Director, Legal and Compliance Counsel

Director, Legal Employment and Compliance Counsel

Music is Universal. It’s the passionate and dedicated team at Universal Music who help make us the world’s leading music company. From A&R to finance, legal to digital, sales to marketing, Universal Music is the place to grow and develop your career within a truly commercial and innovative business that leads in everything it does. Everyone is welcome to apply for our roles, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment because of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, age, marital status, background, pregnancy, or caring responsibilities.

We also recognise the importance of diversity of thought within our teams and are fully committed to embracing the talents of people with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other forms of neurocognitive variation. We will always seek to make appropriate adjustments to recruitment, workplaces, and work processes to be fully inclusive to people with different needs and working styles.

Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world’s leading music company, committed to artistry, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Our extensive catalogue encompasses the most renowned artists globally, and we proudly foster a creative environment that values diversity, inclusion, and excellence. At UMG, we believe that our people are the heart of our business, and we strive to nurture a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture.

As Director Employment and Compliance Counsel your days will be diverse and engaging. You will provide trusted legal advice on various employment issues, collaborate closely with the People, Inclusion & Culture (PIC) department, and senior management, navigating both UK-specific and international employment law considerations. You will draft critical documentation, manage employment-related disputes, oversee consultancy agreements, advise on complex projects involving mergers and acquisitions, and lead strategic employment initiatives.

• Drafting and negotiating executive contracts, bonus schemes, consultancy and settlement agreements.
• Advising daily on employment-related issues arising across the business supporting the People Inclusion and Culture team on operations, business partnering, learning and talent issues.
• Conducting and drafting preliminary employment litigation matters. Coordinating and overseeing employment litigation with external counsel when necessary.
• Providing employment law guidance for global corporate transactions such as acquisitions, mergers, and divestments.
• Supporting redundancy and TUPE processes, including consultations and related documentation.
• Drafting, reviewing, and updating company employment policies.
• Advising and supporting internal investigations and managing conflict of interest disclosures.
• Proactively developing and delivering legal employment training.
• Developing and delivering effective employment compliance training.
• Assisting with European Works Council meetings preparation.

Our ideal candidate is a confident, collaborative, and highly organised professional with strong commercial awareness. You have a pragmatic, business‑oriented approach, excellent communication skills, and the capability to foster productive relationships across multiple departments and stakeholders. With an adaptable, proactive mindset, you thrive in a fast‑paced global matrix environment and demonstrate professionalism and integrity in every interaction.

As our Director Employment and Compliance Counsel you will significantly shape our employment practices, influencing both strategic decisions and daily operations. Your expertise will ensure compliance and manage risk effectively, while your guidance will empower our leadership to handle complex employment matters confidently and sensitively. Ultimately, your role will be pivotal in nurturing a fair, compliant, and innovative workplace culture across UMG’s UK and international operations.

• Qualified employment lawyer with at least 4‑5 years’…