Vice President, Business Development - Independent Agencies

The Trade Desk•New York, NY

About The Position

We’re changing the way global brands and their agencies advertise to audiences around the world. Why? Because at its best, the internet is an open marketplace of ideas, content, and commerce fueled by relevant advertising. That’s why we created an independent media buying platform designed for the open internet. One that helps marketers reach more customers in more places, with more transparency and choice at every stage. The Independent Agency team is the strategic bridge between TTD and the top independent media agencies in the world. By owning relationships with agency leadership teams, this team ensures we are deeply aligned with the organizations that shape global media investment. We partner with agency leadership to improve profitability, streamline planning and buying workflows and unlock new ways to deliver value across the open internet. Through a deep understanding of agency economics, the Indy BD team influences product innovation, informs roadmap priorities and drives join strategies that make media more effective and efficient. The Trade Desk (TTD) is seeking an accomplished and visionary Vice President, Business Development - Independent Agencies to lead our global relationships with independent media agencies. This leader will own executive engagement with agency founders and leadership teams, serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner. By understanding the unique dynamics of independent agencies from entrepreneurial decision making, operational agility and growth priorities, this VP will help shape joint strategies that improve profitability, streamline planning and buying unlock new opportunities across the open internet. Internally, this role ensures independent agency feedback informs TTD”s product roadmap and go to market approach, strengthening alignment between our platform innovation and the needs of these high-growth partners.

Requirements

15+ years of experience in agency leadership, strategic partnerships or business development roles with deep knowledge of independent agency operations and economics
Proven track record of executive relationship management influencing agency leadership and driving joint commercial strategies
Strong commercial acumen, including understanding of agency P&L, principal buying models and profitability levers
Experience shaping product or service strategies based on client feedback and market insights
Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, capable of navigating complex multi-party agreements
Authentic and values driven leader, someone who embodies our core values
Collaborative leadership style, you’re someone who thrives in a non-political and team first environment, you build trust and alignment across diverse groups of stakeholders and global teams
A forward-looking perspective, you’re someone who anticipates industry shifts and demonstrates grit and adaptability navigating complexity and change
Inclusive and empathic – you champion diversity of thought and foster an environment where all voices are heard and respected
Low ego, high impact – you prioritize outcomes over credit

Responsibilities

Lead Independent Partnership Strategy: Develop and execute a global strategy for deepening relationships with independent agencies, aligning on shared objectives that drive mutual growth and operational efficiency
Own Executive Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for agency leadership, build trust-based relationships and influence strategic decisions that shape the future of media buying
Integrate Agency Feedback into Product Roadmap: Partner with Product and Engineering to ensure agency insights inform platform development, measurement capabilities and workflow enhancements
Drive Commercial Outcomes: Collaborate with agency leadership on initiatives that improve profitability, optimize planning and buying processes and unlock new revenue streams for both parties
Orchestrate Cross-Functional Execution: Work closely with Sales, Client Services, Marketing and Legal to deliver integrated solutions and joint programs that strengthen agency partnerships globally
Represent TTD externally: Act as a senior ambassador for TTD within the agency ecosystem, articulate our vision for the open internet and convene thought leadership forums with key partners

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