Director, Global Digital-Business Development & Emerging Platforms

At Sony Music Publishing (“SMP”) , we believe every voice matters. We are the #1 global music publisher, advancing the artistry of the world’s greatest songwriters and composers for over 25 years. We keep songwriters at the forefront of everything we do, and design our suite of services to amplify opportunities, build connections, and defend their rights. Our roster benefits from an international team committed to providing support at every career stage. From classic catalogues to contemporary hitmakers, history is always being written. We are a part of the Sony family of global companies. Learn more about SMP at https://www.sonymusicpub.com/en .

Why join Sony Music Group?

Here at Sony Music Group, we are shaping what’s next in a way that creates impact. Forging powerful new ideas at the heart of music, technology, and culture that entertain and move people.

This is your opportunity. Part of a global community, united by individual passion, rising to that challenge every day. Adapting at pace and supporting one another, inspired to influence the future. For the benefit of you, our people; our creators, our business, and wider society too.

Be a part of an organization that is creator first. Committed to fueling excellence and always imagining more, while fostering a supportive culture, one where we elevate each other and act responsibly.

About the Department

The Global Digital Team is primarily responsible for SMP’s direct digital licensing activities with a focus on multi-territory (Global & Multi-territory) & US direct deals. The team also provides strategic and commercial assistance and guidance in connection with national digital licenses that are not directly negotiated by the Global Digital Team or licenses that are subject to local or regional industry or collective solutions.

About the Role

You will partner with the Global Digital Team to shape and execute SMP’s AI Music licensing strategy—tracking the market, developing and prioritizing opportunities, supporting licensing negotiations, and coordinating with Legal on enforcement where needed.

What You’ll Do: ( job responsibilities )

Researching and Mapping the AI Music Eco-System

Map, research, and track key players and start-ups in AI Music, maintaining a clear internal knowledge base for the team

Conducting deep-dive research into individual AI players’ product, business models, business plans, funding rounds and other relevant public information

Keeping track of which AI companies SMP is currently in discussions with, or has already licensed

Being the team’s resident AI subject-matter expert, keeping “a finger on the pulse” in terms of latest trends and new market developments within AI Music and the wider Generative AI / LLM field

Collaborating closely with senior members of the Global Digital Team and SMP’s General Counsel to develop and continuously refine SMP’s high-level AI Music licensing strategy

Preparing and giving concise and relevant presentations for senior management (including CEO) summarizing “the State of AI Music”, SMP’s strategy and the latest status of SMP’s licensing and enforcement activities within the area

Generating New Business Leads

Responsible for identifying and generating new potential AI Music business opportunities, identifying and qualifying leads for licensing or, if necessary, enforcement

Setting up and leading explorative senior-level meetings with relevant start-ups and emerging players within AI Music, exploring potential partnership and licensing opportunities

Making well-reasoned internal recommendations on which leads to progress, developing actionable partnership / licensing strategies for specific companies

Networking within the wider music industry and AI Music ecosystem, participating in relevant industry events and conferences, representing SMP in a professional and approachable manner

Participating in Licensing Negotiations

Participating in negotiations of AI Music licensing deals, contributing thinking and ideas as well as in-depth understanding and analysis of the drivers of potential deals

Infusing the negotiations with subject-matter context / expertise and helping SMP implement a fit-for-purpose negotiating strategy which delivers successful licensing outcomes

Using relationships built with negotiation counterparties to keep negotiations constructive and on track

Helping team analyze and adjust negotiation strategy / approach “in real-time” to ensure successful conclusion of a license

Supporting Enforcement Activities

Helping the team identify and prioritize potential AI Music targets for enforcement

Supporting SMP’s legal team with expertise context, analysis and insights in connection with AI Music related enforcement action

Taking part in estimating and negotiating fair value settlements in connection with infringement

Who You Are:

Required Qualifications

Educated to degree level (legal, business or technical degree preferred)

6+ years of relevant experience working with business development / partnerships, law, or strategy within digital media, music, technology, or related industries

Experience evaluating emerging technology companies, business models, and strategic partnership opportunities

Strong analytical and research capabilities with ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights

Experience developing strategic recommendations supported by market intelligence and data analysis

Strong relationship-building and external networking capabilities across technology and entertainment sectors

Ability to independently conduct and lead introductory / exploratory meetings with senior representatives from client / partner organizations

Proven ability to influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders across business, legal, and commercial teams

Exceptional communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting to executive leadership

A self-starter, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving, and highly ambiguous environment

Preferred Qualifications

MBA, JD or LLM degree

Demonstrated knowledge of Generative AI, AI Music, LLM technologies, and evolving market trends

Background as a Lawyer, Business Developer, Management Consultant or in a similar type of professional client-facing role

Experience participating in complex commercial negotiations or partnership discussions

Prior experience in music publishing, recorded music, streaming, entertainment, or media technology industries

Exposure to international or multi-territory digital licensing environments

High-level understanding of music industry digital ecosystem, including licensing models and emerging platforms

Familiarity with copyright, licensing, intellectual property, or enforcement frameworks related to AI-generated content

Experience working with startups, venture-backed companies, consulting firm or emerging technology ecosystems

Passion for music, innovation, and emerging technologies shaping the future of content creation

What We Give You:

Our many benefits have something for everyone!

You join an inclusive, collaborative and global community where you have the opportunity to fuel the creative journey

A modern office environment designed to foster productivity, creativity, and teamwork

An attractive and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life & disability coverage, and 401K + employer matching

Voluntary benefits like company-paid identity theft protection and resources for pets, mental health and meditation resources, industry-leading fertility coverage, fully paid leave for childbirth or bonding, fully paid leave for caregivers, programs for loved ones with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity, subsidized back-up child and elder care, and reimbursement for adoption, surrogacy, tuition and student loans

We invest in your professi