Fanatics
Summary
Fan Vertical General Manager is a strategic leader responsible for setting the vision and roadmap to drive revenue and profitability. This role combines high-level strategy with hands‑on execution in a matrixed environment. The GM must deliver sustained organizational performance, develop talent, manage resources, and lead relationships with leagues, teams, and properties. Success requires deep knowledge of the fan vertical, strong financial acumen, and the ability to inspire and influence across complex partnerships.
Responsibilities
Define annual financial and performance objectives aligned with Fanatics Commerce’s four pillars: (1) Delightful Experience Everyday; (2) Great Products, Storytelling & Availability; (3) New Rights & New Markets; (4) One Commerce Wins.
Establish and evolve the fan vertical vision and roadmap for short-, mid-, and long-term success, leveraging consumer insights, performance data, and market intelligence.
Lead end-to-end fan vertical strategy tailored to league, partner, and fan needs, ensuring timely product availability and compelling storytelling throughout the season.
Provide strategic oversight across merchandising, pricing, inventory, SKU optimization, channel segmentation, promotional strategies, and in-season replenishment.
Analyze performance metrics (sales, inventory, etc.) to guide decisions and optimize results.
Build strong cross-functional partnerships (Buying, Merchandising, Planning, Marketing, Sourcing, Sales, Finance, Operations) to drive execution and shared accountability.
Maintain deep understanding of contractual rights and obligations (e-commerce, wholesale, in-venue merchandising, sponsorships, events).
Monitor industry trends to identify growth opportunities and pursue rights renewals/expansions.
Develop scalable solutions for financial ROI across fan verticals.
Lead Quarterly Business Reviews (internal and partner-facing) and monthly Fan Vertical Exchange meetings; participate in weekly business reviews.
Align with other GMs to ensure consistency and scale across Fanatics Commerce.
Provide guidance to analytics teams for data-driven decision-making.
Ensure compliance with league/team policies and applicable laws.
(NFL/MLB/College/NHL only): Oversee Team Services/Promo support for uniforms and team‑issued apparel.
Knowledge Skills And Abilities
Proven track record of building and leading high-performance teams to achieve aggressive financial and operational goals.
Significant leadership experience with P&L ownership in consumer products, DTC, e-commerce, omni-channel, and wholesale environments.
Deep understanding of league/team/property dynamics and fan engagement strategies.
Strong focus on delivering best-in-class fan experience across all touchpoints, with expertise in omni-channel strategy and supporting technologies.
Highly analytical and data-driven, with structured problem-solving skills and ability to leverage customer intelligence.
Inspirational leader with resilience, adaptability, and ability to drive change and align teams around a shared vision.
Strong executive presence; comfortable influencing and presenting at senior and board levels.
Collaborative and persuasive, able to lead through influence in a matrixed environment.
Thrives in fast-paced, dynamic settings; embraces change and continuous improvement.
High integrity, emotional intelligence, and intellectual agility.
Effective mentor who listens, supports, and inspires while remaining self-aware and coachable.
Required Qualifications
Ability to travel up to 35%.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Apparel, Merchandising, or equivalent experience with strong understanding of product and sales creation processes.
15+ years of progressive leadership experience with P&L ownership in licensed apparel, sporting goods, consumer products, e-commerce, or related retail/wholesale environments (buying, merchandising, inventory management, planning, operations).
Deep knowledge of U.S./Canadian retail and consumer trends, preferably in sports licensed merchandise.
Passion for sports and strong understanding of associated consumer demographics.
Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing teams; proven talent acquisition and mentoring skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal, listening) with executive presence.
Ability to collaborate and influence across a matrixed organization, managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
Highly analytical with experience leveraging sales data and financial metrics (P&L, margin analysis, pricing strategies) to drive decisions.
Skilled in problem-solving and driving creative, timely solutions with a big-picture perspective.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and familiarity with data warehouses and database management.
Salary The salary for this position is between $230,000 - $300,000 USD per year (actual salary will be determined in part by a successful candidate’s geographic location).
Benefits We provide a wide range of health, financial, legal, and development assistance, including wellness programs with fitness and weight management partners, paid maternity paternity leave, and infertility treatment. Additionally, we offer flexible time off to help you recharge, along with a competitive 401k plan to support your financial future. At Fanatics, we’re dedicated to supporting you in all aspects of work and life.
