Tappytoon, operated by Contents First, is a global webtoon and web novel platform bringing officially licensed Korean and Asian IP to readers worldwide. As we continue to grow our global presence, we are actively expanding our portfolio of IP and pursuing new business opportunities across international markets.

Our Business Development team's Global Partnerships function is organized by region — including North America and Japan — and we're looking for a Global Partnerships Manager to lead our North America track. This person will bring a strong understanding of the North American content and IP landscape, identify promising IP and new partners, lead negotiations, and turn opportunities into successful deals and measurable business results.

This role goes beyond managing existing partnerships. We are looking for someone who can proactively spot high-potential IP and new business opportunities, build strong relationships with partners, and drive opportunities from initial outreach through negotiation and deal execution.

• Own the end-to-end business development process for new North American partners and opportunities, from prospecting and outreach to pitching, negotiation, and deal execution
• Source new IP and build partnerships with North American publishers, rights holders, agencies, and other content partners
• Identify promising new web novel and webtoon titles, creators, and emerging content opportunities in the North American market
• Evaluate the commercial potential and global market fit of IP and develop appropriate licensing strategies and deal structures
• Negotiate key commercial terms, including minimum guarantees (MGs), royalties, licensing scope, and other material deal terms
• Manage and grow relationships with existing global partners while identifying opportunities to expand those partnerships
• Identify and drive expansion opportunities within the North American market, including print publishing, film/TV adaptation, merchandising, and other licensing verticals
• Collaborate with internal teams to support launches and ongoing business operations following deal execution
• Monitor and analyze the North American content landscape, including publishers, competing platforms, webtoons, web novels, and emerging IP trends
• Travel regularly

• 5+ years of professional experience in business development, licensing, international business, or a related role within the North American content industry
• Native or near-native English proficiency, with the ability to communicate effectively in high-stakes business settings (Korean language skills are not required)
• Proven ability to independently lead partner meetings, commercial negotiations, and discussions around licensing and contractual terms with North American partners
• A demonstrated track record of proactively sourcing new partners and IP and successfully converting opportunities into executed deals
• Excellent negotiation and deal-making skills, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder interests and achieve strong commercial outcomes
• Strong commercial and editorial judgment, with an ability to identify high-potential IP based on marketability, content quality, and audience fit
• A proactive, entrepreneurial approach to identifying opportunities beyond an existing network
• Strong ownership and the ability to independently drive projects while coordinating effectively across multiple internal and external stakeholders
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly to North America, approximately 1–2 times per quarter

[Preferred Qualifications]

• Professional experience working directly within the North American content industry
• An established network across North American publishers, literary or licensing agencies, content studios, and/or digital platforms
• Extensive hands-on experience with licensing agreements and a strong understanding of commercial structures such as minimum guarantees, royalties, and revenue share models
• Previous experience living or working in North America