Partner Development Manager-Hybrid in Chicago

About Rewards Network 

For 40 years, Rewards Network has been helping restaurants grow revenue, increase traffic, and boost customer engagement through innovative financial, marketing services, and premier dining rewards programs. By offering unique card-linked offers, we introduce diners to fantastic restaurant experiences, leveraging advanced technology and data analytics to deliver value to restaurants, diners, and our strategic partners' loyalty programs.

Our Culture 

At Rewards Network, you'll be part of a driven and diverse team that excels in collaboration, issue resolution, and taking ownership of both personal growth and the company's success. We take pride in partnering with the world's most powerful loyalty programs to drive full-price paying customers to local restaurants through marketing services and flexible funding options. Our engaging and rewarding environment is designed to help you gain your full potential. 

Job Overview

The Partnership Development Manager takes the lead in building and managing relationships with key partners and loyalty brands. Working cross-functionally with Product, Marketing, Finance, Legal, and Engineering, Partner Development Managers help guide the launch of new partnerships while supporting new products, growth and optimization of existing ones. Success in this role requires the development of a solid understanding of Partner revenue drivers and RN’s technology stack and how our partner integrations are structured and maintained. Partner Development Managers are expected to take ownership of partnership execution, help connect the dots across teams, and ensure initiatives move forward smoothly and effectively.

This is a hybrid position and requires in office presence 2 days a week in Chicago. 

What you’ll bring to the table: (Responsibilities)  

• Take day-to-day ownership of strategic partnerships across the travel, cash back, and financial services industries, including major airlines, hotel chains, FinTech partners, payment processors, and networks.
• Support the end-to-end contract negotiation process, including commercial terms, legal frameworks, and privacy/security requirements.
• Identify and lead growth initiatives across your partner portfolio, including new member acquisition, new product integrations, application of best practices, marketing campaigns, promotions, and other strategic priorities.
• Identify and execute initiatives with partners that align to RN’s strategic goals. Such as, leading strategic projects while conducting data-driven analytics, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving economics
• Develop a strong understanding of partner ecosystems, business models, and needs to craft tailored partnership strategies and solutions.
• Deliver measurable outcomes tied to revenue growth, partner performance, or strategic milestones.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior-level and C-Suite stakeholders at RN and partner organizations, establishing trust and long-term value.
• Drive product integrations and onboarding efforts for new partners, collaborating cross-functionally with Product, Marketing, Finance, Engineering, and other internal teams.

Do you have the right mix of ingredients: (Requirements)  

• Strong Business Acumen: Deep understanding of program strategy with a proven ability to identify growth opportunities, navigate challenges, and drive results. Experienced negotiator in partnerships and card-linked offer (CLO) programs.
• Industry Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the loyalty and payments space, particularly card-linked offer products, with the ability to leverage industry trends to shape effective partner strategies.
• Exceptional Communication & Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions and build trusted relationships with internal teams and external partners, including Sr. Leadership and C-Suite stakeholders.
• Highly Organized & Detail-Oriented: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Skilled at prioritizing strategic initiatives while ensuring operational follow-through.
• Resourceful & Self-Starter: Thrives in ambiguity and takes initiative to solve problems, drive progress, and maintain momentum independently or in a team setting.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a track record of using data to inform decisions and improve program outcomes.
• Technical Proficiency:  Comfortable working with tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, Domo, and Google Analytics with the ability to translate data into actionable strategies and reporting.
• Results-Driven: History of meeting and exceeding KPI goals while maintaining a balance between attention to detail and effective delegation.

Education, Certifications and Experience: Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field
• 5+ years related experience, including experience in partnerships, business development or strategy in the technology or financial services industry
• Exceptional written and communication skills
• Experience working with Payment Card Networks highly preferred

What you’ll love about us: 

Comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

•    This is a full-time, exempt position and the base compensation for this opening in Chicago is expected to be $80,000-$100,000 depending on level, candidate experience, skills, and other factors. This position will offer an annual bonus for a total target compensation of $86,000-107,500.

• Competitive Time Off Benefits: including flexible PTO, 11 company holidays, and parental leave. 
• Generous dining reimbursement when you dine with our restaurant customers.   
• 401(k) plan with a company match
• Two medical plan options- Standard PPO or High Deductible Health Plan (HSA with company match for HDHP participants)
• Partnership with Rx n Go, offering certain prescriptions for free
• Two dental plan options and a vision plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts and a pre-tax commuter benefit program
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance Plans
• Short Term and Long Term disability 
• Company-paid life insurance and AD&D insurance, supplemental employee, spouse, and child life insurance 
• Employee Life Assistance Program
• Hybrid working space in our state of the art office downtown located by the Metra and Ogilvie train stations
• Catered lunches provided on Tuesday's in our Chicago office