About the Team
Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.
Role Summary
Fanatics Collectibles is seeking a Director of Strategy & Business Operations to own and accelerate the most strategic, complex, and high-impact initiatives on the organization’s roadmap. This is a critical leadership role reporting directly to the Senior Director of Strategy, and partner closely with the Global Chief Commercial Officer at Fanatics Collectibles. The Director will shape long-term strategy, build business cases for new commercial opportunities, and lead end-to-end execution on initiatives that help to grow the business and improve the collector experience.
This leader will also manage and develop a high-performing Strategy & Business Operations team, primarily focused on the commercial business. The ideal candidate is a highly analytical and structured thinker, an exceptional communicator, and an operator who can translate strategy into action. A passion for sports, collectibles, culture, and fan experiences is strongly preferred.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Roadmap Ownership
- Own the definition, prioritization, and ongoing refinement of the enterprise strategic roadmap in partnership with the Senior Director of Strategy, Chief Commercial Officer and other executive leadership.
- Identify and evaluate new strategic opportunities, emerging business models, and areas for operational improvement across Fanatics Collectibles.
- Build business cases, develop long-term financial models, and articulate clear strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Program Leadership & Execution
- Lead end-to-end execution of multiple complex, cross-functional initiatives simultaneously—ensuring clarity of objectives, rigorous planning, tight alignment, and measurable results.
- Translate high-level strategic direction into tactical execution plans, KPIs, and reporting mechanisms for commercial business.
- Drive accountability across stakeholders and proactively identify risks, tradeoffs, and mitigations.
Team Management & Development
- Lead, develop, and grow a team of Managers, Senior Analysts, and Analysts; provide coaching, mentorship, and clear performance guidance.
- Build a culture of analytical rigor, ownership, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Cross-Functional Influence & Collaboration
- Drive alignment and partnership across teams to ensure strategy and execution remain tightly integrated.
- Lead high-impact strategic workstreams on behalf of Fanatics Collectibles and the broader Fanatics enterprise.
Market Insights & Industry Engagement
- Develop a deep understanding of consumer behavior, competitive dynamics, and emerging opportunities across sports, collectibles, entertainment, and cultural trends.
- Build and maintain relationships with channel partners, licensors, collectors, influencers, and ecosystem stakeholders to strengthen Fanatics Collectibles’ strategic advantage.
Within the First 6 Months, You Will…
- Own multiple high-priority initiatives from evaluation through execution, delivering tangible progress and value.
- Establish strategic frameworks, models, and reporting structures that elevate decision-making across the organization.
- Present recommendations and performance updates to the Chief Commercial office, Senior Director of Strategy, and executive leadership.
- Build trust with senior functional leaders and position Strategy & Business Operations as a critical partner for both long-term strategy and day-to-day execution.
- Hire, mentor, and elevate team members while strengthening the team’s operating model.
The Ideal Candidate
Experience & Background
- 8–12+ years of experience in Strategy, Management Consulting, Corporate Development, Business Operations, or related fields; experience in high-growth, dynamic environments strongly preferred.
- Experience in sales strategy and sales operations, with a strong understanding of retail channel dynamics.
- Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, finance, or related field; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams, driving complex programs, and influencing senior executives.
Skills & Leadership Attributes
- Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical modeling skills.
- Strong financial acumen and ability to organize and prioritize various business initiatives.
- World-class written and verbal communication skills, including executive-ready storytelling.
- Proven ability to lead through influence, drive clarity in ambiguity, and deliver measurable outcomes.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to balance long-term strategy with real-time operational execution.
- Team-first leadership mentality with a passion for developing talent.
- Deep interest in sports, fandom, culture, collectibles, and the evolving dynamics of these industries.
The salary range for this position is $173,650-$216,200, which represents base pay only and does not include short-term or long-term incentive compensation. When determining base pay, as part of a final compensation package, we consider several factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training.
Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don’t fall victim to fraud. Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics email address (including @collectfanatics.com). For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers.
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 the company 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.
Fanatics Collectibles is a new model and vision for the hobby, fundamentally changing the experience for current and future collectors, leagues, and players across many U.S. and international professional and college sports. The organization has long-term, exclusive rights to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards for several sports and entertainment properties, including MLB, MLBPA, the Premier League, MLS, UFC, Formula 1 as well as Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, among others. In January 2022, Fanatics Collectibles announced the acquisition of Topps, establishing the preeminent licensed trading card brand as the cornerstone of Fanatics’ trading cards and collectibles business, and jumpstarted its MLB and MLBPA rights to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards
