Operations Manager
Universal Music Group
New York, NYThis is a Full Time Job
As our business continues to expand, we are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Production & Operations Manager to play a key role in delivering operational excellence across our Artist & Label Partnerships division.
Reporting to the Executive Vice President, Artist & Label Partnerships, the Production & Operations Manager is responsible for leading the operational planning and delivery of Republic Collective's release schedule, ensuring physical and digital products are executed efficiently, accurately and on time.
Acting as the primary operational contact for a portfolio of independent labels and artist partners, you will oversee release management from planning through delivery, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure a seamless release process and an exceptional partner experience.
Working cross-functionally with Commercial, Marketing, Digital Operations, Supply Chain, Finance and International teams, you will drive operational excellence, identify opportunities to improve workflows and help shape scalable processes that support the continued growth of Republic Collective.
This is a highly collaborative role requiring strong music industry expertise, exceptional organizational skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with partners across the independent music community.
How you'll CREATE:
Production & Operations Management
• Own the operational delivery of Republic Collective's physical and digital release schedule across a portfolio of independent labels and artists.
• Lead release planning from product set-up through to commercial delivery, ensuring all milestones are achieved on time and to the highest quality standards.
• Develop and manage production timelines and critical paths across multiple concurrent projects.
• Coordinate physical manufacturing, digital distribution, metadata, artwork and asset delivery to ensure release readiness.
• Partner closely with Commercial, Marketing, Digital Operations, Supply Chain, Finance and International teams to deliver successful release campaigns.
• Monitor release progress, identify operational risks and implement solutions to ensure delivery against deadlines.
• Maintain best practice across production, release management and operational processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, scalability and partner experience.
Artist & Label Partnerships
• Act as the primary operational relationship manager for Republic Collective's independent label and artist partners.
• Build trusted, long-term relationships through exceptional communication, responsiveness and service.
• Advise partners on production timelines, release planning, manufacturing and distribution best practices.
• Manage expectations effectively while balancing partner needs with business priorities.
• Collaborate across Universal Music Group to deliver a seamless and market-leading partner experience.
Business Operations & Process Improvement
• Support the ongoing development and optimization of Republic Collective's production and operational workflows.
• Analyze operational performance and recommend improvements that increase efficiency and scalability.
• Prepare release reporting, operational updates and business insights for senior leadership.
• Contribute to business planning and cross-functional projects that support the continued growth of Artist & Label Partnerships.
• Champion best practice across release management, metadata integrity and operational delivery.
• Lead or support strategic operational initiatives as the business evolves.
Bring your VIBE:
You'll be an experienced operations professional who enjoys balancing project management, stakeholder engagement and operational delivery within a fast-moving music business.
• Demonstrable experience in music production, label operations, distribution or supply chain management.
• A strong understanding of both physical manufacturing and digital music distribution.
• Proven experience managing complex release schedules across multiple projects and stakeholders.
• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of the independent music landscape.
• Experience driving operational excellence and improving business processes.
• Outstanding organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with the confidence to make decisions and deliver results.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Experience with music metadata, release management systems and digital supply chain platforms is highly desirable.
• A genuine passion for music and supporting the independent artist and label community.
Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.
Job Category:Manufacturing, Logistics & Supply Chain
Salary/Benefits
$45,010 - $75,000 /year USD
The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors.
Benefits
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services
• Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants
• Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
• 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution
• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees
• 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees
• 2-weeks paid Winter Break
• 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)
• Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)
• Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent
Perks
• Join an entrepreneurial, global organization where authenticity, boldness, creativity, connection, drive
Additional Information
Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world's leading music company, committed to artistry, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content across more than 60 countries. UMG identifies and develops recording artists and songwriters, producing, distributing, and promoting critically acclaimed and commercially successful music. Republic Collective, a division of UMG, partners with a diverse community of independent labels and artists, offering market-leading physical and digital distribution services. By combining UMG's scale, expertise, and global reach with a partner-first approach, Republic Collective provides operational, commercial, and distribution solutions that empower independent music businesses to thrive.
