VP, Merchandising - In-Venue Retail

At Fanatics Commerce, we’re more than just a leader in licensed sports merchandise – we’re a team united by a relentless passion for our fans and a commitment to innovation. We live by our BOLD Leadership principles: We Build Championship Teams, we’re Obsessed with Fans, we embrace a Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit, and we approach every challenge with a Determined and Relentless Mindset. If you’re ready to contribute to a dynamic, fast-paced environment that thrives on collaboration and growth, we want you to be part of our team.

ROLE OVERVIEW 

The Vice President of Merchandising is responsible for developing and executing strategic merchandising initiatives that drive revenue growth, optimize inventory investments, and enhance the overall shopping experience across all retail channels. This executive leader will oversee a team of buyers, ensuring alignment with Fanatics’ broader business objectives while fostering innovation and excellence in merchandising.

The Vice President, Merchandising, will be a key partner to the General Merchandise Manager (GMM) and senior leadership, bringing strong leadership capabilities, a strategic mindset, and the ability to execute complex merchandising strategies across multiple product categories and retail environments.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement comprehensive merchandising strategies that align with company goals and market trends, ensuring financial objectives are met or exceeded.
• Product Assortment & Innovation: Drive product selection and innovation, ensuring a compelling and competitive assortment across categories, brands, and retail touchpoints.
• Financial Planning & Performance Management: Lead seasonal and annual financial planning, including sales forecasting, margin optimization, and inventory management to maximize profitability.
• Vendor & Brand Partnerships: Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors and brand partners to enhance product offerings, improve cost efficiencies, and drive exclusive product opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Marketing, Planning & Allocation, Digital, and Operations teams to ensure seamless execution of merchandising initiatives and promotional campaigns.
• Analytics & Business Insights: Utilize data-driven insights to make informed decisions on pricing, inventory levels, and product placement, balancing financial objectives with customer demand.
• Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing merchandising team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure smooth execution of merchandising processes, from product development and sourcing to in-store and online presentation.
• Customer-Centric Focus: Stay attuned to fan preferences, market trends, and emerging consumer behaviors to continually evolve and optimize the merchandising strategy.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM:

• 12+ years of progressive experience in merchandising, with a proven track record in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in high-volume, multi-brand retail environments, preferably within sports, fashion, or omnichannel retail.
• Strong financial acumen, with expertise in P&L management, inventory planning, and margin optimization.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing merchandising strategies that drive revenue growth and enhance brand positioning.
• Exceptional leadership skills with experience managing large teams and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to leverage data analytics and market insights to inform merchandising decisions and improve business performance.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for sports and an understanding of fan engagement.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, or a related field; MBA preferred.

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.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK AND WHAT’S REQUIRED:

• Preferred work location is Jacksonville. We will consider highly qualified candidates commutable to other Fanatics offices including Tampa, New York City, or San Mateo. 
• Fanatics offers a hybrid work schedule with in-office days designated Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Culture: Join a team where you're surrounded by top-tier talent, driven by a shared passion to relentlessly enhance the fan experience. With a focus on collaboration, support, and continuous development, you’ll be empowered to help shape a our culture that celebrates both individual and team successes. 
• 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.