Partnerships Lead, Fanatics
US & International Sports
Sports merchandise retailer
Be an early applicant
Sports merchandise retailer
1001+ employees
Be an early applicant
1001+ employees
Company mission
Fanatics' mission is to ignite and amplify the passion of global fans across their digital sports journey, and maximize the presence and reach for hundreds of partners worldwide.
Role
Who you are
- The ideal candidate is a dynamic, results-oriented professional with a deep understanding of the sports industry and strong account management expertise
- Extensive background in dedicated account management, partnerships, or business development, ideally within the sports, entertainment, or e-commerce sectors
- Relationship-Building Skills: Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across diverse organizations
- Stakeholder Management: Ability to lead, influence and negotiate cross-functionally
- Proven experience in managing effective client relationships
- Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the relevant sports landscape, including club operations, league structures, and fan engagement strategies
- Commercial Acumen: Strong commercial mindset with a track record of driving revenue growth through strategic partnerships
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and persuade at all levels
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse complex data sets and market trends to inform decision-making and strategy development
- Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or a related field
- Strong Work Ethic: Determination to set and meet goals, delivering against high standards and expectations of our Partners
- Highly Personable: A team orientated individual with the ability to build relationships at every level
- Travel: There will be travel both domestic and internationally required of the role at times
- Desirable not essential: a background and understanding of working within an e-commerce environment
- At Fanatics, we value transparency and honesty. If you don’t meet every single requirement, that’s okay – we still want to hear from you! We believe in the power of diverse experiences and talents. If you’re excited about the role and confident that you can contribute, don’t hesitate to apply. We’re genuinely interested in how your unique skills and perspective can help us build something amazing together
What the job involves
- A brand new and exciting opportunity has arisen in our US & International Sports team for a Partnerships Lead who will oversee and strengthen key relationships for a group of high profile sports partners within Fanatics International
- This individual will be responsible for managing and growing partner relations, driving revenue opportunities, and ensuring high-quality execution of account strategies, under the direction of the Senior Partnerships Director
- Partner Relationship Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for select partners, fostering strong, collaborative relationships to maximise partner satisfaction and engagement
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with internal teams (including Marketing, E-Commerce, Product, Operations, New Business and Finance) to ensure seamless execution of partner agreements, product launches, and promotional campaigns that align with both Fanatics’ and partners’ objectives
- Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Track and report on partnership performance metrics, providing actionable insights and recommendations to drive growth. Ensure timely and accurate communication of performance, goals, and KPIs with partners and internal stakeholders
- Team Support: Supports Account Director/Senior Director in dedicated projects, as required, in strategic execution, project management and presentation delivery
- Contract and Renewal Management: Oversee contract renewals and renegotiations, ensuring terms are favourable and align with Fanatics’ objectives
- Market Research and Trends Analysis: Support the wider team to stay informed on industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging opportunities within the broader sports industry. Identify growth opportunities to propose innovative solutions to partners
- Programme Management: Work with Partnerships Director and internal stakeholders to translate partner requirements into delivery plans, hold teams accountable to deliver to time and on plan
- Client Relationship Building: Support the build and maintenance of strong relationships with key stakeholders at partner organizations
- Strategic Business Reviews: Manage the process for reviewing performance against contract and business plans with partners, involving internal teams to provide and present appropriate data sets
Our take
Fanatics is a sports-based eCommerce company that offers teams and leagues a convenient online platform through which to sell licensed apparel and merchandise. As well as the Fanatics online store, it runs the online stores of dozens of teams and leagues including the MLB, NHL, NBA, and NASCAR. They've also signed a number of exclusive deals to become the sole vendors of officially licensed merch for top athletes across multiple leagues.
It operates using a Cloud Commerce sales system which tracks clicks and purchases on the site as well as sports and player news and updates to inform retail and marketing decisions in real time. The company was first established as Football Fanatics, a chain of bricks-and-mortar stores in malls across Florida. Since then, it has been bought out by GSI Commerce and expanded.
Looking ahead, while its commerce business remains its biggest source of revenue for now, Fanatics has expanded into livestreamed shopping around collectibles and trading cards, acquiring Tops and hiring Snap and Alphabet executive to launch this new business. It also has an NFT arm in Candy Digital, of which it’s the majority owner, as well as a fledgling betting and gaming division.
Kirsty
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
20% employee growth in 12 months
Company
Funding (last 2 of 9 rounds)
Dec 2022
$700m
GROWTH EQUITY VC
Apr 2022
$1.5bn
GROWTH EQUITY VC
Total funding: $4.8bn
Company benefits
- At Fanatics we place our focus on results and empowerment and encourage you to enjoy your time on and OFF the field with our competitive time off policies
- Fanatics values our internal fans too! Our programs are designed to thank and reward Fanatics athletes for their hard work and commitment to winning as a team
- From breakfast to happy hour and every hour in between – Fanatics employees can enjoy time together at one of our many company events.
- As an employee you will receive a special discount on all of your favorite sports merchandise and memorabilia
- Fanatics cares about the fans around us. We encourage you to partner up with your teammates in giving back and serving the communities where we work and play
- You never know who will show up to the office. You might just meet one of your all-time favorite athletes
- Here at Fanatics we want you to accomplish your goals. We offer tuition reimbursement
- Fanatics cares about helping and supporting our teams in their busy lifestyles. Through wellness relationships with fitness and weight management partners we are here to support you in whatever your lifestyle goals
Company HQ
West Village, New York, NY
Leadership
Michael Rubin
(CEO)Michael founded GSI Commerce in 1998, before co-owning New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers since 2011. They also founded Fanatics in 2011 alongside roles at ShopRunner, Rue La La, Reform Alliance and Kynetic.
Doug Mack
(Vice Chairman and Board Director, not founder)Previously served as CEO for One Kings Lane. Co-founded and acted as CEO and Director of Scene7.
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