Director, Consumer Insight & eCommerce Strategy - New York, 10019

Director, Consumer Insight & eCommerce Strategy - New York, 10019, United States of America

UMG’s Global Insight team manages some of the most powerful and effective data and research capabilities in the music industry. Alongside advanced analytics, we deliver world-class market and consumer research that explores the evolving attitudes, behaviors, and motivations of today’s music audiences worldwide.

The Consumer Insight team (part of the Global Insight department) leads strategic insights and research for Universal Music Group’s labels and business units — supporting digital, commercial, and A&R teams with a deep understanding of audiences, artists, and markets.

We are now seeking a Director, Consumer Insight – eCommerce Strategy to lead a new strategic capability within Global Insight, focused on driving growth across UMG’s eCommerce and D2C businesses.

Reporting to the SVP of Global Insight, this senior, US-based role will act as an in-house consultancy, bringing agency-honed research and strategic expertise into UMG to help shape how we engage and monetize fans through innovative commerce experiences.

How we LEAD:

We’re looking for a seasoned insight leader with a strong background in consumer and commerce research, and experience delivering actionable strategy across eCommerce, retail, or D2C brands.

Agency / consultancy experience is sought after as this is a unique role – where the process of undertaking, analyzing and reporting projects is mostly done in house rather than going via external insight agencies.

The candidate must have a proactive mindset—someone who identifies signals early, shapes the right questions, and converts them into high-impact, multi-market programs.

The role demands genuine autonomy: ownership of the full arc from hypothesis to decision, including scoping, running large-scale quant, stress-testing findings, and delivering clear, time-bound recommendations.

This is a newly created role — ideal for someone ready to build and lead a key strategic pillar within the Global Insight team, partnering with UMG’s eCommerce divisions to accelerate innovation and growth.

Be Insightful:

• Lead the development of UMG’s global eCommerce insight strategy, defining the frameworks that guide decision-making across D2C, retail, and experiential commerce.

• Design and oversee qualitative and quantitative studies exploring consumer attitudes, motivations, and shopping behavior across artist and fan ecosystems.

• Identify new commercial opportunities through trend and category analysis — from premium vinyl “drop” models and verified fan experiences, to lifestyle and retail partnerships.

• Translate data and research findings into clear, strategic recommendations for revenue growth, product development, and fan engagement.

• Partner with analytics teams to interpret sales and performance data, transforming quantitative signals into actionable consumer stories.

• Benchmark UMG’s eCommerce performance through competitor and market analysis — identifying best-in-class activations, social commerce trends, and subscription opportunities.

Be Collaborative:

• Partner with UMG’s eCommerce and Famehouse leadership teams to translate business questions into insight-led growth strategies.

• Collaborate across Global Insight in London, New York, and Los Angeles to integrate commerce insights into wider business and audience strategies.

• Work closely with label and brand teams to embed eCommerce thinking across artist campaigns and fan initiatives.

• Act as a thought leader, driving the internal narrative on the future of fan monetization, commerce innovation, and digital audience engagement.

• Represent Global Insight within senior cross-functional forums, championing the role of research and consumer understanding in shaping UMG’s commercial agenda.

How you'll CREATE:

• Partner with UMG’s eCommerce and Famehouse leadership teams to translate business questions into insight-led growth strategies.

• Collaborate across Global Insight in London, New York, and Los Angeles to integrate commerce insights into wider business and audience strategies.

• Work closely with label and brand teams to embed eCommerce thinking across artist campaigns and fan initiatives.

• Act as a thought leader, driving the internal narrative on the future of fan monetization, commerce innovation, and digital audience engagement.

• Represent Global Insight within senior cross-functional forums, championing the role of research and consumer understanding in shaping UMG’s commercial agenda.

Bring your VIBE:

• 7+ years’ experience in market research, consumer insight, or strategy — ideally within eCommerce, retail, or consumer brand sectors.

• Deep understanding of eCommerce ecosystems, including D2C, social commerce, and omnichannel retail.

• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills — from concept testing and segmentation to trend and competitor analysis.

• Experience leading or advising cross-functional teams in an in-house capacity; background in agency or consultancy work is highly valued.

• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills; able to turn data and research into compelling, actionable strategy.

• Comfortable interpreting sales and big data insights with analytical partners (without requiring SQL, R, or Python).

• Strategic thinker with a commercial mindset and passion for music, fandom, and digital innovation.

Personal Specification:

• A visionary insight leader who combines creativity with commercial focus.

• Confident presenting to and influencing senior stakeholders.

• Entrepreneurial mindset — comfortable creating new frameworks and ways of working.

• Collaborative, empathetic, and able to inspire others across multiple disciplines and regions.