Head of Brand Partnerships

Main purpose of role

We are the world’s leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audio-visual content in more than 60 countries.

Universal Music has been one of the first record companies to enter the digital space (mobile, internet, TV, social media) as well as to provide tailor-made, innovative and business effective entertainment consumer solutions and marketing packages for brands, with dedicated international and local UMG & Brand teams.

We are currently looking for a Head of Brand Partnerships to join our Universal Music Southern & East Africa based in Rosebank. This position will primarily focus on generating significant new business via a strategic solution-based approach of cultural music and marketing for brands and creative/media agency clients at regional levels. Inspirational and passionate, solution-orientated, business-centric, numbers-enthusiast and music-driven profile is a must.

Responsibilities

Commercial acumen

• Responsible for generating leads and active briefs. Lead the UMG for Brands response, build compelling brand marketing packages, business models, proposals, presentation decks and prepare pitch teams for negotiations and project initiation.
• Ability to build a pipeline of potential brand partners and useful contacts and own a strategy of revenue development through opportunity qualification processes.

Be Operational

• Responsible for leading and the daily management of a skilled team of 3 experienced music marketing and partnership experts
• As a member of the management team, you will liaise and collaborate with other senior members of the team in order to deliver best-in-class work.
• Own end to end process of identifying opportunities, pitching and responding to client briefs; leveraging different skillsets in the wider team (e.g. Insight, Creative, Commercial) to win business
• Build knowledge of UMG for Brands best practices and ensure these are effectively leveraged in our conversations with brands.

Be Strategic

• Support & develop a POV on the evolving cultural marketing/ branding/ media landscape to secure new business opportunities that are innovative and cutting edge.
• Understand the world of brands across multi-industries, identify trends and opportunities.
• Support the Business on ad-hoc strategic initiatives. Including research, strategic analysis and advise on clear and structured recommendations for board level presentation.
• Suggest clear rationale/s for how we can evolve our music/ cultural brand partnership offering within our industry and beyond.
• Become a go-to knowledge base within the team for brand/agency excellence in the marketplace, recognizing the ground-breaking campaigns and an up-to-date resource on music/cultural marketing trends.

Key Performance Metrics

• Client Billings: Revenue generated for the group, via direct client pitches.
• Client Relationships: Becoming a respected and trusted partner of key brand clients driving up selling opportunities and repeat business.
• Internal Relationships: Becoming a respected and trusted partner of key internal UMG stakeholders and departments.

Person specification

• Proven track record working in a Brand/Agency Marketing/Business Development environment (or equivalent)
• Deep network of brand and agency contacts
• Experienced in leadership.
• A strong interest in and knowledge of digital and entertainment industries
• Strong working knowledge of the brand and media landscape
• An entrepreneurial spirit and proactive approach
• A team player with the ability to motivate colleagues and work with different personalities
• Ability to work to short time frames/deadlines and to work closely with senior management
• Excellent business acumen, interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Must work with integrity and honesty
• Excellent MS office skills, especially PowerPoint or equivalent
• Ability to work autonomously ad with minimal direction
• Desire and ability to work within an international environment
• Strong passion for music and music culture

Education

• Marketing degree or related qualification
• At least 3-5 years’ experience in the Brands & Partnership landscape

Diversity and inclusion

Universal Music is an equal opportunities employer and committed to the principle of diversity.

Disclaimer

The company presents this job description as a guide to the major areas and duties for which the jobholder is accountable.  However, the business operates in an environment that demands change and the jobholder's specific responsibilities and activities will vary and develop.  Therefore, the job description should be seen as indicative and not as a permanent, definitive, and exhaustive statement.

Apply to: zahr@umusic.com                                                    Deadline for applications: 30 October 2025

If you have not heard from Universal Music within 14 days, please deem your application unsuccessful.

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