Senior Manager, Artist Insights & Strategy

Job Description

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world’s leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.

UMG’s Global Insight team manages the most powerful and effective data sets and research capabilities in the music industry. As well as utilizing sales, commercial / partner data, and social media analytics, the Global Insight team manages extensive consumer data from around the world, delivering unique detail into evolving attitudes and behaviors of today’s music consumers.

Global Insight is a 15+ staff team, with presence in London, New York and Los Angeles. This role is based in either New York or Los Angeles reporting directly to the Senior Director (who is based in London), supporting the Artist Insights & Strategy team.

The Artist Insights & Strategy team leads strategic insights and research for Universal Music Group’s esteemed record labels and business units. Our department supports marketing, streaming, e-commerce, creative and A&R label teams for a range of artists; from emerging acts to global superstars. You will get the chance to work with the world’s top label groups including IGA, Republic Records, Island Records, and many others. As such, a passion and knowledge of artists / music trends further afield is required.

This role calls for an enthusiastic and pro-active team player and music enthusiast, who will be will be leading and executing artist research projects from start to finish – analyzing and tracking the audiences of our artists, dissecting artist brands to uncover their unique DNA, exploring perceptions and engagement across key markets, deriving actionable insights that are presented to teams across the business, directly influencing release campaigns, marketing strategies, audience, and product development.

How you'll CREATE:

• 8+ years in a client facing insights & strategy focused role
• Research expertise is required; from social analytics to quant qualitative + quantitative research
• Proven brand strategy / consultancy experience in the media entertainment / creative sphere. Music experience is valued
• An ability to see the “bigger picture” and develop strategic recommendations is essential. We value analytical minds + creative/strategic thinking equally
• Fanatical about music and pop culture. An ability to speak confidently about artists & new music spanning multiple genres (Hip Hop, RnB, Pop etc.) is essential
• Exceptionally strong communication and presentation skills. This role will require the candidate to deliver artist insight reports to labels / artist managers in a compelling way, and to answer ad-hoc questions in a considered manner
• The candidate will be able to take a holistic approach when responding to client questions, utilizing the team’s macro learnings and industry knowledge
• Working closely with & managing/mentoring the Artist Insights & Strategy Manager based in Los Angeles on a day-to-day basis on ongoing artist projects
• Supporting the Senior Director of Artists Insights & Strategy based in London

• Conducting analysis using multiple data sources (e.g. commercial / sales data, social media analytics, cultural trends, desk research); leveraging insights, creative & strategic thinking throughout development, building powerful narratives with multiple data sources
• The ability to create clear, structured, and visually compelling Keynote presentations, and to present them in a clear and compelling way; well versed with creating themes and turning data into insights
• Excellent analytical and research skills. Experience to include (but not limited to) social media listening tools analysis, data visualization, report writing, survey set-up, design and analysis (e.g. cross tab analysis)
• Comfortable with large data sets with an ability to bring data to life in an intelligent and compelling way (storytelling)
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel expertise is essential) and social analytics
• The ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Be able to prioritize, work to tight deadlines and have a strong sense of initiative
• Passionate about research and analysis, as well as a passion for music / entertainment and pop culture
• Naturally curious and inquisitive about consumer behavior
• Strong attention to detail, organization skills, project management
• Strong communication and writing skills

Valued but not essential:

• SQL knowledge
• Basic/advanced knowledge of the Adobe suite including Photoshop (or equivalent) is a plus
• Ability to speak a second language

Perks Playlist:

• Competitive Compensation Package including Salary, Benefits and Generous 401k Savings Plan with company matching
• Flexible Paid Time Off plus Paid Holidays, 2 week “Winter Break” & Wellness Fridays (year-round)
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Tuition Reimbursement (after 12 months of service)
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (for you and your loved ones)
• Annual Well-Being Allowance which includes Fitness, Travel, Home Enhancements, Nutrition, and Spa Treatment Reimbursements

Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All UMG employees are currently required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide proof of a negative PCR or Antigen test before entering any Company offices unless they have been approved for an exemption or unless prohibited by applicable law.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.