Trading and Investment Director (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Publicis Groupe is one of the world’s largest communications holding companies, present in over 110 countries and employing about 100,000 professionals. The Groupe is positioned at every step of the value chain, from consulting to execution, combining marketing transformation and digital business transformation.

Our clients compete in the platform world, a horizontal marketplace between creators and consumers, between speakers and listeners, between buyers and sellers. To thrive in the platform world, companies must continue to innovate their products and business models. Four imperatives (1. Real Identity, 2. Dynamic, Diverse and Disruptive Creativity, 3. Smart Media, and 4. Direct Relationships) via our suite of world-class agencies are necessary for modern brands to win in the platform world. At Publicis Groupe, we’ve invested in capabilities across these four imperatives our clients need to unlock growth. We are able to offer our talents more opportunities to grow and benefit from a richer learning experience. We call this Power of One.

Viva La Difference is deeply rooted in everything we do. It expresses how we value and respect each individual and recognize what makes us distinctive. This inspires our teams to celebrate the differences in identity, background, culture, and experience.

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 for Publicis Media South Africa. Your role will involve analyzing market trends, building relationships, and leveraging your negotiation skills to achieve optimal media buying outcomes.

The Trading Director should use a sales-focused mindset to seek opportunities for growth with clients, partners, and individuals within the team. We are looking for someone who has experience running a media buying division at an agency, within a large client media team within a marketing organization, or within a media vendor.

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.

• Vendor Relationship Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with media vendors, publishers, and other partners.
• Media Buying Strategy: Collaborate with the media planning and buying teams to understand campaign objectives, target audiences, and budget constraints.
• Negotiation and Deal Making: Lead negotiations with media vendors to secure favorable terms and pricing for media placements.
• Contract Management: Review and negotiate contracts and agreements with media vendors.
• Cost Control and Budgeting: Collaborate with finance and account management teams to establish media budgets for client campaigns.
• Competitive Analysis: Conduct research and analysis of media rates, audience reach, and competitor activity.
• Performance Tracking: Establish performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of media buys.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with media vendors and partners.

• Proven experience in a senior/leadership level role in media buying, negotiation, or vendor management.
• Strong negotiation and persuasive communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of media planning, buying, and advertising practices.
• 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.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering value.
• Adaptability and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Expert understanding of how client business objectives translate into investment marketplace strategies.
• Expert understanding of the overall marketplace and partner landscape.
• Expert understanding of marketplace partnership opportunities, deals, and terms.
• Expert understanding of agency Terms + Conditions and partner contracting process.

We are supportive of all candidates and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. If you have any circumstances that may affect your assessment, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner. We will discuss possible adjustments to ensure fairness.