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Senior Partnerships Manager, Japan

Intercom
Full-time
On-site
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Senior Partnerships Manager, Japan

πŸ”Ή Company: Intercom

πŸ”Ή Location: Sydney, Australia

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (3 days on-site)

πŸ”Ή Category: Business Development, Partnerships

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: June 19, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site (Sydney office) required

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Developing and managing strategic partnerships in Japan to drive revenue growth
  • Collaborating cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Product, and Customer Success teams
  • Leveraging local market knowledge to adapt partnership strategies
  • Negotiating and closing partnership agreements

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and strategic thinking, with a focus on building and maintaining strong relationships with partners in the Japan market.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Manage Partner Relationships: Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with existing and potential partners in Japan. Act as the main point of contact, foster trust, and open communication. Collaborate with partners to identify new business opportunities and expand existing partnerships. Negotiate, close, and manage partnership agreements that align with business goals.

βœ… Market Expansion and Partner Acquisition: Identify and recruit new partners across Japan that align with the company's strategic objectives. Support the onboarding process of new partners and ensure they have the tools and knowledge needed for success. Develop go-to-market strategies for new partner launches and promotions in the region.

βœ… Performance Monitoring and Optimization: Track partner performance, including sales targets, growth metrics, and overall contribution to business success. Analyze market trends and partner performance data to recommend areas for improvement and new opportunities. Implement joint business plans with partners to drive revenue growth, increase market share, and deliver measurable results.

βœ… Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with internal teams (Sales, Marketing, Product, etc.) to ensure alignment with partner needs and market demands. Coordinate with marketing to develop co-branded campaigns and materials that support partners and enhance brand visibility.

βœ… Reporting and Analytics: Provide regular updates on partner performance, KPIs, and sales metrics to senior management. Use data and insights to inform decision-making and adjust strategies to meet business goals. Report on partner activities, trends, challenges, and successes within the Japan region.

βœ… Regional Expertise: Stay current on trends, regulations, and industry best practices specific to the Japan market. Leverage local market knowledge to help shape partnership strategies and support the company’s regional growth objectives. Understand cultural nuances, business practices, and economic conditions in various Japan countries to adapt the partnership approach.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a deep understanding of the Japan market, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with partners.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 4+ years of experience in partner management, business development, or sales, with a strong focus on Japan markets. Proven track record of driving revenue growth and building successful partnerships in Japan.

Required Skills:

  • Fluency in Japanese (both written and verbal); English proficiency required
  • Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to work with data and generate actionable insights

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in B2B and SaaS
  • Knowledge of CRM and marketing automation tools

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in partner management, with a strong focus on the Japan market, and excellent communication and negotiation skills.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AUD 120,000 - 160,000 per annum (based on experience and market rates for similar roles in Sydney)

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary and equity in a fast-growing start-up
  • Catered lunch every weekday, plus a fully stocked kitchen
  • Regular compensation reviews
  • Flexible paid time off policy
  • Healthcare stipend towards private health insurance for you and your partner/spouse
  • MacBooks are the standard, but Windows is also offered for certain roles

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days on-site in Sydney)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on market rates for similar roles in Sydney, Australia, and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and skills.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Software Development, specifically Customer Service and AI

Company Size: Medium (501-1,000 employees) - Large enough to have established processes and resources, but still agile and innovative

Founded: 2011 - Intercom has been operating for over a decade, providing ample opportunities for growth and development

Company Description:

  • Intercom is the AI Customer Service company on a mission to help businesses provide incredible customer experiences
  • Their AI agent, Fin, lets businesses deliver always-on, impeccable customer service and transform their customer experiences for the better
  • Founded in 2011 and trusted by nearly 30,000 global businesses, Intercom is setting the new standard for customer service

Company Specialties:

  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Customer Engagement
  • Customer Communication
  • Live Chat
  • Customer Support
  • Customer Feedback
  • Marketing Automation
  • Helpdesk
  • Mobile
  • Customer Service
  • AI
  • Chat Bots
  • CX
  • Customer Experience
  • Shared Inbox
  • Support Automation

Company Website: https://www.intercom.com

ASSUMPTION: Intercom is a well-established company in the customer service industry, with a strong focus on AI and innovation.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-Senior level - This role offers significant responsibility and the opportunity to make a substantial impact on the company's growth in the Japan market

