Retail Event Operations Manager

The Manager, Event Operations will work closely with cross-functional teams in the planning and execution of special event retail operations (e.g. all-star games, tournaments, championship games, fan fests, etc.) across the Fanatics portfolio of properties.  This position reports to the Sr. Director of Event Operations. 

GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Event Planning Responsibilities:

• Manage/participate in all aspects of event planning, including site visits, developing financial models, defining operational plans, developing production schedules and staffing plans, and working with internal and external teams to secure selling infrastructure including fixtures, POS, tents, etc.
• Facilitate meetings with event partners, buyers/merchandising, marketing/creative as well as internal and external HR / People Operations Partners.
• Develop store layouts and define fixture needs.  Work with merchandising team to establish store planograms.
• Serve as a Point of Contact (POC) for clients and other entities as necessary to plan and execute these special events and oversee the client experience from conception through post-event review.
• Work with internal recruiting partners and/or staffing agencies to ensure Fanatics is receiving enthusiastic and hardworking event staff
• Work directly with our warehouse(s) to ensure efficient and accurate delivery of merchandise and selling infrastructure to events.

Event Execution Responsibilities:

• Manage on-site preparations, build (including fixtures and POS), and event breakdown; and ensure consistent, high-level service throughout all phases.
• Direct staff on site ensuring all tasks are being completed in a timely manner and customer service standards are being met.
• Ensure items are scanning in POS. Will be required to set up products in system from time to time as well as print and affix barcode labels to products to ensure smooth operations and data capture.
• Meet strict deadlines and stay within expense budgets, while meeting or exceeding budgeted sales and profits for overall event.
• Troubleshoot any issues that arise on event day(s).
• Build client relationships that enable future growth.
• Nurture and build relationships with vendors, venues, and other industry contacts while crafting and implementing the creative and logistical aspects of the event.
• Remain current (or ahead of the curve) with trends in event planning, design, and production, and proactively identify and solve operational challenges

Post Event Responsibilities:

• Prepare and present both executive summary and detail-level reports for both client and internal use to summarize event performance, identify areas of success as well as areas for opportunity.
• Work with finance and accounting teams to analyze profit/loss statements for each event and work with management team on potential recommendations for improvements/changes.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• 2+ years of previous consumer-facing event management/hospitality/retail experience and proven success.
• Service-oriented style with professional presentations skills and a demonstrated ability to effectively interact with people.
• Experience in establishing and maintaining positive business relationships
• High-energy with an entrepreneurial spirit, effective in providing motivational leadership and exceptional customer service.
• Clear concise written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills, including multi-tasking, time management, and attention to detail
• Ability to handle pressure and make good decisions quickly.
• Understanding of various retail executions, technologies and KPI's
• Ability to analyze data, and develop strategies to address opportunities
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and technical skills (Excel, Access, Zoom, PowerPoint, Adobe, Outlook)
• Ability to lift 50lbs
• Travel (including overnight stays) will be required as needed to support events (~50% travel)

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 Commerce is a leading designer, manufacturer, and seller of licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods. It operates a vertically-integrated platform of digital and physical capabilities for leading sports leagues, teams, colleges, and associations globally – as well as its flagship site, www.fanatics.com.

Fanatics Commerce has a broad range of online, sports venue, and vertical apparel partnerships worldwide, including comprehensive partnerships with leading leagues, teams, colleges, and sports organizations across the world—including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, Formula 1, and Australian Football League (AFL); the Dallas Cowboys, Golden State Warriors, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Chelsea FC, and Tokyo Giants; the University of Notre Dame, University of Alabama, and University of Texas; the International Olympic Committee (IOC), England Rugby, and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

At Fanatics Commerce, we infuse our BOLD Leadership Principles in everything we do:
· Build Championship Teams
· Obsessed with Fans
· Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit
· Determined and Relentless Mindset