• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees
• 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees
• 2-weeks paid Winter Break
• 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)
• Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)
• Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.

Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.

For more information, please click on the following links.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish

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Job Category:
A&R