VP Legal Employment & Compliance Counsel

About the Role

As Vice President, Employment Legal and Compliance, you will be a senior leader shaping employment legal strategy and strengthening compliance frameworks across a dynamic creative organization. You will partner with labels and corporate teams, i.e., across UK and international counterparts, to provide clear, commercially focused employment advice and robust compliance frameworks that support creativity, performance and long-term growth.

A day in the life

• Advise executive and senior leaders, people business partners and Legal colleagues on complex and high‑profile employment matters including day‑to‑day advisory work, restructures, investigations, senior exits, policy issues and organisational change.
• Lead on the most sensitive and high‑risk employment law issues, bringing sound judgement, strategic perspective and commercial pragmatism.
• Oversee employment tribunal claims and other contentious matters, managing external counsel where required.
• Guide disciplinary, grievance, redundancy and TUPE processes with clarity and fairness.
• Review and shape employment policies in line with UK legislation, business priorities and inclusive best practice.
• Monitor regulatory developments and strengthen employment compliance and governance frameworks.
• Provide oversight and direction on day‑to‑day conflict of interest compliance processes.
• Work across UK and international teams to deliver a seamless employment law and compliance service.
• Translate legal complexity into practical, balanced advice that enables confident decision‑making while protecting our people and reputation.

Your Impact

• Provide strategic, risk‑based employment law advice to senior stakeholders and people business partners.
• Lead on high‑risk and sensitive matters with sound judgement, credibility and integrity.
• Strengthen employment compliance and governance across the UK business.
• Support the development of fair, transparent and inclusive people practices.
• Contribute to the wider Legal function and cross‑functional initiatives.
• Your expertise will help create a workplace that is legally robust, commercially confident and aligned to our values.

Who will thrive here

• Deep knowledge of UK employment law and some experience of international jurisdictions.
• Experience advising senior stakeholders and people business partners on complex matters.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Strong analytical skills, strategic perspective and sound commercial judgement.
• Ability to communicate clearly and influence with credibility, driven by the development of strong relationships.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to inclusive practice.
• Understanding of working internationally across US, ME and Asia time zones.
• Prior music industry experience is not required; enthusiasm for applying expertise in a creative, fast‑moving environment is welcomed.

Rewards and Benefits at UMG UK

Working at UMG UK is more than just a role. It is a total package designed to support you professionally and personally.

Financial

• Group Income Protection
• Life Assurance
• Pension Scheme
• Mortgage Advice Service

Health and Wellbeing

• Private Medical Insurance
• Annual Health Assessment
• Calm App subscription
• Digital Private GP scheme

Family Friendly

• Equal Family Leave Policy
• Elder Care Concierge Service
• Family Leave Coaching
• Partner and Carer's Network

Music, Tech and Perks

• Apple Music annual subscription
• Discounts and cashback rewards platform
• Employee free products
• Long Service Awards

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can belong, express themselves authentically and bring something unique to our shared passion for music. We value different perspectives and experiences, and we actively work to ensure that all colleagues feel seen, supported, respected and heard.

Job Category

Universal Music Group