Business Development Associate

About YAICHIYAICHI is evolving beyond traditional retail and e-commerce into a comprehensive global Japanese brand ecosystem. We are dedicated to bringing iconic Japanese brands to the international stage and creating a vibrant, integrated platform where Japan lovers can explore authentic Japanese brands, products, and experiences. Our expanding brand footprint in Hong Kong includes renowned names such as 3COINS, LOFT, Daikoku Drug Store, Mr. CHEESECAKE, and Yachiyo Sushi (八千代壽司). YAICHI also powers lifestyle and travel experiences, offering luggage delivery and rebate services for tourists visiting Japan. Through our flagship membership initiative, YAICHI PASSPORT (and the YAICHI TOMO partner ecosystem), we connect Japanese Brands, Global Customers, and YAICHI Business Pillars to develop high-value privileges to consumers while helping brand partners unleash additional value beyond physical products. The OpportunityWe are seeking an energetic and strategic Business Development Associate to drive partnership acquisition and lead generation for the YAICHI PASSPORT ecosystem. In this role, you will be instrumental in pitching and securing strategic partnerships with Japanese brands, corporate partners, and collaborating organisations. If you are passionate about Japanese culture, commercial strategy, and building innovative partnership models that span retail, travel privileges, and experiential offerings, this is your opportunity to build impactful global alliances.

Key Responsibilities
• Partnership Lead Generation & Pipeline Management: Identify, prospect, and pitch high-potential partner brands (retail, F&B, travel, tourist privileges) to join the YAICHI PASSPORT ecosystem.
• End-to-End BD Execution: Support the complete BD sales cycle, including partner pitching, commercial proposal preparation, contract negotiation, and partner onboarding.
• Ecosystem Value Creation: Support Japanese brand partners to help them unleash brand value beyond traditional products (e.g., experiential offerings, tourist privileges, rebate programs, and co-promotions).
• Cross-Functional Integration: Partner closely with internal marketing, retail, product, and operations teams to activate partnerships seamlessly across our digital and physical channels.
• Relationship Management & Expansion: Nurture long-term merchant and partner relationships, identifying cross-sell and co-marketing opportunities to grow total ecosystem value. Main Requirements
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Education:
Bachelor's degree or higher in Business Administration, Marketing, International Business, or a relevant field.
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Experience:
1–3 years of experience in business development, sales outreach, merchant acquisition, or strategic partnerships (experience in e-commerce, Japanese brand distribution, retail, or travel tech is a major plus).
• Commercial & Partnership Acumen: Strong understanding of partnership models, co-marketing, tourist privilege programs, and value-exchange dynamics within brand ecosystems.
• Communication & Pitching: Outstanding written and verbal presentation skills; comfortable pitching to Japanese brand owners, corporate partners, and decision-makers.
• Proactive & Adaptable: High initiative, strong networking drive, and resilience in driving growth within an evolving ecosystem.
• Language

Skills:
Proficiency in English, Cantonese and Mandarin is required; Japanese language ability is an advantage.  What We Can Offer
• A dynamic, fast-paced, and rewarding environment
• Steep learning curve with possibilities that are limitless and dependent on you
• A vibrant team with diverse professional backgrounds and a passion for Japanese culture and products
• High autonomy, responsibility, and personal impact
• Staff discounts for imported Japanese products