Business Development Manager, Merchant Partnerships
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Business Development Manager, Merchant Partnerships based in the United States.
This is an exciting opportunity for a business development professional to help build and scale strategic merchant partnerships within a rapidly growing AI-powered commerce environment. In this role, you will identify high-value brands and retailers, lead partnership negotiations, and create scalable acquisition strategies that drive business growth. You will own the partnership lifecycle from prospecting and discovery through contract signature and launch readiness, while collaborating closely with product, engineering, operations, and partner success teams. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in an early-stage environment, enjoys building processes from the ground up, and has a strong passion for eCommerce, technology, and marketplace innovation.
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Business Development Manager, Merchant Partnerships based in the United States.
This is an exciting opportunity for a business development professional to help build and scale strategic merchant partnerships within a rapidly growing AI-powered commerce environment. In this role, you will identify high-value brands and retailers, lead partnership negotiations, and create scalable acquisition strategies that drive business growth. You will own the partnership lifecycle from prospecting and discovery through contract signature and launch readiness, while collaborating closely with product, engineering, operations, and partner success teams. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in an early-stage environment, enjoys building processes from the ground up, and has a strong passion for eCommerce, technology, and marketplace innovation.
Accountabilities
- Identify, prioritize, and engage high-value merchants aligned with consumer demand, category strategies, and marketplace growth opportunities.
- Build and manage a strong partnership pipeline through outbound prospecting, referrals, industry networking, and strategic partner channels.
- Lead discovery conversations, present partnership opportunities, and guide prospects through the full sales and partnership lifecycle.
- Negotiate and close commercial agreements covering partnership economics, product integrations, reporting requirements, onboarding plans, and technical requirements.
- Manage internal deal processes, including pricing alignment, approvals, contract readiness, and collaboration with legal stakeholders when needed.
- Partner with product, engineering, merchant operations, and success teams to define integration pathways and ensure smooth merchant onboarding.
- Develop and improve merchant acquisition strategies, including qualification frameworks, outreach processes, pipeline reporting, and funnel optimization.
- Establish repeatable acquisition channels and playbooks to improve merchant sourcing, conversion rates, and launch efficiency.
- Coordinate with onboarding partners and internal teams to accelerate merchant activation and improve partnership outcomes.
- Maintain visibility into pipeline health, sales stages, forecasts, and acquisition performance metrics.
- 5–8+ years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, partnerships sales, or related roles.
- Experience selling into retailers, brands, commerce platforms, marketplaces, or merchant-facing technology solutions.
- Proven success managing complex commercial negotiations and closing strategic partnerships.
- Experience working cross-functionally with product, operations, engineering, legal, and customer success teams.
- Familiarity with eCommerce ecosystems, product feeds, catalog integrations, affiliate programs, payment or checkout solutions, marketplaces, or SaaS platforms.
- Strong pipeline management skills with the ability to balance prospecting, relationship development, and execution across multiple opportunities.
- Ability to operate effectively in an early-stage startup environment where building processes and adapting quickly are essential.
- Strong communication, negotiation, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to create structure, solve problems independently, and deliver measurable business results.
- Existing merchant relationships are valuable, but demonstrated ability to build new partnerships through proactive outreach is equally important.
- Competitive total compensation package ranging from $155,000–$175,000 USD, depending on experience, skills, location, and role scope.
- Equity opportunities through stock options.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Flexible paid time off and company holidays.
- Fully remote work opportunity within the United States.
- Opportunity to contribute to the growth of an innovative AI-driven commerce platform.
- Collaborative environment with cross-functional teams across product, engineering, operations, and partnerships.
- Periodic company offsites and team gatherings.