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Director, Commercial Partnerships

Universal Music Group · Santa Monica, CA, USA ·

Pay:
$79,650-$135,000/yr
Job type:
Full Time

Director, Digital Commercial Partnerships drives strategic growth across key digital service providers (DSPs) and high-impact partners, leading initiatives that increase streaming consumption, audience engagement, and revenue. This role owns partner strategy, go-to-market execution, and commercial innovation across priority accounts. You will operate at the intersection of music, data, marketing, and technology, shaping how repertoire is positioned and monetized in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. The ideal candidate is a strategic, data-driven leader and relationship builder with deep expertise in streaming platforms, digital marketing, and commercial partnerships.

How you'll CREATE:

Partner Strategy & Growth

Own and lead business strategy for priority DSPs, driving streaming growth, revenue, and market share

Serve as the primary point of contact between UMG labels and digital partners, aligning release priorities with platform opportunities

Identify and execute revenue-driving initiatives, including marketing campaigns, advertising strategies, and new monetization models

Pitch and position new releases, catalog campaigns, and artist initiatives to secure prominent editorial, playlisting, and promotional support

Develop innovative go-to-market strategies that maximize visibility and fan engagement across platforms

Data, Insights & Performance

Leverage streaming analytics, consumer insights, and market data to inform commercial decisions and optimize performance

Track and deliver on revenue targets and KPIs, identifying opportunities for incremental growth

Produce weekly, monthly, and ad hoc reporting on streaming trends, sales performance, and partner activity

Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for label teams and senior stakeholders

Analyze campaign and release performance to continuously refine strategy

Cross-Functional Leadership

Act as a strategic advisor to internal stakeholders, sharing DSP best practices, audience insights, and market trends

Collaborate with marketing, analytics, operations, and label teams to align on priorities and execution

Lead business reviews and executive presentations with internal teams and external partners

Drive internal alignment by communicating partner updates across product, marketing, and technology

Operations & Execution

Ensure seamless content delivery and metadata accuracy across platforms

Troubleshoot partner and system issues to maintain high-quality releases and reporting integrity

Build and optimize scalable processes and workflows to improve efficiency and execution

Establish and enforce best practices, standards, and operational frameworks across partners

Required Qualifications

5+ years of experience in digital partnerships, business operations, sales, marketing, or commercial strategy within music, media, digital content, or a related industry

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, or a related field

Strong understanding of the digital streaming ecosystem (DSPs), music industry landscape, and evolving consumer behavior

Demonstrated ability to leverage data analytics and performance metrics to inform strategy and drive decision-making

Proven track record of delivering revenue growth, audience engagement, and successful digital campaigns

Solid understanding of commercial drivers and financial fundamentals (e.g., P&L, forecasting, ROI analysis)

Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights

Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders and leading executive-level discussions

Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment

Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Office (or equivalent tools); ability to quickly learn new systems and platforms

Exceptional relationship management, collaboration, and negotiation skills

Experience working within a matrixed organization, partnering across teams such as marketing, analytics, and operations

Passion for music, with a strong grasp of industry trends, digital innovation, and audience development strategies

Consistent and punctual in-office attendance to support the Company’s strong collaborative and creative culture, mentor-mentee relationships, and participate in effective discussions and meetings, etc.

Ability to interact with management, coworkers, and third parties regularly and professionally (e.g., artists, artist management, third-party vendors, etc.)

Strong organizational skills, multi-tasking, and prioritizing capabilities.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, SAP, and any other system that is specific and required for the role.

Preferred Qualifications

MBA or Master’s degree in Business, Marketing, Analytics, or a related field

Direct experience managing relationships with major DSPs (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube), including joint business planning

Experience with digital advertising and performance marketing platforms (e.g., paid social, search, programmatic)

Perks Playlist

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

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

Salary Range: $79,650- $135,000

The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. All candidates are encouraged to apply.

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

Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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About Universal Music Group

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