Manager Investments / M&A Central Europe (all genders)

Overview

Universal Music is the market leader in the music business. The world’s most famous and most successful record labels belong to us. We’ve been writing music history for over 100 years representing legendary musicians across all genres. Our accomplishments are driven by our love for music, extraordinary artists and our ambitious team.

Based in Berlin, you will be part of the Strategic Finance & Strategy Central Europe team, acting as a key interface between Central Europe management and local OpCos across 15+ markets. The team operates across FP&A, Strategy, and Investments, acting as a central hub for investment activities and M&A across Central Europe, including music catalogue acquisitions and company transactions, with the objective of driving long‑term value creation across the region.

In this role, you will focus on Investments and M&A activities, with hands‑on involvement across the full investment lifecycle from origination and evaluation of catalogue and company acquisitions to execution and post‑investment tracking. You will work closely with Central Europe Management, local OpCos, and cross‑functional teams including Finance, Legal & Business Affairs, and A&R, gaining direct exposure to music rights transactions.

Responsibilities

• Drive and support M&A and investment projects across Central Europe, including opportunity screening, valuation, execution, and post‑investment tracking
• Build and maintain robust financial models (incl. DCF) and perform investment analysis to evaluate catalogue and company acquisitions as well as other investment opportunities
• Support due diligence processes, including review and analysis of financial statements and business plans, in close collaboration with Legal & Business Affairs teams, and, where relevant, external advisors
• Prepare high‑quality investment memos and IC materials for senior management and global stakeholders
• Support deal execution, including structuring, negotiation preparation, and coordination with Legal & Business Affairs and A&R teams
• Track and manage deal flow, ensuring timelines and internal approvals are met
• Support post‑closing activities, including onboarding tracking, and performance monitoring
• Drive continuous improvement of investment models and processes, ensuring consistency and scalability across the region

Qualifications

• Have a strong academic track record in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field; you hold a Bachelor’s degree and ideally a Master’s degree with above‑average results
• Bring at least 2 years of relevant professional experience in Investment Controlling, Corporate Finance, Transaction Services, Investment Banking, Management Consulting (Corporate Finance / M&A Focus) or a similar analytical finance role in an international and cross‑functional environment
• Have solid expertise in financial modelling, valuation, and investment analysis, ideally with first exposure to M&A transactions
• Have advanced Excel skills, including building financial models, working with large datasets, and using tools such as Pivot Tables as well as Sensitivity & Scenario Analyses; furthermore you’re familiar with the MS Office suite, especially PowerPoint
• Can assess the financial attractiveness of investments based on relevant KPIs and financial metrics
• Are business fluent in both English and German (C1+/C2), with confidence in international stakeholder communication

Personality

• Combine strong analytical thinking with sound business judgment reflected in data‑based decision‑making
• Have a strong interest in music, media, or other creative industries; prior experience in these fields is a plus
• Attention to detail and the ability to present complex topics clearly and in a highly structured manner
• Thrive in fast‑paced and dynamic environments, handling multiple assignments simultaneously and working deal‑driven with peak workloads at times
• Communicative, a strong team player, and able to build relationships effectively across cultures and seniority levels – internal and external
• Comfortable and confident taking on ownership in an international, diverse and creative environment, driving topics forward proactively
• Enjoy responsibility and eager to contribute to Universal Music with curiosity and motivation to grow

Benefits

• Feel the music! – Thanks to a concert ticket budget, streaming service vouchers, employee discounts on physical music and merchandise, and various internal events
• Enjoy flexibility! – Thanks to our hybrid work model you benefit from high flexibility and room for collaboration and interactions at our headquarters in Berlin
• Time to relax! – You are more than your job, benefit from 30 vacation days plus fixed company closure days
• Always on track! – Keep moving sustainably through the capital thanks to special rates for BVG tickets (public transport) and our job bike leasing offer
• Develop yourself! – We offer professional development through various workshops and courses
• Self‑care matters! – We promote and support mental health with our Employee Assistance Program for all challenges in life (professional and private); we offer confidential counselling and coaching through a third‑party provider

Equal Opportunity Employer

As a large and globally operating company, Universal Music promotes diversity and opposes discrimination. We aspire to reflect the diversity represented by our artists through their music and individuality in our teams. We pledge ourselves to be an equal opportunity employer and enable individuals to express themselves – regardless of age, sex, gender, appearance, origin, faith, physical/mental ability, or sexual orientation.