Senior Manager, Music, Business & Legal Affairs

At The Walt Disney Company, magic is more than just a word; it's a way of life. For a century, we've been inspiring imaginations, celebrating diversity, and bringing families together through our beloved stories, characters, and experiences. From our iconic theme parks and resorts to our groundbreaking films, television shows, interactive media and products, we're dedicated to creating magic that knows no bounds.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Manager, Music, Business and Legal Affairs, to join our team here in London!

The International Music Business and Legal Affairs department of The Walt Disney Company is seeking an exceptional candidate as Senior Manager, Music Business Affairs – Legal Counsel with demonstrated experience making music related deals for various purposes in Europe, Middle East and Africa. The ideal candidate must have excellent negotiating, drafting and analytical skills, must be able to make quick decisions and work independently, understand both the business affairs and legal affairs perspectives in evaluating a particular course of action, and work comfortably and efficiently in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment. Position reports to  Burbank-based Vice President, Global Music Business and Legal Affairs with a dotted line to London-based Vice President, Head of Business and Legal Affairs, Disney Originals, EMEA.  

Join us in shaping the magic behind the scenes!

Please note: This is an office-based role. 4 days working in the Hammersmith, London office with 1 day working from home (Monday or Friday).

You’ll join a team grounded in our Disney values — acting with Integrity, welcoming everyone through Inclusion, embracing boundless Creativity, working together through Collaboration and caring deeply for our Community. These values shape how we work and how we support one another every day.

What You Will Do

• Drafting, reviewing, negotiating, administering and tracking music agreements including composer agreements, music supervisor agreements, songwriter agreements, producer agreements, master use licenses, synchronization licenses, name and likeness releases, artist releases, record company and music publishing waivers, and music library agreements.  

• Negotiating agreements to ensure terms and conditions comply with company policies, establishing mutually approved boilerplates with licensors and overseeing the music clearance process. 

• Advising on rights and uses of musical content in productions primarily for original, licensed and acquired productions, third party distribution deals for Disney productions, marketing and promotions, publicity, and other ancillary uses originating in Europe, Middle East and Africa. 

• Facilitating payments to applicable parties. 

• Advising on copyright and intellectual property issues involving music and negotiating with copyright owners on various music issues. 

• Knowledge of and experience with music publishers, record labels, collecting rights societies. 

• Conducting legal research and analyzing and summarizing agreements with respect to the grant of rights, permitted exploitations, financial obligations and other material terms. 

• Reviewing and analyzing audio and audio-visual content with respect to clearance issues. 

• Drafting, updating and maintaining form agreements. 

• Expert understanding of business and legal concepts concerning music in connection with production, marketing and music collecting rights societies, and the ability to proactively and efficiently manage multiple projects at the same time. 

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Qualified lawyer with a minimum of five (5) years experience as a Music lawyer at a streaming service, network, television studio, film studio, or equivalent experience at a law firm. 

• Working knowledge of EU music related regulations and directives. 

• Ability to independently negotiate, review and draft music agreements from inception to completion in a timely and accurate manner. 

• Superior drafting, analytical and writing skills including a keen attention to detail and nuance.    

• Excellent research and review skills including the ability to identify and present issues succinctly and accurately. 

• Excellent organizational skills including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects concurrently while adhering to multiple deadlines. 

• Must thrive in working in a team environment and in collaborating with others.   

• Ability to appropriately work with highly confidential materials and information. 

• Ability to accept instructions and follow through. 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. 

• Strong business and financial acumen. 

• Available to work in Disney’s London office.

The Perks

• 25 days annual leave

• Private medical insurance & dental care

• Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with up to 3 family and friends for free

• Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort food and beverage and ticketing

• Excellent parental and guardian leave

• Employee Resource Groups include WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.