Director of Commerce Partnerships (AI)

TL;DR

Director of Commerce Partnerships (AI): Developing and executing partner strategies across the Japanese commerce stack, including marketplaces and super-apps, with an accent on deal architecture and integration. Focus on building a high-performing team, scaling GMV through live commerce, and establishing deep integrations with ecosystem leaders like PayPay and Rakuten.

Location: Must be based in Tokyo, Japan

Company

hirify.global AI is an AI commerce platform transforming e-commerce through inspiration-led discovery, operating in 140 countries and leveraging advanced AI models like Gemini and Imagen.

What you will do

• Define and prioritize partner strategies across the Japanese commerce stack, including marketplaces, super-apps, and D2C brands.
• Design complex deal architectures, covering pricing models, revenue share, and data-sharing frameworks.
• Develop mobile and TV commerce sequencing to optimize user journeys from consideration to transaction.
• Build and lead a high-performing partnerships team, managing quarterly targets and deal pipelines.
• Provide structured reporting on pipeline economics and strategic risks to the Japan country leadership.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in commerce, partnerships, or business development within the Japanese market.
• At least 4 years of experience leading partner-facing or external negotiation teams.
• Proven track record of signing large-scale commercial deals with Japanese marketplaces, super-apps, or D2C brands.
• Deep understanding of the Japanese commerce ecosystem, including points/poikatsu and the LINE/Yahoo/Rakuten/PayPay landscape.
• Business-level Japanese (native or near-native preferred) and working English for internal collaboration.
• Must be based in Tokyo and comfortable operating with high autonomy.

Nice to have

• Previous experience at a major Japanese platform company, marketplace, or carrier commerce arm.
• Experience launching innovative commerce surfaces such as AI agents, widgets, or live commerce.
• Knowledge of IP/character licensing structures and "oshikatsu" economics in Japan.