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: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of OOH advertising and drive innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven negotiation skills and experience in managing high-performing teams.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to making a real impact in the media industry.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Trading role at Talon. 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.
ABOUT US
At Talon, our mission is to unlock the full potential of out of home, making it more effective, creative, measurable and sustainable than ever. We're passionate about OOH and are on a mission to drive the growth of this sector within the media industry. In just over a decade, our desire to offer intelligent, creative, technology-led OOH solutions and a full-service OOH offering saw us grow into a team of over 450+ people located in key cities across the globe. In that time, we have been awarded for our approach to our people, our clients and our industry. We hire the finest talent to help us unlock the full potential of the Out of Home (OOH) environment for our clients; and pride ourselves on the individuals who represent our business.
THE ROLE
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 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.
- Ability to shape and execute investment strategies that align with business objectives and client needs.
- Deep understanding of the OOH market, including pricing structures, product offerings, and emerging trends.
WHY US
The best thing about working at Talon is the space, time and expertise I’ve been given over the years to grow and develop my skills.
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 in London employer: Talon
Contact Detail:
Talon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Trading in London
✨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 to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your negotiation skills and experience in managing investment strategies. Bring examples of how you've driven results in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that excites you, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching Talon’s products and services. Understand how they fit into the OOH landscape and think about how you can contribute to their mission. Being well-informed will impress interviewers and show your genuine interest.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Trading in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for OOH: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Out of Home (OOH) advertising shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about making OOH more effective and creative.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in investment strategies and team management. We love seeing how your past roles have prepared you for this Head of Trading position, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise: While we appreciate creativity, clarity is key in your written application. Keep your language straightforward and ensure your points are easy to follow. This will help us understand your qualifications without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talon
✨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've successfully negotiated deals or resolved conflicts. Be ready to discuss your approach to securing optimal outcomes for clients and how you can apply that at Talon.
✨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 develop 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, value collaboration, and are committed to continuous learning—this will resonate well with the interviewers.