Director, Global Digital-Business Development & Emerging Platforms

About the Department The Global Digital Team is primarily responsible for SMP’s direct digital licensing activities with a focus on multi‑territory (Global & Multi‑territory) and U.S. direct deals. The team also provides strategic and commercial assistance and guidance in connection with national digital licenses that are not directly negotiated by the Global Digital Team or licenses that are subject to local or regional industry or collective solutions. About the Role You will partner with the Global Digital Team to shape and execute SMP’s AI Music licensing strategy—tracking the market, developing and prioritising opportunities, supporting licensing negotiations, and coordinating with Legal on enforcement where needed. Researching and Mapping the AI Music Eco‑System Map, research, and track key players and start‑ups in AI Music, maintaining a clear internal knowledge base for the team Conduct deep‑dive research into individual AI players’ product, business models, business plans, funding rounds and other relevant public information Keep track of which AI companies SMP is currently in discussions with, or has already licensed Act as the team’s resident AI subject‑matter expert, keeping a finger on the pulse in terms of latest trends and new market developments within AI Music and the wider Generative AI / LLM field Collaborate closely with senior members of the Global Digital Team and SMP’s General Counsel to develop and continuously refine SMP’s high‑level AI Music licensing strategy Prepare and give concise and relevant presentations for senior management (including CEO) summarising the state of AI Music, SMP’s strategy and the latest status of SMP’s licensing and enforcement activities within the area Generating New Business Leads Identify and generate new potential AI Music business opportunities, qualifying leads for licensing or, if necessary, enforcement Set up and lead exploratory senior‑level meetings with relevant start‑ups and emerging players within AI Music, exploring potential partnership and licensing opportunities Make well‑reasoned internal recommendations on which leads to progress, developing actionable partnership / licensing strategies for specific companies Network within the wider music industry and AI Music ecosystem, participating in relevant industry events and conferences, representing SMP in a professional and approachable manner Participating in Licensing Negotiations Participate in negotiations of AI Music licensing deals, contributing thinking and ideas as well as in‑depth understanding and analysis of the drivers of potential deals Infuse the negotiations with subject‑matter context / expertise and help SMP implement a fit‑for‑purpose negotiating strategy which delivers successful licensing outcomes Use relationships built with negotiation counterparties to keep negotiations constructive and on track Help the team analyse and adjust negotiation strategy / approach “in real‑time” to ensure successful conclusion of a license Supporting Enforcement Activities Help the team identify and prioritise potential AI Music targets for enforcement Support SMP’s legal team with expertise context, analysis and insights in connection with AI Music related enforcement action Take part in estimating and negotiating fair value settlements in connection with infringement Required Qualifications Who You Are Educated to degree level (legal, business or technical degree preferred) 6+ years of relevant experience working with business development / partnerships, law, or strategy within digital media, music, technology, or related industries Experience evaluating emerging technology companies, business models, and strategic partnership opportunities Strong analytical and research capabilities with ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights Experience developing strategic recommendations supported by market intelligence and data analysis Strong relationship‑building and external networking capabilities across technology and entertainment sectors Ability to independently conduct and lead introductory / exploratory meetings with senior representatives from client / partner organisations Proven ability to influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders across business, legal, and commercial teams Exceptional communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting to executive leadership A self‑starter, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, evolving, and highly ambiguous environment Preferred Qualifications MBA, JD or LLM degree Demonstrated knowledge of Generative AI, AI Music, LLM technologies, and evolving market trends Background as a lawyer, business developer, management consultant or in a similar type of professional client‑facing role Experience participating in complex commercial negotiations or partnership discussions Prior experience in music publishing, recorded music, streaming, entertainment, or media technology industries Exposure to international or multi‑territory digital licensing environments High‑level understanding of music industry digital ecosystem, including licensing models and emerging platforms Familiarity with copyright, licensing, intellectual property, or enforcement frameworks related to AI‑generated content Experience working with start‑ups, venture‑backed companies, or emerging technology ecosystems Passion for music, innovation, and emerging technologies shaping the future of content creation What We Give You You join an inclusive, collaborative and global community where you have the opportunity to fuel the creative journey A modern office environment designed to foster productivity, creativity, and teamwork An attractive and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life & disability coverage, and 401K + employer matching Voluntary benefits such as company‑paid identity theft protection, resources for pets, mental health and meditation, industry‑leading fertility coverage, fully paid leave for childbirth or bonding, fully paid leave for caregivers, programs for loved ones with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity, subsidised back‑up child and elder care, and reimbursement for adoption, surrogacy, tuition and student loans We invest in your professional growth & development Time off for a winter recess Disclaimer The anticipated annual base salary for this position is: $97,000.00–$138,500.00. This range does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for. The actual base salary offered depends on various factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or performs the job. Honesty, trustworthiness and ethical conduct are material requirements for the responsibilities outlined above. Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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