GM, Business Development, Independent Agency- East
About the role
The Trade Desk (TTD) is seeking an accomplished General Manager, Business Development - Independent Agency - East to lead a significant portfolio of independent agency relationships and business development teams. This leader will be responsible for accelerating revenue growth, strengthening agency partnerships, developing talent, and ensuring consistent execution across their portfolio. By understanding the unique dynamics of independent agencies, this leader will help shape joint strategies that accelerate growth and deepen strategic partnerships. They will serve as a senior strategic partner to agency executives while translating broader GTM priorities into measurable business outcomes.
The Indy 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 deep alignment 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 joint strategies that make media more effective and efficient.
Responsibilities
- Lead Independent Partnership Strategy: Develop and execute an East Region strategy for deepening agency partnerships, aligning on shared objectives that drive growth and operational excellence.
- Own Executive Engagement: Build trust-based relationships with agency leadership and influence strategic decisions across commercial, operational, and partnership priorities.
- Integrate Agency Feedback into Product Roadmap: Partner with Product and Engineering to ensure agency insights inform platform development, measurement capabilities, and workflow innovation.
- Drive Commercial Outcomes: Collaborate with agency leadership on initiatives that improve profitability, strengthen partnerships, and unlock new growth opportunities.
- Orchestrate Cross-Functional Execution: Work closely with Sales, Client Services, Marketing, and Product to deliver integrated solutions that strengthen agency partnerships across the East Region.
- Represent TTD externally: Lead, coach, and develop a team of business development leaders while serving as a senior ambassador for TTD within the agency ecosystem.
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 influencing agency leadership, leading teams, and driving commercial growth.
- Strong commercial acumen, including understanding of agency P&L, principal buying models, and profitability levers.
- Experience leading business development teams through growth, organizational change, and market evolution.
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, capable of navigating complex multi-party agreements.
Qualities
- Authentic and values-driven leader who embodies The Trade Desk’s core values.
- Collaborative leadership style; develops talent, builds trust, and creates alignment across diverse stakeholders.
- Forward-looking perspective; anticipates industry shifts and demonstrates grit and adaptability navigating complexity and change.
- Inclusive and empathetic; champions diversity of thought and fosters an environment where all voices are heard and respected.
- Low ego, high impact; prioritizes outcomes over credit.
Pay
The base salary range for this role is $147,200—$269,900 USD. Base Salary is one part of a competitive total compensation and benefits package, which may also include variable compensation-based incentives, commissions, and stock-based compensation grants.
Benefits
- Comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, and vision) with premiums paid in full for employees and dependents.
- Retirement benefits including a 401k plan with company match.
- Short- and long-term disability coverage and basic life insurance.
- Well-being benefits and reimbursement for certain tuition expenses.
- Parental leave, sick time (1 hour per 30 hours worked), and vacation time (120 hours through the first year, 160 hours thereafter for full-time employees).
- Around 13 paid holidays per year.
- Eligibility to purchase The Trade Desk stock at a discount through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.