
Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Investing
Universal Music Group
Los Angeles, CAThis is a Full Time Job
How we LEAD:
The Strategic Initiatives & Investing team is looking for a full-time Senior Manager based in Los Angeles, CA. This is a hands-on corporate development role whose primary focus is financial analysis, valuation, diligence, and transaction execution across M&A, catalog acquisitions in coordination with Chord Music Partners, artist and business deals, joint ventures, and growth investments. The Senior Manager will own discrete transaction and analytical workstreams, develop clear recommendations for senior leaders, and partner with stakeholders across recorded music, publishing, merchandise, D2C, artist services, digital, technology, and marketing. The role will report to the VP, M&A and Strategic Investments, and work closely with other team members. The successful candidate is analytical, proactive, intellectually curious, and able to turn complex information into practical recommendations.
How you'll CREATE:
• Build and own financial models, valuation analyses, and scenario assessments for potential M&A targets, artist and business deals, catalog acquisitions, joint venture partners, and other growth investments.
• Manage discrete transaction workstreams, including data requests, financial and commercial diligence, sensitivity analyses, and synthesis of key findings.
• Analyze deal economics and key terms, pressure-test operating assumptions, and identify value drivers, risks, and potential mitigants.
• Coordinate with business units and cross-functional partners, including Finance, Legal, Business Affairs, Tax, Accounting, and commercial teams, to gather inputs and advance evaluations.
• Conduct industry, market, and competitive research to inform valuation assumptions, strategic fit, and investment theses.
• Prepare concise, executive-ready presentations and recommendations for senior management and other VMG leaders; communicate complex analyses clearly and accurately.
• Support select strategic initiatives by structuring analyses around growth opportunities, revenue drivers, investment requirements, and business model implications.
• Maintain transaction materials and improve models, templates, trackers, and processes to support consistent and efficient decision-making.
• Support post-transaction reviews and performance tracking against the original investment case, where relevant.
Bring your VIBE:
• 3+ years of relevant work experience in investment banking, corporate development, music IP or catalog investing, private equity, transaction advisory, consulting or strategy with a strong financial focus, or a similar field.
• Direct experience with music IP, catalog investing, recorded music, publishing, or artist deal economics strongly preferred.
• Strong financial modeling and valuation experience, including operating models, DCF, IRR, scenario and sensitivity analyses, and new venture economics.
• Demonstrated ability to own analytical and diligence workstreams independently, with strong attention to detail and sound judgment.
• Proven ability to synthesize complex findings into concise executive recommendations and presentations.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; proficiency in Word required. Experience with HFM, SAP, or similar financial systems is a plus.
• High level of intellectual curiosity, particularly around music, technology, and entertainment, with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and risks.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly collaborative and personable, with strong interpersonal and team-working skills.
Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.
Salary/Benefits
$74,520 - $150,000 /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 own and operate a diverse range 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 to entertain fans globally. Additionally, UMG features a corporate development and investing team that collaborates with Virgin Music Group's leadership and various business units to evaluate and execute opportunities in M&A, artist and business deals, catalog acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic initiatives.