A Head of Media Trading is a senior strategic leader responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and optimization of programmatic and digital media buying activities. This high-impact role sits at the intersection of data science, technology, and advertising strategy, driving revenue and performance for organizations. Professionals in these jobs are tasked with building and leading a team of media traders, setting the overarching vision for how a company invests its digital advertising budget across a complex ecosystem of demand-side platforms (DSPs), supply-side platforms (SSPs), and data partners. The ultimate goal is to ensure every media dollar is spent efficiently to achieve business objectives, whether that's driving sales, maximizing yield, or building brand awareness. Common responsibilities for a Head of Media Trading include developing and enforcing global trading best practices and standards for campaign setup, optimization, and brand safety. They architect the trading strategy, identifying new revenue opportunities through innovative ad formats, inventory sources, and data partnerships. A significant part of the role involves deep collaboration with commercial, product, and analytics teams to translate business goals into actionable media plans and to leverage unique data assets for superior audience targeting. Furthermore, they are responsible for implementing robust measurement frameworks, analyzing performance data to inform future strategies, and staying ahead of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging ad tech. Typical skills and requirements for these leadership jobs include extensive experience (often 7+ years) in programmatic media buying and ad tech, with a proven track record in managing teams and scaling operations. A deep, technical understanding of the programmatic landscape—including DSPs, SSPs, ad exchanges, and data management platforms—is non-negotiable. Candidates must possess exceptional analytical and quantitative skills to interpret complex data sets and make swift, data-driven decisions. Strong leadership and mentorship abilities are crucial for building high-performing teams, while excellent stakeholder management ensures alignment across departments. A forward-thinking mindset is essential, as Heads of Media Trading frequently collaborate with product and engineering teams to enhance trading platforms, improve automation, and drive innovation within the media buying ecosystem. For those seeking to lead at the forefront of digital advertising, Head of Media Trading jobs offer a challenging and rewarding career path commanding the strategic helm of multimillion-dollar media investments.
