Director - Music Publishing Licensing

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Music Publishing Licensing to spearhead global negotiations and drive revenue growth in the dynamic landscape of digital music. This role offers a unique chance to shape the future of music publishing, focusing on strategic partnerships and licensing agreements that align with the platform's innovative goals. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in music rights, a strong business acumen, and the ability to navigate complex negotiations across multiple territories. Join a forward-thinking company where your expertise will directly impact the evolution of the music industry.

Qualifications

• 7-8+ years of experience in music publishing or streaming.
• Strong understanding of digital music rights landscape in Europe.
• Experience negotiating complex rights deals across territories.

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiations for commercial licensing agreements in digital music.
• Identify new licensing opportunities aligned with strategic goals.
• Manage relationships for commercial negotiations and partnerships.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Business Acumen

Understanding of Digital Music Rights

Strategic Thinking

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

Legal Background

Business Degree

Job description

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Director - Music Publishing Licensing, London

Job details:

• Client:
• Location: London, United Kingdom
• Job Category: Other
• EU work permit required: Yes
• Job Reference: 32434f5fa865
• Job Views: 21
• Posted: 07.05.2025
• Expiry Date: 21.06.2025

Job Description:

SoundCloud empowers artists and fans to connect and share through music. Founded in 2007, SoundCloud is an artist-first platform providing tools, services, and resources for artists to grow their careers. With over 400 million tracks from 40 million artists, it shapes the future of music.

The company seeks a leader in music publishing and partnerships with expertise in copyright, licensing, technology, and the creator economy to lead negotiations globally with publishers, collecting societies, PROs, and songwriters. This role offers a unique opportunity at the forefront of digital media, technology, and music, impacting how music is created, consumed, and shared worldwide.

As the Content Music Publishing Licensing Expert, responsibilities include renewing and managing agreements with music publishers, societies, and PROs worldwide, handling licensing requests, and leading music publishing strategy. The focus is on negotiating commercial terms, managing partnerships, and driving revenue, especially in Europe, supporting SoundCloud's business model and value proposition.

Based in Berlin or London, you will be part of the Content Licensing & Partnerships team within Business & Legal Affairs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead negotiations for licensing agreements with collecting societies, publishers, and PROs to drive growth and manage costs.
• Identify and secure new licensing opportunities aligned with strategic goals.
• Manage external relationships and lead negotiations.
• Collaborate internally to optimize agreements, growth, and risk management.
• Develop strategies to enhance market position and revenue.
• Negotiate partnerships and joint ventures.
• Advise on licensing strategies and contractual obligations.
• Assess and mitigate business risks in music distribution.
• Align product development with licensing strategies.
• Represent SoundCloud in industry forums and events.

Experience and Background:

• 7-8+ years in relevant roles, preferably with a legal or business background, with at least 4 years in music publishing, streaming, or related tech sectors handling rights transactions.
• Strong business acumen and cost management skills.
• Deep understanding of digital music rights in the US, UK, and Europe, with experience in DSPs or UGC platforms.
• Proven negotiation skills across multiple territories.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in fast-paced environments.
• Strategic, creative, and pragmatic problem solver.
• Resilient, self-aware, values-driven, with a strong network in the music/media/tech industry.
• Fluent in English; additional European languages are a plus.