General Manager, Independent Agency, West

The Trade Desk; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

The Trade Desk, a global technology company and leading independent platform for digital advertising, is seeking a General Manager, Business Development - Independent Agencies in the Los Angeles area. This role leads a portfolio of agency relationships and guides a high-impact business development team to accelerate revenue growth.

You will partner with executive leadership, collaborate with Product, Engineering, Sales and Marketing, and translate agency insights into strategic initiatives that

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in agency leadership, strategic partnerships or business development roles.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a West Region strategy to deepen agency partnerships.
• Own executive engagement with agency leadership to influence priorities.
• Partner with Product and Engineering to inform roadmap based on agency feedback.
• Drive commercial outcomes by improving profitability and growth opportunities with agencies.
• Coordinate cross-functional execution with Sales, Client Services, Marketing and Product.
• Represent The Trade Desk externally and develop a team of business development leaders.

Skills

Agency leadership

Strategic partnerships

Business development

Commercial acumen

Executive engagement

Job description

The Trade Desk is a global technology company and the world’s leading independent platform for digital advertising, with nearly 4,000 employees across more than 30 offices. Our technology helps advertisers reach the right audiences across the open internet — from streaming TV and podcasts to mobile apps, news, and more. Advertising powers the content people love. By making it more transparent, effective, and responsible, we help support trusted journalism, quality entertainment, and creators worldwide. The world’s brands and agencies rely on us to reach their customers and grow their businesses responsibly. The scale of our platform brings unique technical challenges — from processing massive datasets in real time to building systems that operate reliably on a global scale. When you work here, your impact is worldwide. We welcome diverse perspectives, encourage curiosity, and build teams that learn from one another. If you’re driven to solve meaningful challenges, we’d love to meet you.

THE ROLE

The Trade Desk (TTD) is seeking an accomplished General Manager, (GM) Business Development - Independent Agencies 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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Independent Partnership Strategy: Develop and execute a West 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 West 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.

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 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

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Authentic and values driven leader, someone who embodies our core values
• Collaborative leadership style, you're someone who develops talent, builds trust and creates alignment across diverse stakeholders
• 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

The Trade Desk also offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn more.

Note: Interns are not eligible for variable incentive awards such as stock-based compensation, retirement plan, vacation, tuition reimbursement or parental leave.

[LA JOBS ONLY] The Trade Desk will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, Ordinance No. 184652.

[SF JOBS ONLY] Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Base salary range: $147,200 — $269,900 USD

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trade Desk is committed to creating an inclusive hiring experience where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

The Trade Desk is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

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When you contact us, please include your preferred contact details and specify the nature of your accommodation request or questions. Any information you share will be handled confidentially and will not impact our hiring decisions.