Director, Business Development

Location: Greater London

## What Does This Director, Business Development Role Involve?### 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 Uni Global Rights & Society Relations at UMGThe Global Rights & Society Relations team plays a vital role in maximising the value of UMG’s neighbouring rights portfolio and ensuring our artists and labels are represented fairly and effectively across the global rights ecosystem.

The team partners closely with labels, creators, collective management organisations and industry bodies to protect, manage and grow neighbouring rights income in a fast-evolving marketplace.

Through Perform Neighbouring Rights, UMG’s bespoke neighbouring rights agency, the team delivers tailored, high-quality services to a diverse roster of recording artists and labels, combining commercial insight with deep technical expertise to support sustainable growth and long-term client success.###

The Role This role drives the continued growth and commercial success of UMG’s neighbouring rights business, with a focus on Perform Neighbouring Rights, by expanding its client base, negotiating competitive agreements, and delivering consistently exceptional client service. Success in the role is measured by revenue growth, client retention, quality of partnerships, and the organisation’s reputation within the global neighbouring rights community.

This is a highly collaborative, external facing role with significant influence across UMG’s global rights strategy.###

Key Responsibilities Drives new business growth by identifying, pitching to, and converting prospective artist and label clients into long-term partnerships.  Partners with the VP, Business Development to develop and execute strategic client acquisition initiatives.  Develops and delivers high-quality pitch materials that clearly articulate Perform Neighbouring Rights’ value proposition.  Negotiates commercial terms with managers, lawyers, labels and internal stakeholders to secure competitive, sustainable agreements.  

Builds and maintains strong internal partnerships across UMG labels, Universal Music Publishing and key third-party organisations.  Oversees the deal approval process in collaboration with the Director, Finance & Business Analysis and senior leadership.  Works closely with the Client Account Manager to deliver a best-in-class service experience, supporting contract renewals and long-term client retention.  Represents Perform Neighbouring Rights and UMG at industry forums and events, identifying new opportunities and strengthening market presence.###

Must Have### Skills and Experience Required Demonstrated success in…