About Us Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities; and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally.
Build Championship Teams
Obsessed with Fans
Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit
Determined and Relentless Mindset
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Responsibilities
Define annual financial and performance objectives aligned with Fanatics Commerce’s four pillars: (1) Delightful Experience Everyday; (2) Great Products, Storytelling & Availability; (3) New Rights & New Markets; (4) One Commerce Wins.
Establish and evolve the fan vertical vision and roadmap for short-, mid-, and long-term success, leveraging consumer insights, performance data, and market intelligence.
Lead end-to-end fan vertical strategy tailored to league, partner, and fan needs, ensuring timely product availability and compelling storytelling throughout the season.
Provide strategic oversight across merchandising, pricing, inventory, SKU optimization, channel segmentation, promotional strategies, and in-season replenishment.
Analyze performance metrics (sales, inventory, etc.) to guide decisions and optimize results.
Build strong cross-functional partnerships (Buying, Merchandising, Planning, Marketing, Sourcing, Sales, Finance, Operations) to drive execution and shared accountability.
Maintain deep understanding of contractual rights and obligations (e-commerce, wholesale, in-venue merchandising, sponsorships, events).
Monitor industry trends to identify growth opportunities and pursue rights renewals/expansions.
Develop scalable solutions for financial ROI across fan verticals.
Lead Quarterly Business Reviews (internal and partner-facing) and monthly Fan Vertical Exchange meetings; participate in weekly business reviews.
Align with other GMs to ensure consistency and scale across Fanatics Commerce.
Provide guidance to analytics teams for data-driven decision-making.
Ensure compliance with league/team policies and applicable laws.
(NFL/MLB/College/NHL only): Oversee Team Services/Promo support for uniforms and team‑issued apparel.
Knowledge Skills And Abilities
Proven track record of building and leading high-performance teams to achieve aggressive financial and operational goals.
Significant leadership experience with P&L ownership in consumer products, DTC, e-commerce, omni-channel, and wholesale environments.
Deep understanding of league/team/property dynamics and fan engagement strategies.
Strong focus on delivering best-in-class fan experience across all touchpoints, with expertise in omni-channel strategy and supporting technologies.
Highly analytical and data-driven, with structured problem-solving skills and ability to leverage customer intelligence.
Inspirational leader with resilience, adaptability, and ability to drive change and align teams around a shared vision.
Strong executive presence; comfortable influencing and presenting at senior and board levels.
Collaborative and persuasive, able to lead through influence in a matrixed environment.
Thrives in fast-paced, dynamic settings; embraces change and continuous improvement.
High integrity, emotional intelligence, and intellectual agility.
Effective mentor who listens, supports, and inspires while remaining self-aware and coachable.
Required Qualifications
Ability to travel up to 35%.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Apparel, Merchandising, or equivalent experience with strong understanding of product and sales creation processes.
15+ years of progressive leadership experience with P&L ownership in licensed apparel, sporting goods, consumer products, e-commerce, or related retail/wholesale environments (buying, merchandising, inventory management, planning, operations).
Deep knowledge of U.S./Canadian retail and consumer trends, preferably in sports licensed merchandise.
Passion for sports and strong understanding of associated consumer demographics.
Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing teams; proven talent acquisition and mentoring skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal, listening) with executive presence.
Ability to collaborate and influence across a matrixed organization, managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
Highly analytical with experience leveraging sales data and financial metrics (P&L, margin analysis, pricing strategies) to drive decisions.
Skilled in problem-solving and driving creative, timely solutions with a big-picture perspective.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and familiarity with data warehouses and database management.
Salary The salary for this position is between $230,000 - $300,000 USD per year (actual salary will be determined in part by a successful candidate’s geographic location).
Benefits We provide a wide range of health, financial, legal, and development assistance, including wellness programs with fitness and weight management partners, paid maternity paternity leave, and infertility treatment. Additionally, we offer flexible time off to help you recharge, along with a competitive 401k plan to support your financial future. At Fanatics, we’re dedicated to supporting you in all aspects of work and life.
About Us Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities; and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally.
Build Championship Teams
Obsessed with Fans
Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit
Determined and Relentless Mindset
#J-18808-Ljbffr