Business Analyst (Year in Industry)

Sony Music's Global Business Development & Digital Strategy team is looking for a Business Analyst for a 12-month Year in Industry placement, based in London. You will analyse large datasets, benchmark commercial terms and support the negotiation of digital distribution deals with partners such as Spotify, Amazon, Apple, YouTube and TikTok.

About the team and the role

The Global Business Development & Digital Strategy team, split evenly between New York and London, focuses on executing and renewing revenue-generating commercial deals monetizing Sony Music's vast catalogue with a broad range of companies globally, from major streaming partners to the next generation of music and technology start-ups. You will join an international team of data-savvy negotiators and business analysts. If you're a penultimate-year undergraduate looking for a placement year, this is an opportunity to spend 12 months at the centre of the global music industry's digital transformation.

During your Year in Industry you will be trained and exposed to digital distribution deal structures and strategies. You will gain an understanding of how music copyrights are licensed, of the general structure of the industry, and of how commercial agreements with global and multi-territory digital partners are negotiated and executed. You will work directly with analysts, dealmakers and senior leaders in London and New York, gaining insight into commercial decision-making that most students only encounter years into their careers.

You will prepare and maintain benchmarking analysis tools and contribute to ad hoc projects including researching markets and business opportunities, documenting and comparing commercial agreements, building revenue forecasts and conducting in-depth business analysis, while working closely with negotiators and senior business analysts.

Ways of working

• Office attendance: Monday to Thursday
• Flexibility: working from home on Fridays

What you'll do

• Run actionable business analysis from large datasets (not just numbers, but also contracts, research etc.), pulling, visualizing and presenting insights to instruct deal negotiations.
• Maintain internal KPI trackers and tools (macro streaming market landscape, status on licensing, availability and pricing of hundreds of partners) using first-party partner reporting data.
• Track and benchmark key commercial terms across our different commercial partners.
• Assess performance, build revenue models and prepare business reviews and development activities with key partners.
• Research and monitor the digital marketplace to identify and assess new revenue opportunities.
• Take minutes and isolate action points in department meetings and international conference calls.
• Gather information from local operating companies and share learnings regularly and effectively.

Who you are

• This role is aimed at penultimate-year undergraduate students seeking a placement year in industry as part of their degree.
• Previous experience in music, banking, consulting or corporate finance is welcome but not required. What matters most is your ability to learn quickly, think critically and approach unfamiliar problems and ambiguity with rigour and enthusiasm.
• You are intellectually curious, analytical and motivated by the opportunity to learn, contribute and make an impact.
• You have a strong interest in media, entertainment, technology and digital business. A passion for music is a plus.
• You are excited by the potential of AI and emerging technologies and interested in how they can be applied to solve business problems and create concrete opportunities for growth.
• You are comfortable working with data, numbers and technology: strong Excel and PowerPoint skills, an interest in data visualisation tools such as Sigma, Power BI, Tableau or Alteryx, and some exposure to quantitative analysis, financial modelling or data-driven problem solving. SQL skills are a plus.
• You take ownership of your work, pay close attention to detail and are committed to producing high-quality output.
• You are organised and dependable, able to balance multiple priorities and deliver against deadlines, both independently and as part of a team.
• You enjoy gathering information, understanding complex issues and turning analysis into clear, practical recommendations.
• You value collaboration, act with integrity and actively seek, receive and apply feedback.

What you'll gain

• Exposure to high-profile digital deals and strategic projects.
• Opportunities to learn directly from experienced commercial and business development leaders.
• Hands-on experience applying data analysis, automation and AI in a real business environment.
• A deeper understanding of the global music industry and digital media ecosystem.
• Experience that will accelerate your development, regardless of the career path you choose after university.

What we give you

• An annual salary of £28,480 (London Living Wage).
• A vibrant global community, with the opportunity to channel your passion every day.
• A modern office environment designed for you.
• Investment in your professional growth and development, such as focused workshops and a dedicated mentor.
• The opportunity to contribute to our social impact, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
• A range of benefits including private medical cover, a generous pension scheme, life assurance, income protection and music industry perks, plus time off over the winter break.

Process overview

• Applications open on 16 October at 10:00 and close on 13 November at 10:00. Selected candidates will be invited to complete a task between 1 and 7 February.
• Candidates who pass this stage will be invited to a final in-person interview in mid-February.
• Offers will be issued in March.
• Successful applicants will start in late August / early September.

We are committed to an accessible recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact recruitment.support@sonymusic.com.

Equal opportunities

As an active part of a culturally and socially diverse society, Sony Music's aim is that our workforce is diverse and inclusive. Sony Music is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.

We employ, retain, promote and otherwise treat all employees and job applicants according to their merit, qualifications, competence and talent. We apply this policy without regard to any individual's sex, race, religion, origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition or disability.

Privacy policy

Please read the privacy policy before beginning the application process; you will need to agree to its terms before submitting your information. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.