Partnerships & Product Development Lead – Inbound Tourism

Employment Type / 雇用形態: Full-time

Location / 勤務地: Tokyo (Hybrid with Remote Flexibility)

About the Company / 会社について

Founded in January 2016, Japan Awaits is an innovative travel operator specializing in inbound tourism to Japan. We provide a wide range of services, from custom-designed tours to immersive cultural experiences across the country. Our mission is to create personalized journeys through expert guides, trusted local vendors, and unique itineraries tailored to each traveler’s interests. We are a growing international team passionate about showcasing Japan’s rich culture and delivering unforgettable guest experiences.

About the Role / 役割について

Japan Awaits is seeking an experienced and culturally fluent Partnerships & Product Development Lead to lead and expand our network of Japanese business partners in the tourism and hospitality industry. This role is ideal for someone with extensive experience working with Japanese companies and the ability to navigate Japan’s business culture with confidence.

In this position, you will oversee key partnerships with hotels, tour operators, transportation companies, and other service providers, while also working closely with our internal team on product development — shaping how our tours, experiences, and services are designed and delivered. Your work will directly influence the quality, uniqueness, and market success of our offerings. This position requires exceptional communication skills in both Japanese and English to collaborate effectively with domestic and international stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities / 職務上の責任

• Build, maintain, and strengthen long-term relationships with Japanese business partners, including hotels, tour guides, transport providers, and attractions
• Lead negotiations, ensure contractual compliance, and foster mutually beneficial collaborations
• Identify operational challenges and develop solutions to improve partner performance and guest satisfaction
• Work with internal teams to design and refine tourism products, ensuring they meet both market needs and Japan Awaits’ quality standards
• Oversee partner onboarding, training, and ongoing support to ensure smooth operations
• Maintain accurate and organized documentation of all partnerships, agreements, communications, and processes
• Develop and improve systems for tracking, reporting, and managing partner-related workflows
• Track partnership performance using data and feedback, making recommendations for improvements

Requirements / 求める人材

• Native-level Japanese, JLPT N1 or equivalent with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluent English with strong business communication skills for effective collaboration in a multicultural team and with international partners
• 7 – 10 years’ professional experience in partner management, business development, or client services with Japanese companies, preferably in hospitality, tourism, or related industries
• Proven track record of contract negotiation and management of long-term business relationships in Japan.
• Hands-on experience in tourism, travel or hospitality product development.
• Proficiency with business tools (Google Workspace, Excel, CRM software, etc.)
• Strong cultural awareness, problem-solving ability, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Job type and compensation / 職種と給与:

• Full-time, Tokyo-based (Hybrid – office, remote, site visits).
• Annual performance review with potential for bonus.
• Health insurance and pension coverage.
• Additional benefits: company-provided lunch when in office, transportation allowance, participation in cultural and tourism-related events.

Working Day/Hours / 勤務時間・曜日:

• 8 hours/day, with flexibility