At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead trading strategies and negotiate optimal outcomes for independent UK agencies.
- Company: Join Talon, a pioneering company in the Out of Home advertising sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, professional growth opportunities, and a diverse team.
- Other info: Be part of a mission-driven team that values boldness, humanity, and intelligence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of OOH advertising while driving innovation and client satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Proven negotiation skills and experience managing high-performing teams.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Head of Trading holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring Talon delivers best-in-class buying outcomes across its roster of independent UK agencies. Working across all agency teams, this role will develop a consistent client service experience from an investment perspective and lead specific projects or initiatives as required. As the Head of Trading, you will drive relationships with key stakeholders, shape the investment strategy for independent agencies, and champion the adoption of Talon’s products and services—including Plato, Atlas, and future technologies.
In collaboration with the wider Investment Team, you will lead and develop strategies across independent agencies. With strong negotiation skills, and working closely with the Director of Investment, you will manage pricing agreements and ensure all OMG bookings comply. This is a negotiation-driven, team and client focused role, setting the tone for how Talon invests on behalf of clients in the OOH market. You will play a pivotal role in maintaining media owner relationships, delivering Talon’s investment approach, identifying growth opportunities, and meeting commercial obligations. Working with Investment Business Directors and Managers, you will create best-in-class investment strategies aligned with client and agency objectives. You will support, coach, and mentor the wider investment team to ensure delivery excellence, resolve servicing issues effectively, and improve client outcomes.
This role partners closely with the Director of Investment, Chief Commercial Officer, and Independent Agency Head of Client to ensure agencies remain delighted by Talon’s investment capabilities, while leveraging relationships to uncover new opportunities and innovative approaches for clients.
A DAY IN THE LIFE:
- Ensure Talon’s consistent investment approach is applied across all independent business operations.
- Partner with the Director of Investment and fellow Head of Trading to drive innovation in OOH investment.
- Design and implement tailored investment strategies for agencies and clients.
- Hold overall responsibility for negotiating and executing all independent agency bookings, ensuring adherence to pricing commitments.
- Deliver pricing agreements in collaboration with the Director of Investment.
- Align investment strategies with Talon’s commercial objectives, working closely with the commercial team.
- Maintain deep knowledge of OOH products, pricing structures, and market dynamics.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of barter and inventory trading models.
- Build and sustain relationships with key media owner contacts, Investment Leads, and Managing Directors.
- Develop and nurture relationships with agency investment teams.
- Establish and maintain connections with OOH media auditors.
- Lead and manage the Investment Team (Business Directors), driving their development and progression plans.
- Act as a role model for Talon’s values and behaviours, fostering a positive culture and setting the tone across the organisation.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
- Highly confident and skilled negotiator with a proven ability to secure optimal outcomes.
- Strong, established relationships with OOH media owners and industry stakeholders.
- Exceptional people management skills, capable of leading and motivating high-performing teams.
- Organised and methodical approach to investment planning and execution.
- Strong commercial acumen with a clear understanding of market dynamics and profitability drivers.
- Independent decision-maker with sound judgment and strategic thinking.
- Collaborative team player who can lead and work effectively within cross-functional teams.
- Excellent presentation and communication skills, able to deliver compelling narratives to clients and internal stakeholders.
- Ability to shape and execute investment strategies that align with business objectives and client needs.
- Proactive in identifying new technologies, tools, and approaches to enhance investment performance.
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities with composure and clarity.
As well as:
- Demonstrated experience managing and developing an Investment Team of 3 or more people, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
- Proven track record of servicing a diverse portfolio of clients and media owners at a senior level.
- Experience delivering pricing commitments and negotiating agreements with media owners.
- Skilled in presenting to clients and agencies, with the ability to influence and inspire confidence.
- Strong background in influencing and negotiating with internal and external stakeholders to achieve strategic objectives.
- Deep understanding of the OOH market, including pricing structures, product offerings, and emerging trends.
Talon is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive. We seek to employ and develop a workforce representative of the markets that we serve and brands that we represent.
Head of Trading employer: Talon Outdoor Ltd
At Talon, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to grow and excel. As a Management Accountant in our London finance team, you will benefit from a supportive environment that values collaboration and continuous improvement, alongside opportunities for professional development within the thriving media sector. Join us and be part of a passionate team dedicated to unlocking the full potential of out-of-home advertising, where your contributions will be recognised and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Trading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, especially those in OOH. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your negotiation skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in securing optimal outcomes. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated tough negotiations in the past—this will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Research Talon’s products and services, like Plato and Atlas, and think about how you can contribute to their growth. Bring fresh ideas to the table during interviews to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also a forward-thinker.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Talon and being part of our mission to revolutionise the OOH sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Trading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Trading role. Highlight your negotiation skills and experience in the OOH market, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've driven investment strategies or improved client outcomes in previous roles. We love seeing real impact!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your professional achievements. Share your passion for OOH and how it aligns with our mission.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our team at Talon!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talon Outdoor Ltd
✨Know Your OOH Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the Out of Home (OOH) market. Familiarise yourself with current trends, pricing structures, and Talon’s products like Plato and Atlas. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their investment strategies.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
As a Head of Trading, strong negotiation skills are crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated deals or resolved conflicts. Be ready to discuss your approach to securing optimal outcomes for clients and how you maintain relationships with media owners.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Team Development
Talon values strong people management skills. Think of specific instances where you’ve led a team or mentored colleagues. Be prepared to share how you foster a culture of accountability and excellence, as well as how you plan to inspire and motivate the Investment Team at Talon.
✨Align with Talon’s Values
Familiarise yourself with Talon’s core values: being bold, human, and smart. During the interview, reflect these values in your responses. Show how you challenge the status quo respectfully, value collaboration, and are committed to continuous learning. This alignment will demonstrate that you’re a great fit for their culture.
