Director, Legal Employment and Compliance Counsel - London, N1C 4AG

Director, Legal Employment and Compliance Counsel - London, N1C 4AG, United Kingdom

About Us

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.

A Day in the Life

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.

Typical activities include:

• 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

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.

Your Impact as Director Employment and Compliance Counsel

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.

Skills and Experience Required

• Qualified employment lawyer with at least 4-5 years’ post-qualification experience in employment law.

• Proven track record advising on UK and international employment matters, ideally from a multinational law firm or in-house environment, ideally in a media, music or broader entertainment environment.

• Demonstrable experience handling executive agreements, litigation, complex workplace investigations, redundancy processes, and TUPE transfers.

• Strong drafting and negotiating skills with extensive experience developing employment contracts, settlement agreements, and related documentation.

• Familiarity with corporate transactions (M&A), providing employment-related due diligence, documentation, consultation, and integration planning.

• Experience developing employment policies, compliance frameworks, and providing effective training to diverse stakeholder groups.

• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to provide pragmatic, commercially focused advice and effectively manage stakeholder relationships.

Why Join UMG

When you join Universal Music Group, you become part of a vibrant, creative, and culturally diverse environment at the forefront of the music industry. We offer rewarding careers, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a workplace where your contributions make a tangible impact. At UMG, you'll collaborate with talented colleagues, drive meaningful change, and help shape the future of music and entertainment.

Your Reward and Benefits

At UMG, we recognise and reward your contributions through competitive compensation and extensive benefits, including:

• Competitive salary reflective of your experience and contribution

• Generous annual leave entitlement

• Private healthcare and wellness initiatives

• Pension scheme with employer contributions

• Employee assistance programme and mental health resources

• Discounts on music, merchandise, events, and products

• Comprehensive training and career development opportunities

• A dynamic and inclusive workplace culture focused on professional growth and well-being

• Hybrid working – 4 days per week in the London office