VP Physical Product

Fanatics International is seeking an experienced and dynamic Vice President (VP) to lead, innovate and expand our international (physical) product offering. This role requires a dynamic and creative individual who can lead cross-functional teams to develop and launch products that meet the highest standards of performance and aesthetics. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of materials science, design principles, material sourcing, and the sports industry, coupled with commercial acumen, strong leadership and project management skills. The VP of Product will be based in Manchester, England, and will report directly to the President – Fanatics Commerce International.

• Product Strategy and Vision:
  • Develop and communicate a compelling product vision and strategy for the materials, design, and sport product lines, that incorporates partner identity and consumer demands
  • Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to identify new opportunities and trends in the fashion and sports industries.
  • Define and maintain product roadmaps, prioritizing features and innovations that align with company goals and customer needs.
• Product Development:
  • Lead the product development lifecycle from concept through to launch, ensuring products meet performance, aesthetic, and quality standards.
  • Collaborate with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to create detailed product specifications and prototypes.
  • Oversee materials selection and testing to ensure products meet rigorous standards for performance and durability.
  • Anticipate and proactively plan for potential sourcing challenges
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with and serve Fanatic's International markets
  • Work closely with product marketing and sales teams to develop effective go-to-market strategies and ensure successful product launches.
  • Partner with customer support and success teams to gather user feedback and drive continuous product improvements.
  • Coordinate with supply chain and operations teams to manage the manufacturing and delivery processes.
• Performance Monitoring and Analysis:
  • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product success and identify areas for improvement.
  • Analyze product performance data to inform strategic decision-making and product planning.
  • Prepare and present regular reports to senior management on product performance and strategic initiatives.
• Customer Focus:
  • Champion the customer by incorporating feedback and usability studies into product design and development.
  • Build strong relationships with key customers, athletes, and industry stakeholders to understand their needs and pain points.
  • Ensure customer satisfaction and drive product adoption and retention through innovative design and performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in product management or a related role, preferably within the manufacturing industry and 5+ years of experience leading teams
• Proven track record of delivering sales growth through product innovation
• Proven track record of successfully launching and managing products from concept to market.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Solid understanding of product development processes, manufacturing operations, and supply chain management.
• Strong leadership experience with a proven ability to inspire followership and drive a winning culture.
• Proficiency in product management software and tools (e.g., Jira, Trello, Aha!).
• Ability to think strategically while maintaining a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

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).