News Partner Manager, Content Operations, TikTok Japan

About the Role As a News Partner Manager, you will lead strategic partnerships with Japan's top news media (major TV networks and newspapers) to maximize the content ecosystem on TikTok. Going beyond traditional relationship building, you will support publishers' business growth through technical solution proposals, the execution of new monetization strategies, and redefining platform value. A critical focus of this role is to close the content supply gap with other platforms and maximize the volume of high-quality news content on TikTok, making this a highly strategic and challenging position.

About the Team Our team is on a mission to build and expand the news and publisher ecosystem in Japan, delivering reliable information and entertainment to our users. We collaborate deeply with major TV networks and national newspapers to support their digital strategies from multiple angles. Working closely with Global Product teams and cross-functional (XFN) teams, we lead business transformation for news media by rapidly introducing the most suitable monetization methods and technical solutions for the Japanese market.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Partnership & Content Growth: Focus resources on high-potential priority accounts among major news media to provide hands-on support. Lead strategies to maximize content supply to TikTok through structural partnerships and comprehensive solutions, effectively closing the posting volume gap with other platforms (e.g., YouTube).
• Product Solution & Tech Enablement: Drive API and RSS integration projects with major networks to establish an automated and continuous content supply foundation. Support the adoption of solutions that maximize traffic to publishers' own sites (e.g., Article Link, Article Sticker) and improve operational efficiency (e.g., unlocking PC-based workflows like Web Photo Mode).
• Monetization Strategy & Pilot Execution: Execute pilot programs for Pulse Premiere (ad revenue sharing) and various Gifting features (LIVE/Comment) with key partners to demonstrate their impact on engagement and posting incentives. Think creatively and structurally to explore and propose new business models (e.g., TikTok Minis, subscription), grounded in partner needs and platform constraints.
• Value Proposition & XFN Collaboration: Logically redefine and present TikTok's platform value (e.g., traffic generation, operational efficiency) beyond direct monetary compensation, while actively driving shifts in partner perception of TikTok as a platform for news and content growth, to rebuild strong trust with partners. Collaborate with global product teams and internal departments to execute complex projects, such as API integrations and new product rollouts.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 3+ years of experience in B2B partner management, business development, or solution sales within the media, tech platform, or IT consulting industries.
• Japanese: Full professional proficiency (able to negotiate, present, and build trust with top media executives). English: Business-level proficiency (written and spoken).
• Tough Negotiation & Value Proposition Skills: Ability to logically and persistently present non-monetary benefits (e.g., traffic, efficiency) to reach consensus, even in challenging situations involving strong monetization demands or pushback from clients.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven track record of involving multiple stakeholders (Global teams, Product, Legal, etc.) to drive and implement new solutions or features.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep knowledge and network regarding the business models, revenue structures, and industry trends of Japan's news/media industry (major TV networks, newspapers, digital publishers).
• Experience leading API integration projects or driving client onboarding (adoption) for new tech tools/web products.
• Experience planning and validating pilot tests for new monetization features or business models (e.g., ad revenue sharing, subscriptions).
• Proven track record in crisis management or rebuilding trust after navigating complex challenges or negative feedback from past projects.