Business Development & Partnership Manager

We're looking for a proactive Business Development & Partnerships Manager with a strong sales mindset and a passion for driving business growth. 

In this role, you'll identify and pursue new business opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and engage Japanese corporates to introduce our enterprise software solutions. As our local representative, you'll develop relationships with prospective clients and partners, manage sales opportunities throughout the sales cycle, and serve as a bridge between Japan and our regional teams. 

 This role is ideal for someone who enjoys opening new doors, building trusted relationships with senior decision-makers, and thriving in both Japanese and international business environments. 

• →Identify, approach, and engage potential corporate and institutional partners in Japan. 

• →Represent the company confidently in meetings, calls, and written communication. 

• →Support partnership discussions, follow-ups, and documentation. 

• →Provide local insights, cultural guidance, and operational support to international teams. 

• →Coordinate with regional stakeholders to localize go-to-market and engagement  

• →strategies. 

• →Maintain accurate records of partner interactions and business progress. 

• Japanese national and Native Japanese speaker 

• 5–7 years of experience in enterprise B2B sales, business development, and partnership management (candidates with at least 4 years of highly relevant experience may also be considered). 

• Proven experience selling SaaS or enterprise software solutions. 

• Experience selling to publicly listed companies, with a solid understanding of Japanese corporate governance and business practices. 

• Proven experience in outbound prospecting, cold outreach, and generating new business opportunities within the enterprise market. 

• Demonstrated success in identifying new business opportunities, managing the full sales cycle, and consistently achieving sales targets. 

• Experience engaging with C-level executives, board members, legal departments, corporate secretariats, or other enterprise decision-makers would be an advantage. 

• Business-level English is preferred but not required. Candidates should be comfortable conversing in English to support meetings and day-to-day collaboration with regional and international teams. Fluency is not required. 

• Strong interpersonal, networking, and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to engage new contacts and senior executives. 

• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment, bridging Japanese and international business practices and fostering cross-functional collaboration. 

• Experience in startups, SaaS, or corporate partnership roles. 

• Exposure to governance, legal technology, compliance, ESG, board management, or other corporate solutions is highly preferred.  

• Existing network within Japanese listed companies. 

• Experience in an international or regional organization.