OBAYASHI CORPORATION is seeking a motivated and energetic Senior Strategic Partnership Manager to join our Obayashi Silicon Valley Ventures & Laboratory (SVVL) team. Obayashi Corporation’s Silicon Valley–based innovation hub, established to accelerate collaboration with startups and research institutions in advanced construction, smart buildings, climate technology, and energy-related fields. SVVL bridges North America innovation with Obayashi’s global organization through PoCs, co-development, and strategic partnerships.
Senior Strategic Partnership Manager, serves as the primary point of contact for climate tech, energy, and sustainability startups and VCs. The position combines external partnership leadership with internal consulting, translating emerging technologies into actionable insights for Obayashi HQ and group companies. The role requires the ability to translate abstract business needs and emerging technologies into structured opportunity hypotheses and actionable recommendations for Obayashi’s business units and corporate functions.
The ideal candidate will connect business needs with early- to growth-stage innovations, develop structured opportunity hypotheses, and drive actionable recommendations that support strategic decision-making and business development initiatives. The role will be based in the San Carlos, CA, office and will report to the Chief Operating Officer, SVVL.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead engagement with startups, venture capital firms, and ecosystem partners in climate tech and energy sectors
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Identify, evaluate, and develop strategic partnership opportunities aligned with business priorities
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Design and manage Proofs of Concept (PoCs), pilot programs, and co-development initiatives with internal stakeholders
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Conduct technical, market, and strategic research to support partnership and innovation efforts
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Provide consultative insights and recommendations to business units and corporate leadership
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Attend industry conferences and events; synthesize and communicate key market insights and trends
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Prepare and deliver bilingual (Japanese/English) presentations, including executive-level materials
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Support structuring of partnerships, including business models, go-to-market strategies, and collaboration frameworks
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree required; technical background preferred (e.g., energy, sustainability, construction, infrastructure)
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10+ years of relevant professional experience in strategy, innovation, venture, or related fields
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Business-level proficiency in both Japanese and English (spoken and written)
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Strong familiarity with startup ecosystems and emerging technology landscapes
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Experience in corporate venture capital (CVC), venture capital (VC), or innovation-focused environments (investment execution not required)
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Demonstrated interest in emerging technologies, innovation, and new business development
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Proven ability to navigate ambiguity and independently structure projects from concept to execution
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Excellent cross-cultural communication skills, particularly bridging Japanese and U.S. business environments
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Ability to work independently across time zones and multicultural teams
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience working with CVC units, VC funds, or startup accelerators
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Industry experience in climate tech, energy, sustainability, construction, or infrastructure
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Ability to evaluate early- to growth-stage technologies and business models
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MBA, M.S., or equivalent advanced degree
Skills:
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to facilitate meetings and collaborate with diverse teams.
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Ability to conduct market research, analyze data, and create compelling presentations.
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Self-motivated, disciplined, proactive team player.
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Experience with project management and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Keynote), and other relevant tools.
Other:
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Able to work evenings to communicate with Japan.
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Ability to travel up to approximately 10% travel, including travel within the United States and Canada for conferences and partner meetings. Occasional international travel to Japan (approximately once per year, as needed) may also be required.
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Reliable transportation to and from work
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Must have a valid Driver's License
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Required to work onsite or hybrid (3x/week in the office)
ANTICIPATED SALARY RANGE: $160,000-$185,000 USD / yr
In accordance with California state law, Obayashi Corporation is committed to providing clear and transparent information regarding the compensation for this position. The final salary offered will be based on various factors, including the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and relevant market considerations. This salary range reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this role within California. Compensation in other states may vary based on local market conditions and applicable regulations. We strive to offer competitive and fair compensation across all locations.
BENEFITS:
Obayashi Offers Competitive Market Salaries and a Benefits Package including:
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Medical PPO Plan and HDHP
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Dental DPO Plan
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Vision Insurance
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Employee Assistance Program
- Life Insurance
- Disability Insurance
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Health Savings Account
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Flexible Spending Account
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Paid Holidays
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Paid Sick Leave
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Paid Time Off
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401(k) Plan Matching
Employee benefits are 100% covered by Obayashi and family coverage is covered at 80%.
About Obayashi
Obayashi Corporation has delivered quality solutions to infrastructure challenges across the globe for more than 130 years. Founded in 1892, Obayashi is the largest Japanese Contractor and the fourth-largest International Contractor conducting business in the United States. Obayashi has been operating and completing projects in the United States since 1979. Obayashi provides a full range of general contractor services in both public works and private sectors including: office buildings, residences, tunnels, highways, rail systems, bridges, artificial islands, airports and nuclear power plants. Other services include urban planning and architecture, real estate and property development, environmental, and waste services. The North American Operations consolidated revenue is over $3 billion in the United States and Canada.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Obayashi Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We want to have the best available persons in every job. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. The Company is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Company operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of the Company, including supervisors and coworkers.
To comply with applicable laws ensuring equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, the Company will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or an employee unless undue hardship would result. If you need accommodation to complete the application process, please contact the Human Resources Department by either visiting Obayashi Corporation at 950 Tower Lane, Ste 800, Foster City, CA 94404 or call (650) 952-4910.
