Director - Music Publishing Licensing

SoundCloud is seeking a Director of Music Publishing Licensing to lead global negotiations with publishers, collecting societies, and PROs. This role will drive business growth through successful partnerships, focusing primarily on Europe. The position is based in either Berlin or London and is part of the Content Licensing & Partnerships team within Business & Legal Affairs.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and negotiate complex commercial licensing agreements.
• Identify and secure new licensing opportunities.
• Manage key external relationships.
• Collaborate with internal teams to optimize licensing agreements.
• Develop strategies to enhance market position and maximize revenue.
• Lead negotiations for bespoke partnerships and joint ventures.
• Advise on business strategies, licensing opportunities, and contractual obligations.
• Assess and mitigate business risks related to music distribution.
• Align product development with commercial licensing strategies.
• Represent SoundCloud in industry discussions and events.

Requirements:

• 7-8+ years of relevant experience with preferably a legal or business background.
• Ideally 4+ years coming from a music publisher, streaming platform, or any other company at the intersection of music and tech handling transactions with music publishing rights.
• Good understanding of the digital music rights landscape in the US, the UK, and Europe.
• Experience in negotiating complex rights deals in multiple territories with excellent negotiation skills
• Strong business acumen with the ability to manage costs in licensing strategies
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally (Music & Tech teams) to drive business success
• Strategic thinker and creative problem solver
• Comfortable dealing with uncertainty and ambiguity
• Pragmatic risk-based approach to problems
• Resilient, self-aware, and values-driven
• Strong network within the music, media, and/or consumer tech industry
• Fluent in English and, ideally, one or more other European languages
• Experience working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

SoundCloud offers:

• Extensive relocation support for candidates not located in Berlin.
• Creativity and Wellness benefit.
• Employee Equity Plan.
• Generous professional development allowance.
• Flexible vacation and public holiday policy.
• Paid parental leave.
• Free German courses.
• Various snacks, goodies, and free lunches when at the office.