Vice President, Planning and Forecasting (COE Lead)

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. How we LEAD: We are currently seeking an accomplished Vice President, Planning and Forecasting to drive transformation of UMG’s enterprise forecasting capabilities. The Vice President, Planning and Forecasting will lead the design, build, and operation of a new Center of Excellence (COE) for Forecasting and Planning. This role will be instrumental in transforming enterprise forecasting capabilities across Universal Music Group’s global organization, introducing modern, driver-based planning frameworks and enabling scalable, data-driven decision-making. This leader will partner closely with Finance, Strategy, and Business Unit leaders to standardize planning processes, enhance forecast accuracy, and embed advanced tools and methodologies across the organization, including AI/ML-enabled forecasting tools. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in financial planning, forecasting methodologies, and driver-based modeling, along with hands-on experience implementing and governing enterprise planning tools such as Anaplan, Onestream, Pigment or custom builds. Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including comfort with AI/ML forecasting approaches, are essential, as is the ability to translate complex modeling concepts into practical tools and to drive their adoption across the business. How you’ll CREATE: Driver-based forecasting: Develop and maintain driver-based forecast models for revenue lines and cost categories, linking operational drivers to outcomes AI/ML-enabled use cases: Shape centralized forecasting use cases to support profit centers and senior leadership, reducing manual bottom-up effort and improving forecast accuracy Scenario modeling & forecasting improvement: Own and evolve scenario modeling tools; continuously improve forecasting methodologies and approaches (e.g., leveraging ML models, next-gen tooling) to enhance accuracy Planning tool, data & logic governance: Govern PBF tools, planning data and logic across profit and cost centers; drive consistency in how forecasting data is captured and tagged Tool training & adoption: Develop training materials, train divisional FP&A teams on tool usage, and drive consistent adoption Continuous tool improvement: Fields enhancement requests from users, maintain and prioritize tool backlog, and partner with CDAO to develop new capabilities Cross Functional Partnership: Collaborate with Corp Controllership on shared data foundation between actuals and forecasts to avoid duplication and ensure reconcilability. Partner with CIO and CDAO on PBF tool modernization and platform implementation to power an AI-enabled forecasting and reporting infrastructure. Collaborate Senior Vice President - Strategic Finance & Planning Work to transform the Planning and Forecasting cadence and processes. Work with BI & Analytics COE to align planning logic and driver definitions Team leadership: Build, Lead and mentor a high-performing Global Forecasting COE Bring your VIBE: 12–15+ years of experience in FP&A, corporate finance, or strategic planning Deep expertise in financial planning, forecasting methodologies, and driver-based modeling Experience implementing and governing enterprise planning tools (e.g., Anaplan, OneStream, custom builds) Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including comfort with AI/ML forecasting approaches Translate complex modeling concepts into practical tools Experience driving tool adoption This role is office-based 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: Finance & Accounting Salary Range: $ 181,650 - $365,000 The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. All candidates are encouraged to apply.