Manager, Licensing & Partnerships

Role Summary

The Manager, Licensing & Partnerships at Fanatics Collectibles will be responsible for managing Topps’ relationship with US Sports & Entertainment partners.  The ideal candidate is a highly flexible self-starter with top-notch analytical skills, can manage cross-functional teams effectively and demonstrates propensity for solving difficult problems. Candidates with a passion for collectibles, sports, culture, & entertainment will likely find themselves a strong cultural fit. This role reports directly into the Director of Global Licensing & Partnerships. 

Responsibilities

• Support and drive relationship management with the US sports & entertainment licensors. Partner with key stakeholders and cross-functional partners to drive alignment, execution, and overall communication.
• Create compelling, visually polished decks that clearly communicate business updates, product initiatives, and strategic proposals to internal and external stakeholders
• Review and assess partner financials and P&Ls to evaluate performance, identify trends, and support data-driven recommendations
• Develop and improve licensor approval processes to ensure successful product timelines. Work closely with the production and operations team to identify additional areas of opportunity to refine this process
• Support partner adoption of key product initiatives such as the Debut Patch. Help develop materials (e.g., pitch decks) to drive adoption
• Analyze market trends and competitive landscapes to inform strategic decision-making and new license opportunities 
• Internal communication & management: help ensure that all relevant teams within the organization (Marketing, Product, Communications, Sales) are aware of and understand the key terms of each license agreement 
• Refine processes to streamline communication, contract management, and project execution with partners 

Skills and Experience

• Strong knowledge of the Collectibles or Trading Card Industry
• Experience developing executive-level presentations, pitches, or QBRs
• Skills in distilling complex data into clear narratives
• Experience with financial modeling, budgeting, or revenue tracking for partner businesses
• Comfort using tools like Excel, Tableau, or financial dashboards
• Proficient in PowerPoint and ability to create decks and presentations to internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to handle a multi-tasking environment, meet deadlines, and work across a wide range of high priority initiatives
• Ability to create and maintain strong internal and external stakeholder relationships
• Entrepreneurial, proactive, self-motivated, and enthusiastic in nature 
• A genuine desire and interest in Sports from a hobby perspective
   

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post. 

The salary range for this position is $120,000- $150,000, 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.

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