Link to The Trade Desk Home Page

Lead Associate Account Director

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.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

As a Lead Associate Account Director, you are a player‑coach who drives sustainable account growth by combining strategic client leadership with hands‑on account ownership and people development.

You will:

  • Own and grow a portfolio of strategic Italian agency and advertiser relationships, acting as a trusted strategic advisor while maintaining direct involvement with key accounts.
  • Develop and execute 12‑month account and portfolio strategies aligned with The Trade Desk’s long‑term vision, focused on revenue growth, account health, and measurable business outcomes.
  • Demonstrate strong business insight and financial acumen by translating client objectives into proactive, data‑driven recommendations that showcase the value of The Trade Desk.
  • Navigate complex and ambiguous stakeholder environments, balancing the priorities of agencies, advertisers, and internal teams while making high‑quality decisions.
  • Lead senior‑level client engagements, including strategic planning sessions, QBRs, and growth discussions, in close collaboration with business development and trading counterparts.
  • Hold full accountability for account health and risk management, proactively identifying and mitigating factors that could impact long‑term partnership value or client retention.
  • Manage, coach, and develop a small, high‑performing team of Account Managers by setting clear expectations, optimizing team bandwidth, providing regular feedback, and supporting career growth.
  • Actively optimize talent, ensuring strong execution today while developing future leaders through coaching, mentoring, and increased responsibility.
  • Collaborate cross‑functionally and cross‑regionally with sales, trading, product, and leadership teams to solve business challenges and drive organizational efficiency.
  • Report progress against portfolio goals to management with clarity and ownership.



WHO YOU ARE:

You are an experienced client‑facing leader and player‑coach who thrives in complex environments and is motivated by building both strong businesses and strong teams.

You bring:

  • 8+ years of experience in digital or programmatic advertising, with demonstrated ownership of complex, strategic accounts and progression into senior client or team leadership responsibilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to own senior client relationships, influence stakeholders, and act as a trusted advisor at Director to VP level.
  • Strong commercial and strategic mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities, manage risk, and deliver long‑term value for both clients and The Trade Desk.
  • Experience (or strong readiness) in people leadership, including coaching, performance management, and developing high‑performing teams.
  • Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills, with the ability to operate effectively across junior to very senior stakeholders.
  • Comfort operating in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and sound judgment.
  • A collaborative leadership style with strong organizational and interpersonal savvy.
  • High level of ownership, accountability, and attention to detail.
  • Fluency in Italian and English.

The Trade Desk does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm recruiters. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of The Trade Desk. 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.

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

Please reach out to us at accommodations@​thetradedesk.​com to request an accommodation or discuss any accessibility needs you may require to access our Company Website or navigate any part of the hiring process.

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.

Related