Vice President, Category Lead

Overview (Why This Role?)
Are you ready to drive digital growth and lead a high-performing sales organization at one of the world’s most iconic media companies? As Vice President, Category Lead at Hearst Magazines, you’ll guide a talented team, shape strategy, and expand Hearst’s digital footprint within a highly competitive marketplace.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)
Hearst Magazines’ portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the U.S.—including Cosmopolitan , ELLE , Esquire , Good Housekeeping , Harper’s BAZAAR , and Popular Mechanics —reaches nearly 130 million readers and site visitors each month. We combine premium storytelling, advanced data capabilities, and cross-platform distribution to deliver measurable business results for advertisers. With nearly 200 magazine editions and 175 websites globally, Hearst is shaping what’s next in media.

Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)

• Lead and develop a team of 5–7 sales professionals and 3 coordinators, providing coaching, mentorship, and clear performance direction.

• Serve as Hearst’s industry expert for your assigned category, maintaining deep understanding of client needs, media networks, and affiliate strategies.

• Own category performance, driving strategic growth across digital, print, and social platforms while aligning closely with internal partners.

• Set and execute strategic priorities, translating company-wide goals into actionable plans for your team.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with pricing, ad operations, client services, and content strategy teams to deliver cohesive solutions for advertisers.

• Champion digital innovation, guiding the team in adopting new platforms and data-driven approaches to client success.

• Foster a consultative sales culture rooted in partnership, insights, and long-term value creation.

• Contribute to organizational leadership, collaborating with peers and other category leads to strengthen sales strategies across the organization.

Leadership Expectations

• Lead with autonomy, accountability, and transparency.

• Build trust across teams and foster a culture of collaboration, learning, and performance.

• Provide direction and remove barriers without micromanaging.

• Act as a strategic partner to internal stakeholders and a credible advisor to clients.

Qualifications (What We’re Looking For)

• 10+ years of sales experience, including at least 5 years leading teams in media, advertising, or digital publishing.

• Demonstrated success in developing and managing high-performing sales teams.

• Proven expertise working with major consumer, commerce, or brand clients.

• Strong understanding of digital media, data-driven sales, and omnichannel marketing.

• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with a record of building internal alignment and client confidence.

• Comfortable operating in a matrixed organization with multiple stakeholders.

• Strategic, adaptable, and highly solutions-oriented.

• Hybrid schedule based in NYC: 4 days per week in-office.

Benefits (What We Offer)

• Work with the Best: Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media, advertising, tech, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.

• Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops, and exclusive industry events.

• Work-Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.

• Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.

• Wellness First: Prioritize your well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance from Day 1.

• Plan for Your Financial Future: Enjoy competitive financial perks, including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

The base salary for this role is between $240,000 - $300,000. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role is also bonus eligible.

Hearst is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.