Senior Manager, Corporate Development

The Corporate Development and Strategy team is a highly visible team within UMG. The group serves Universal Music Group’s executive leadership, business units/labels and internal stakeholders with projects that span across M&A, artist deals, new business ventures, strategic planning, internal consulting, among others. The team is lean and committed to fostering a workplace culture that is fun, supportive and collaborative.

The Corporate Development and Strategy team is looking for a full-time Senior Manager to be based in Santa Monica, CA. The Senior Manager will analyze complex artist/business deals, lead strategic/planning projects, evaluate M&A opportunities, monitor competitor & market trends, and collaborate with key internal partners. The Senior Manager will have the opportunity to apply strategic and critical thinking in driving growth and profitability across the company’s diverse portfolio of businesses, including recorded music, publishing, merch, D2C, artist services, digital, tech, marketing, etc. The successful candidate is an analytical, proactive, and intellectually curious individual who can identify opportunities/risks, structure analyses, develop solutions and articulate findings. The Senior Manager will report to the US Head of Corporate Development and Strategy and will work closely with other team members.

How you’ll CREATE:

• Analyze complex artist deals in partnership with label finance teams

• Drive M&A processes to assess potential targets using valuation techniques, performing detailed due diligence a

• Conduct financial modeling of potential business ventures and JV partnerships

• Lead UMG’s prominent 5-year Strategic Plan, and perform ad hoc analyses/outputs of internal metrics

• Vet notable deals with UMG’s digital partners to support the Digital Strategy and Digital Analytics teams

• Perform industry and competitive analyses with strong understanding of market trends

• Author and communicate succinct presentations for senior management and other UMG leaders

• Facilitate execution of larger projects through guidance of and collaboration with junior team members

Bring you VIBE:

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in business, economics or another related field

• Strong financial modeling experience building operational models, valuations, new ventures, financial planning, etc. including use of Excel, Word and PowerPoint (Experience with HFM/SAP a plus)

• 7+ years of relevant work experience in finance, consulting/strategy, M&A, or similar field

• Prior relevant experience in the music industry preferred

• Analyze and communicate complex analyses and key findings for executives

• Take ownership of and drive forward projects independently

• Think critically and make problem solving decisions

• High level of intellectual curiosity, especially around music, technology, and entertainment

• Meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple assignments

• Quick and competent assessment of large or varied data sets

• Highly personable with strong team-working skills

• Experience with training and managing junior members preferred