Director, Commercial Partnerships - Santa Monica, 90404

Director, Commercial Partnerships - Santa Monica, 90404, United States of America

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 youll 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

• Ensure seamless content delivery and metadata accuracy across platforms
• 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

Bring your VIBE:

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
• Bachelors 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
• Proven 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
• Exceptional relationship management, collaboration, and negotiation skills
• Experience working within a matrixed organization, partnering across teams such as marketing, analytics, and operations
• Passion for music, with a strong grasp of industry trends, digital innovation, and audience development strategies
• Consistent and punctual in-office attendance to support the Companys strong collaborative and creative culture, mentor-mentee relationships, and participate in effective discussions and meetings, etc.
• Ability to interact with management, coworkers, and third parties regularly and professionally (e.g., artists, artist management, third-party vendors, etc.).
• Strong organizational skills, multi-tasking, and prioritizing capabilities.
• 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 Masters 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