📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: International Marketing Manager
🔹 Company: Universal Music Group
🔹 Location: Kings Cross, London
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Marketing, Streaming & Digital Media
🔹 Date Posted: June 19, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading international marketing campaigns for artists across the label network
- Acting as the initial point of contact for international campaign-related queries from label partners
- Liaising with global teams to ensure consistent, effective campaign execution across markets
- Offering guidance and strategic input on self-managed campaigns run by distribution clients
- Supporting business development teams and label managers with service pitches and presentations for key accounts
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the global music market and proven experience in international marketing or related fields. Excellent interpersonal skills and a strategic mindset are also crucial for success in this position.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the planning, execution, and oversight of international marketing campaigns for artists across the label network
✅ Act as the initial point of contact for all international campaign-related queries from label partners
✅ Liaise with Virgin Music Group teams globally to ensure consistent, effective campaign execution across markets
✅ Offer guidance and strategic input on self-managed campaigns run by distribution clients
✅ Support business development teams and label managers with service pitches and presentations for key accounts
✅ Track and manage international campaign budgets, ensuring effective spend and return
✅ Provide central commercial teams (digital and physical) with timely campaign information and relevant marketing budget updates
✅ Continuously monitor market trends, platform developments, and media strategies to inform campaign best practices
✅ Facilitate cross-territory collaboration and knowledge-sharing between internal and external stakeholders
✅ Represent the voice of the label and artist within UMG, advocating for their creative and strategic goals internationally
ASSUMPTION: The role involves managing complex, multifaceted campaigns with clarity, empathy, and innovation, always keeping the artists' success at the heart of everything.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: Proven experience in one or more of the following areas: international marketing, domestic marketing, label management, distribution, publishing, or senior-level freelance campaign roles
Required Skills:
- Strong understanding of the global music market, including media ecosystems, platform dynamics, commercial structures, and release strategies
- Practical knowledge of how independent labels operate and the unique challenges they face
- Familiarity with global distribution infrastructure and the opportunities it offers to artists and labels
- Ability to manage and adapt campaign strategies across a variety of genres and cultural markets
- Excellent interpersonal skills, able to communicate confidently, clearly, and sensitively with a wide range of stakeholders
- Strategic mindset with the flexibility to support the evolving nature of the VMG business
- Data fluency and the ability to quickly adopt new internal systems or tech platforms
- Self-starter attitude with the ability to work independently and prioritize a fast-paced workload
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in multiple languages
- Experience working with artists from diverse cultural backgrounds
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a deep respect for creative integrity and a genuine passion for the independent music space.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £45,000 - £60,000 per annum (based on experience and industry standards for a mid-senior level marketing role in London)
Benefits:
- Group Personal Pension Scheme (contributions between 3% and 9%)
- Private Medical Insurance
- 25 days of annual leave (plus public holidays)
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Interest-Free Season Ticket Loan
- Dental and Travel Insurance Options
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Salary Sacrifice Cars
- Subsidised Gym Membership
- Employee Discounts via Reward Gateway
Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), Monday to Friday
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-senior level marketing role in London. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Entertainment Providers
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Global leader in music-based entertainment)
Founded: 1890 (as a record label, part of Vivendi since 2000)
Company Description:
- Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, supporting a global family of labels, artists, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of sound.
- UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world.
- The company is committed to building an inclusive workplace where diverse voices are celebrated and everyone can thrive creatively, professionally, and personally.
Company Specialties:
- Recorded music
- Music publishing
- Merchandising
- Audiovisual content
Company Website: Universal Music Group
ASSUMPTION: Universal Music Group is a large, global organization with a wide range of opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Head of International Marketing, Virgin Music Group
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time (37.5 hours per week), Monday to Friday
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a senior leadership role within the international marketing team or another department within UMG
- Expanding the scope of responsibilities to include additional territories or artist rosters
- Developing expertise in new areas, such as artist services, digital strategy, or data analysis
ASSUMPTION: Universal Music Group offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development, both within the international marketing team and across the broader organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with state-of-the-art facilities
Office Location(s): Kings Cross, London
Geographic Context:
- Kings Cross is a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood in central London, with excellent transport links and a wide range of amenities
- The office is located near Granary Square, a popular food and drink destination with numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes
- The area is also home to several art galleries, museums, and cultural attractions
Work Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), Monday to Friday, with flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours
ASSUMPTION: The Kings Cross location offers a dynamic, multicultural work environment with easy access to public transportation and numerous amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and CV screening
- Phone or video call with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the international marketing team
- Final interview with the Head of International Marketing, Virgin Music Group
- Background check and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Global market knowledge and understanding of the independent music landscape
- Campaign management skills and strategic thinking
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Adaptability and cultural sensitivity
- Data analysis and problem-solving abilities
Application Tips:
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the global music market and independent music scene
- Showcase your campaign management skills and strategic approach to marketing
- Prepare examples of successful international marketing campaigns you've worked on or led
- Be ready to discuss your cultural sensitivity and adaptability in a global work environment
ATS Keywords: International Marketing, Campaign Management, Global Music Market, Independent Music, Label Management, Distribution, Publishing, Artist Services, Strategic Thinking, Interpersonal Skills, Data Analysis, Cultural Sensitivity
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills throughout the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok)
- Music industry-specific software and platforms (e.g., SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Music)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are industry-standard and widely used in the music and marketing sectors.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Artistry
- Innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Inclusion
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Global and collaborative
- Adaptable and flexible
- Data-driven and strategic
- Creative and innovative
- Committed to continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Universal Music Group's commitment to artistry and innovation in the music industry?
- How comfortable are you working in a dynamic, global environment with diverse cultural perspectives?
- How do you approach continuous learning and improvement in your role?
ASSUMPTION: Universal Music Group values candidates who are passionate about music, committed to innovation, and eager to collaborate in a global work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing complex, multifaceted campaigns across multiple territories and genres
- Navigating cultural differences and language barriers in international collaborations
- Balancing the creative vision of artists and labels with commercial realities and market demands
- Keeping up with the rapidly evolving music industry and digital landscape
ASSUMPTION: The role presents unique challenges that require strong communication, adaptability, and strategic thinking to overcome.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on international marketing for independent artists and labels within the Universal Music Group
- Unlike other international marketing roles, this position requires a deep understanding of the independent music landscape and the unique challenges faced by independent labels
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior leadership positions within the international marketing team or other departments within UMG
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work with independent artists and labels on a global scale, with potential for career growth and development within the Universal Music Group.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing an international marketing campaign for an independent artist, from release strategy to post-release analysis
- Collaborating with global teams to ensure consistent, effective campaign execution across multiple territories
- Managing international campaign budgets, ensuring effective spend and return on investment
- Facilitating cross-territory collaboration and knowledge-sharing between internal and external stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a wide range of projects, from strategic campaign planning to hands-on execution and analysis.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader international marketing strategy for Universal Music Group?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
- How does the international marketing team collaborate with other departments within Universal Music Group?
- What opportunities are there for career growth and development within the international marketing team or the broader organization?
- How does Universal Music Group support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Universal Music Group careers portal
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of successful international marketing campaigns you've worked on or led
- Research the global music market and independent music scene to demonstrate your industry knowledge
- Practice your interview skills and be ready to discuss your cultural sensitivity and adaptability in a global work environment
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
