Vice President, Business Development - Independent Agencies

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.

KEY 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

Leadership Competencies

• Influence & Relationship Building – Builds trust-based C-Suite relationships and navigates complex stakeholder landscapes
• Operational Excellence – Prioritizes effectively, drives accountability, and delivers results at scale
• Strategic Vision – Shapes and communicates a compelling agency partnership strategy that accelerates growth

Functional Expertise 

• Indy Partnership Architecture – Expert in structuring, negotiating and scaling mutually beneficial strategic alliances
• Commercial Acumen – Designs and delivers revenue generating partnership models with measurable impact
• Data-Driven Decision Maker – Grounds strategy and prioritization in evidence and insights

Mindset & Values 

• Open & Collaborative – Embodies TTD’s values of openness, generosity & full-heartedness
• Innovative & Agile – Anticipates industry shifts and adapts quickly to complexity and change
• Results-Oriented – Passionate about measurable impact.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 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