Reporting Structure: The Senior Partnerships Manager, Japan will report directly to the Head of Partnerships or a similar role

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site in Sydney) - This role requires regular on-site presence to collaborate effectively with the team and partners

Growth Opportunities:

  • As the first Japan Partner Manager, there is significant potential for growth and expansion within the role and the team
  • Successful candidates may have the opportunity to grow into a leadership role or take on additional responsibilities as the team and market grow
  • Intercom's fast-paced environment offers ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the company's partnership strategy in the Japan market and drive significant growth and impact.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space in Sydney's CBD

Office Location(s): 55 2nd Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, California, USA; 2nd Floor, Stephen Court, 18-21 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; 1 Primrose St., Unit 3044, Level 3, London, England, UK; 1330 W Fulton Market, Suite 75, Chicago, Illinois, USA; 285a Crown St, Upper Ground Floor, Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia

Geographic Context:

  • Sydney, Australia - A vibrant, multicultural city with a strong economy and a thriving tech industry
  • Australia - A stable, developed country with a high standard of living and a strong focus on work-life balance
  • Asia-Pacific region - A dynamic and growing market with significant opportunities for business expansion and partnerships

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days on-site in Sydney)

ASSUMPTION: The Sydney office provides a modern, collaborative work environment with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application review
  • Phone or video screen with the HR team
  • In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
  • Final interview with senior leadership
  • Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Japan market knowledge and experience
  • Partner management and negotiation skills
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Alignment with company values and culture

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the Japan market and Intercom's business
  • Prepare examples of successful partnerships you've managed and the impact you've made
  • Be ready to discuss your approach to partner management and growth strategies

ATS Keywords: Japan, Partner Management, Business Development, Revenue Growth, Japanese Fluency, English Proficiency, Negotiation, Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Analytical Mindset

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's market knowledge, partner management skills, and cultural fit with the company.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • CRM and marketing automation tools (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
  • Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
  • Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with CRM and marketing automation tools, as well as strong data analysis skills.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Customer-driven
  • No ego
  • One team, one dream
  • Be an owner
  • Customers first

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Data-driven and analytical
  • Results-focused and action-oriented
  • Adaptable and open to feedback

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do you align with Intercom's core values, specifically "Customers first" and "No ego"?
  • How comfortable are you working in a hybrid environment, with a focus on collaboration and open communication?
  • How do you approach feedback and continuous improvement in your work?

ASSUMPTION: Intercom values a customer-driven, collaborative, and results-focused work environment, with a strong emphasis on open communication and continuous improvement.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing time zones and communication with partners in Japan
  • Navigating cultural nuances and business practices in the Japan market
  • Balancing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
  • Adapting to changes in the market and partnership landscape

ASSUMPTION: The Senior Partnerships Manager, Japan will face unique challenges related to the Japan market, time zones, and cultural nuances, as well as the dynamic nature of the role and work environment.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is unique in its focus on the Japan market and the opportunity to shape the company's partnership strategy in the region
  • Compared to other partner management roles, this position offers a higher level of autonomy and strategic influence
  • Career path comparison: This role provides a clear path for growth and development within the company, with opportunities to take on additional responsibilities or leadership positions as the team and market grow

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to drive significant impact and growth in the Japan market, with a clear path for professional development and career advancement.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a go-to-market strategy for a new partner launch in Japan
  • Negotiating and closing a strategic partnership agreement with a major player in the Japan market
  • Analyzing market trends and partner performance data to identify new opportunities and optimize existing partnerships

ASSUMPTION: The Senior Partnerships Manager, Japan will work on a variety of projects that require strategic thinking, strong communication and negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the Japan market.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
  • How does this role fit into the company's overall partnership strategy and growth plans for the Japan market?
  • What are the most significant challenges facing the company's partnership efforts in Japan, and how can this role address them?
  • How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees in this role?
  • What is the company's approach to work-life balance and employee well-being?

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will provide an opportunity to gain insights into the company's partnership strategy, growth plans, and approach to employee development and well-being.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through Intercom's careers page
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare examples of successful partnerships you've managed and the impact you've made
  • Be ready to discuss your approach to partner management and growth strategies
  • Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.