Partnerships Manager, Japan (Performance Marketing & Merchant Partnerships)
About the Role: ( This role is open to Japanese nationals only.) We are seeking a Partnerships Manager to lead and scale our merchant and strategic partner ecosystem in Japan. This is a senior, high-impact role focused on driving commercial growth through partnerships, with a strong emphasis on performance marketing solutions and payment ecosystem integrations. You will own relationships with key stakeholders, including merchants, acquirers, payment gateways, and marketing partners, while shaping go-to-market strategies and unlocking new revenue opportunities. Key Responsibilities Build and Scale Pulse iD’s Merchant Business in Japan Take full ownership of building Pulse iD’s merchant and strategic partner ecosystem in Japan. Proactively originate, pursue, and secure new merchant opportunities, with a clear expectation that this role will create commercial momentum through direct outreach, relationship building, and disciplined follow-through. Lead the development of Pulse iD’s merchant CLO and partnership business in Japan from the ground up, turning market opportunity into signed partnerships, active campaigns, and sustainable revenue growth. Operate with a high degree of autonomy, accountability, and personal drive, identifying what needs to be done and making it happen. Strategic Partnerships and Business Development Identify, prioritize, and develop high-value partnerships across merchants, acquirers, payment gateways, PSPs, wallet and ecosystem partners, and performance marketing platforms. Build and execute a clear Japan market growth plan, including target segments, partnership priorities, commercial approach, and go-to-market strategy. Initiate and lead partnership discussions independently, from first contact through negotiation, contracting, launch, and ongoing expansion. Structure commercially strong, practical partnership models that align Pulse iD’s capabilities with partner and merchant objectives. Merchant Acquisition and Partner Management Personally own senior relationships with key merchants and partners in Japan, acting as the primary commercial lead in the market. Drive pipeline conversion by actively prospecting, pitching, negotiating, and closing new business. Grow the value of each partnership through strong account management, performance reviews, upsell opportunities, and long-term retention strategies. Ensure partners and merchants remain engaged, successful, and aligned with Pulse iD’s commercial objectives. Performance Marketing and Revenue Delivery Lead the commercialization of Pulse iD’s performance marketing and card-linked offer capabilities in Japan, positioning them clearly to merchants and ecosystem partners. Work closely with internal teams and external partners to deliver measurable merchant ROI, campaign performance, and revenue outcomes. Use data and market insight to improve campaign effectiveness, strengthen partner value propositions, and unlock new revenue opportunities. Maintain a strong focus on execution and results, with clear accountability for commercial outcomes, partner performance, and market growth. Market Leadership and Execution Discipline Act as Pulse iD’s senior commercial representative in Japan, building market credibility and expanding the company’s presence through consistent external engagement. Develop a strong understanding of the local payments, merchant, and marketing ecosystem and use that knowledge to shape strategy and prioritize action. Take responsibility for delivering against market goals, including pipeline development, partnership activation, revenue contribution, and ecosystem expansion. Bring a hands-on, self-motivated approach: this role is expected to open doors, create opportunities, and drive outcomes, not simply manage inbound relationships. Reporting and Commercial Insight Track and report on pipeline health, partnership progress, revenue contribution, campaign performance, and strategic opportunities in Japan. Provide clear market feedback and commercial insight to leadership, including risks, opportunities, and recommendations for improving growth and execution. Maintain strong operating discipline, with regular forecasting, prioritization, and accountability against agreed targets. Requirements Experience 4 – 6 years in partnerships, business development, or account management. Experience in performance marketing or payments ecosystem preferred. Skills Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills. Data-driven and analytical mindset. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Language Fluent Japanese (Reading, Writing, Speaking) Professional English (Reading, Writing, Speaking) Other Strong understanding of the Japan market An existing network is a plus Why Join Us? Lead growth in Japan market Work at intersection of payments and marketing High ownership and visibility