The Head of Trading – Independents, 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 – Independents, 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 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_
1. Ensure Talon’s consistent investment approach is applied across all independent business operations.
2. Partner with the Director of Investment and fellow Head of Trading to drive innovation in OOH investment.
3. Design and implement tailored investment strategies for agencies and clients.
4. Hold overall responsibility for negotiating and executing all independent agency bookings, ensuring adherence to pricing commitments.
5. Deliver pricing agreements in collaboration with the Director of Investment.
6. Align investment strategies with Talon’s commercial objectives, working closely with the commercial team.
7. Maintain deep knowledge of OOH products, pricing structures, and market dynamics.
8. Demonstrate a strong understanding of barter and inventory trading models.
9. Build and sustain relationships with key media owner contacts, Investment Leads, and Managing Directors.
10. Develop and nurture relationships with agency investment teams.
11. Establish and maintain connections with OOH media auditors.
12. Lead and manage the Investment Team (Business Directors), driving their development and progression plans.
13. 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_
14. Highly confident and skilled negotiator with a proven ability to secure optimal outcomes.
15. Strong, established relationships with OOH media owners and industry stakeholders.
16. Exceptional people management skills, capable of leading and motivating high-performing teams.
17. Organised and methodical approach to investment planning and execution.
18. Strong commercial acumen with a clear understanding of market dynamics and profitability drivers.
19. Independent decision-maker with sound judgment and strategic thinking.
20. Collaborative team player who can lead and work effectively within cross-functional teams.
21. Excellent presentation and communication skills, able to deliver compelling narratives to clients and internal stakeholders.
22. Ability to shape and execute investment strategies that align with business objectives and client needs.
23. Proactive in identifying new technologies, tools, and approaches to enhance investment performance.
24. Thrives in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities with composure and clarity.
As well as:
25. 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.
26. Proven track record of servicing a diverse portfolio of clients and media owners at a senior level.
27. Experience delivering pricing commitments and negotiating agreements with media owners.
28. Skilled in presenting to clients and agencies, with the ability to influence and inspire confidence.
29. Strong background in influencing and negotiating with internal and external stakeholders to achieve strategic objectives.
30. Ability to shape and execute investment strategies that align with business objectives and client needs.
31. 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.” Client Director at Talon
OUR VALUES AND HOW WE WORK TOGETHER_
WE ARE BOLD_
As industry provocateurs and pioneers, we respectfully challenge the status quo, take pride in our people, big ideas and partnerships.
32. We embrace change
33. We challenge respectfully
34. We lead the way
WE ARE HUMAN_
We are a diverse collective of changemakers who value respect, fairness, and integrity and expect the same in return.
35. We value collaboration and togetherness
36. We are empathetic
37. We embrace individuality
WE ARE SMART_
Our trailblazing spirit and learning centric culture ensures our knowledge provides maximum value to each other and our clients.
38. We grow and learn
39. We are trusted
40. We are mission possible
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.