Senior Manager, New Business & Innovation

Rewards Network

. Develop and execute a proactive prospecting strategy and prioritized pipeline of new member-program opportunities .

Posted 10/8/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesSenior💰 $140,000 - $160,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in business development and strategic partnerships, with a strong focus on building relationships and evaluating opportunities in the restaurant commerce sector. Proficient in developing business cases and commercial models while effectively managing cross-functional collaboration and negotiations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Business DevelopmentStrategic PartnershipsNegotiation SkillsCommercial Model DevelopmentRestaurant Commerce Expertise

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Business Case DevelopmentPipeline ManagementAnalytical JudgmentMarket EvaluationProduct Integration Assessment

Soft Skills

Relationship DevelopmentPersuasive CommunicationCross-Functional LeadershipProactive Market OrientationIntellectual Curiosity

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in BusinessBachelor's Degree in Marketing

Industry Keywords

Restaurant TechnologyLoyalty ProgramsFintechPaymentsConsumer Commerce

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and execute a proactive prospecting strategy and prioritized pipeline of new member-program opportunities
Identify and prioritize prospective partners based on strategic fit, member reach, restaurant value, economics and long-term value
Own new business opportunities from initial outreach through evaluation, internal alignment, negotiation and contracting
Develop business cases explaining strategic value, financial opportunity, required investment and potential risks
Build relationships with senior decision-makers at prospective partners
Evaluate trends across restaurant technology, loyalty, fintech, payments, marketplaces and consumer commerce
Identify products, business models and capabilities that could strengthen the member platform
Recommend whether Rewards Network should partner, integrate, build or decline a capability
Partner with Product, Finance, Marketing, Legal, Operations and Sales Leadership to evaluate opportunities, establish ownership and move ideas toward agreement and launch

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field; or equivalent combination of experience and education
7-10 years of progressive experience in business development, strategic partnerships, corporate development or a related commercial role
Demonstrated success proactively sourcing and developing new business or strategic partnerships, including advancing opportunities through negotiation and contracting
Experience building commercial models or business cases for new products, integrations or strategic capabilities
Experience developing partnerships that connect platforms, merchants and consumers or expand a product ecosystem
Strong understanding of restaurant commerce and interactions among restaurant operators, technology platforms, payment providers and consumers
Ability to create structure from ambiguity and develop an informed point of view on competitive landscapes, emerging trends and partnership or capability opportunities
Product curiosity and sufficient technical fluency to evaluate platforms, integrations and external capabilities with Product and Technology teams
Commercial and analytical judgment to assess opportunity size, economics, strategic value, feasibility, risks and tradeoffs
Executive presence and persuasive written and verbal communication skills with senior stakeholders
Strong negotiation, influence and relationship-development skills
Cross-functional leadership skills and ability to build alignment, establish ownership and drive opportunities into action
Disciplined pipeline management, prioritization, follow-through and accountability for measurable outcomes
Proactive market orientation and intellectual curiosity about emerging companies, products and business models

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus program with a 15% bonus target
Competitive Paid Time Off and company holidays
Generous dining reimbursement when dining with restaurant clients
401(k) plan with a company match
Standard PPO or High Deductible Health Plan (HSA with company match for HDHP participants)
Certain prescriptions for free through Rx n Go
Two dental plan options and a vision plan
Flexible Spending Accounts
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 the state-of-the-art downtown office
Catered lunches on Tuesdays in the Chicago office