Lead Motion Designer

Job description

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world’s leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world. Fame House, a division of UMG, is the preeminent leader in D2C solutions in music, defining & delivering the industry’s best-in-class service to connect artists with their fans. Established & headquartered in Philly, Fame House powers eCommerce for UMG’s labels, artists, and Bravado, along with a select roster of 3rd party clients. Our success & culture is fueled by collaboration, both within FH and with our partners. We are passionate about the impact of eCommerce for artists, providing a full service solution to grow an artist’s owned business including strategy, creative, storefront merchandising, fulfillment, customer service, technology, and more. How we LEAD: Merchandise and e-commerce is part of the fabric of music culture. For artists, it’s a way to develop and further articulate their brand. For fans, it’s another pathway to connecting with an artist and the culture they represent. At Digital Creative & Experience, we create experiences that connect artists and fans through storytelling, design, content, commerce, and culture. Across artist storefronts, e-commerce experiences, campaigns, content initiatives, and fan engagement platforms, the Design & Direction team is responsible for bringing artist brands to life through innovative and meaningful creative experiences. Motion plays an increasingly important role in how audiences experience digital content. Whether enhancing artist storytelling, elevating product launches, creating immersive campaign moments, or bringing digital experiences to life, motion has the power to create emotion, drive engagement, and strengthen audience connection. The Lead Motion Designer is responsible for advancing the motion design capabilities of the organization while ensuring motion remains a meaningful and integrated part of the creative process. How You’ll CREATE The Lead Motion Designer is responsible for defining and leading motion design execution across Digital Creative Services. Working at the intersection of design, storytelling, technology, and creative innovation, this role develops motion systems, animation approaches, and visual experiences that elevate artist brands, campaigns, and digital products. Partnering closely with Creative Directors, Designers, Content Production teams, Developers, and Client stakeholders, the Lead Motion Designer translates creative vision into compelling motion-led experiences while establishing standards, workflows, and best practices that improve consistency and creative quality across the organization. This role combines hands-on creative execution with creative leadership, serving as both a motion specialist and a trusted creative partner throughout the concept. Motion Design Leadership Lead motion design execution across campaigns, e-commerce experiences, content initiatives, and digital products Define motion design principles, animation standards, and creative approaches across the organization Establish scalable motion systems that support artist storytelling and brand expression Ensure motion design enhances user experience, engagement, and creative effectiveness Champion the role of motion throughout the creative development process Creative Development Partner with Creative Directors during concept development and experience design phases Contribute motion-first thinking to creative briefs, presentations, and campaign development Develop storyboards, motion explorations, prototypes, and visual concepts Translate static creative concepts into engaging motion-based experiences Explore innovative approaches to storytelling through animation and movement Motion & Visual Execution Create high-quality motion graphics, animations, and visual content across multiple channels and platforms Develop content for artist campaigns, ecommerce experiences, social content, product launches, and branded storytelling initiatives Lead the creation of motion assets ranging from micro-interactions and promotional content through to large-scale campaign experiences Utilize 2D, 3D, compositing, visual effects, and emerging technologies where appropriate Ensure all motion deliverables meet the highest creative and technical standards Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate closely with Designers, Content Producers, Developers, Editors, and Creative Directors Support Development teams in implementing motion experiences across digital products and platforms Partner with Content Production teams to integrate motion into content ecosystems and storytelling initiatives Ensure motion execution aligns with project objectives, timelines, and technical requirements Act as a motion design subject matter expert across the organization Innovation & Capability Development Drive the evolution of motion design capabilities within Digital Creative Services Research emerging technologies, tools, platforms, and creative opportunities Explore AI, real-time rendering, interactive motion, 3D, and immersive experience technologies Mentor designers and creatives looking to strengthen motion capabilities Contribute to the development of creative standards, workflows, and best practices Bring Your VIBE 5-8 years experience in motion design, animation, visual design, digital experiences, or related creative disciplines Exceptional portfolio demonstrating motion-led storytelling and creative problem solving Advanced proficiency across After Effects, Cinema 4D, Blender, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and relevant motion tools Strong understanding of animation principles, visual storytelling, design systems, and user experience Experience working across campaigns, ecommerce, content production, digital products, or entertainment environments Ability to move comfortably between strategic thinking and hands-on execution Strong presentation, communication, and collaboration skills Passion for music, culture, design, emerging technology, and creative innovation Success Looks Like Motion consistently elevates the quality and impact of creative work Motion principles and standards are adopted across the organization Creative concepts are strengthened through thoughtful animation and movement Artists, brands, and campaigns benefit from distinctive and memorable motion experiences Teams seek out motion expertise throughout the creative development process New technologies and techniques continue to evolve the organization's creative capabilities Digital Creative Services is recognized for best-in-class motion-led creative experiences Perks Playlist: Join an entrepreneurial, global organization where authenticity, boldness, creativity, connection, drive, and insight aren’t just values—they’re how we work every day. Here are some of the ways we support you along the way (and just a few of the benefits we offer): Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage Including 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year) Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution A variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including: Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees 2-weeks paid Winter Break 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day) Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day) Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site. Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change. Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah. Please note, UMG is not enrolled in E-Verify in California and New York, and cannot support employment of candidates whose employer must enroll in E-Verify, for example candidates on STEM-OPT. For more information, please click on the following links. E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish Job Category: Creative, Design & Production