Jobs · Business Development · California

Director, Commercial Partnerships

Universal Music Group · Santa Monica, CA · 2 wk ago
Business Development$80k–$135k/yrFull-time

How We LEAD

The 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

  • 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

  • Prominent 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

  • Advanced 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)

  • Familiarity with audience growth strategies, playlisting ecosystems, and content merchandising on streaming platforms

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