Associate Director/Director, Commerce

About the Role UMG is seeking a strategic, data-driven Associate Director/Director of Commerce to lead commercial strategy and execution across Def Jam Recordings, DSPs and digital retail partners. This role focuses on driving streaming growth, maximizing partner opportunities, and developing innovative commercial strategies to accelerate artist performance and revenue across key digital platforms.

What You'll Do

• Develop, implement, and execute strategic commerce plans that support current and long-term artist, label, and business growth objectives.
• Lead commercial strategy across key DSPs and digital retail partners including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, Pandora, Deezer, SoundCloud, and emerging platforms.
• Develop partner-specific and cross-partner commercial initiatives to maximize consumption, audience growth, and revenue opportunities.
• Identify emerging digital trends, platform innovations, and consumer behaviors to inform strategy and drive competitive advantage.
• Ensure successful implementation and optimization of new partnerships, platform initiatives, and digital product opportunities.
• Serve as the primary commercial lead for priority releases, partnering with labels and DSPs to secure impactful placement, merchandising, editorial support, and marketing opportunities.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships across digital partners; act as trusted advisor internally and externally.
• Collaborate with label, marketing, audience development, and global digital teams to develop integrated release plans aligned with artist objectives and partner priorities.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to measure success across artists, campaigns, and digital partners.
• Analyze streaming, consumption, audience, and market data to identify growth opportunities and optimize strategies.
• Deliver actionable insights, performance reporting, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and label stakeholders.
• Partner with Marketing, Commercial Strategy, Audience Development, Finance, Business Intelligence, Global Digital Business, and Label teams to ensure execution.
• Collaborate with Digital Product and Technology teams to improve tools, reporting capabilities, workflows, and scalability.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing commerce team focused on collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Recruit, onboard, and develop talent while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Music Business, Communications, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 8–10+ years of progressive experience in digital music commerce, streaming, commercial partnerships, or digital business development within the music industry.
• Deep understanding of the digital music ecosystem, DSP business models, streaming economics, and digital retail strategies.
• Proven experience developing and executing successful commercial strategies that drive measurable streaming and revenue growth.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable business recommendations.
• Experience leading strategic partner relationships with major digital platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priority releases and large-scale initiatives.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and sound judgment.
• Passion for music, technology, digital innovation, and the evolving streaming landscape.

Nice to Have

• MBA preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• 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, meals, travel, and 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).