Publicis Groupe is a global leader in communication.
The Groupe is positioned at every step of the value chain, from consulting to execution, combining marketing transformation and digital business transformation.
As a Trading Director you will be responsible for managing negotiations and securing favorable deals with media vendors, publishers, and other partners on behalf of the agency and its clients. Your role will involve analyzing market trends, building relationships, and leveraging your negotiation skills to achieve optimal media buying outcomes.
Job DescriptionVendor Relationship Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with media vendors, publishers, and other partners. Stay updated on industry trends, market conditions, and available media inventory to inform negotiation strategies.Media Buying Strategy: Collaborate with the media planning and buying teams to understand campaign objectives, target audiences, and budget constraints. Translate these requirements into effective negotiation strategies that align with client goals.Negotiation and Deal Making: Lead negotiations with media vendors to secure favorable terms and pricing for media placements, including traditional channels and digital platforms.· Contract Management: Review and negotiate contracts and agreements with media vendors, ensuring compliance with legal and industry standards. Identify opportunities for value-added benefits, exclusivities, or additional incentives that enhance the agency's position.Cost Control and Budgeting: Collaborate with finance and account management teams to establish media budgets for client campaigns. Monitor media spend and ensure adherence to approved budgets while optimizing media buying efficiency.Competitive Analysis: Conduct research and analysis of media rates, audience reach, and competitor activity to inform negotiation strategies.Performance Tracking: Establish performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of media buys. Track and analyze campaign performance data to identify areas for optimization and negotiate compensation or makegoods where applicable.Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with media vendors and partners. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop mutually beneficial opportunities for both the agency and vendors.Key Performance Indicators
PMX revenue target achievementDevelop and execution of PMX StrategyAgency alignment and managementMedia Partnership management and deliveryPMX profile internally and externally.Use a sales-focused mindset to seek opportunities for growth with clients, partners and individuals within the team. Experience running a media buying division at an agency, large client media team within a marketing organization, or sales operation.The Trading Director must be able to balance achieving brilliant basics on the execution of our current products while also creating and bringing to market new offerings.Experience with complete P&L oversight is essential
CRITICAL SKILLS
LEADERSHIP
Being someone who is respected in the industry and seen to be at the helm by clients, peers and the team. Effective leaders take a personal interest in the long-term development of their companies and employees, driving both to achieve their best.
CHANGE AGENT
Change agents provide both the technical know-how and the social support needed the organization to learn and adopt new lean practices. Change agents use their knowledge and contacts to detect and diffuse challenges that might otherwise threaten to derail transformation efforts.
COMMUNICATION, CONNECTOR & COLLABORATOR
Through communication everyone feels their voice is being heard and it is one of the best ways to create a culture where everyone feels valued.
Connecting effectively with others builds strong bonds that develop loyalty, weather difficulties, and help the team succeed as a whole.
Collaboration leads to best leverage the talents of others and foster an environment where people feel safe to express their ideas.
COMPANY VALUES
TRUST
Trust is the cornerstone upon which we build our relationships. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of how a partner should behave. We treat our people and our clients with respect, transparency and honesty
TALENT
This is first and foremost a people business. We are committed to ensuring Publicis Groupe is a destination for the best talent in our industry. We value people as individuals, growing ourselves as we grow our client’s business
TRANSFORMATION
True transformation comes when we stop managing change, and instead initiate change. We believe in our purpose to be the admired force for business transformation. We believe that focusing on performance and results has the power to transform client business
QualificationsBachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, business administration, or a related field.Proven experience in media buying, negotiation, or vendor management, within a media agency or advertising environment (mandatory).Strong negotiation and persuasive communication skills, with a track record of successfully securing favorable deals.In-depth knowledge of media planning, buying, and advertising practices across traditional and digital channels.Familiarity with media research tools, industry databases, and pricing benchmarks.Analytical mindset.Strong financial acumen and budget management skills.Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, clients, and external partners.Results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering value and achieving campaign objectives.Adaptability and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Additional Information
Publicis Groupe, the second largest communications group in the world, employing over 100 000 talented minds, across 100 countries. Publicis Groupe has made a name for itself by putting its people first. We, at Publicis Groupe Africa, are no different. With over 60 agencies across 36 countries on the continent, there’s no better place to grow a rewarding career in media, communications, marketing or advertising in Africa.
Publicis Groupe Africa is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and prohibits any forms of discrimination or harassment. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees in line with our Employment Equity Plan. All appointments will be based on qualifications, experience and best fit, but preference will be given to all candidates from designated groups. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within two weeks after submitting your application, please consider your application as unsuccessful. For more information and other vacancies, visit PublicisGroupeAfrica.com.