Partnerships Director - Football

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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.

The Director, Partnerships will lead and develop strategic relationships with key partners, including National Federations, Premier League, League 1, and Championship clubs, as well as global governing bodies and football associations. As the primary strategic contact, you will nurture relationships and maximise commercial opportunities. Collaborating closely with internal teams, you will drive revenue growth, elevate brand presence, and deliver exceptional value to our partners retail business.

• Lead senior-level relationships with associations, leagues, and clubs, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Develop and execute strategies to grow and commercially enhance partnerships.
• Proactively identify renewal and new commercialization opportunities.
• Monitor and analyze performance metrics to optimize financial returns for Fanatics and partners

• Provide strong leadership to inspire confidence, and drive effective change
• Manage the full partnership lifecycle: onboarding, ongoing reviews, escalations, and relationship nurturing.
• Oversee internal teams, ensuring seamless communication and delivery of commitments.

• Collaborate with senior leadership, ecommerce, product development, licensing, new business, buying, marketing, and operations to align on launches, partner goals.
• Drive revenue growth through partner activations and joint marketing initiatives.
• Hold teams accountable to deliver on time and within plan.

• Stay current with industry trends, competitor activities, and developments in sports retail.
• Introduce innovative ideas and best practices to enhance partnership value and fan engagement.

• Build and maintain trusted advisor-level relationships with senior stakeholders in partner organizations, ensuring mutual satisfaction.
• Represent Fanatics as the face of the brand within the sports community.
• Ensure ongoing partner satisfaction.

Lead performance reviews against contracts and business plans with partners, involving internal teams to present relevant data

• Experience: 8+ years in partnerships, account management, or business development, preferably in sports.
• Retail & Ecommerce: Proven experience in a sports retail-focused or ecommerce businesses.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability managing senior client relationships; strong negotiation and strategic thinking skills.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of football club operations, league structures, and fan engagement strategies.
• Commercial Acumen: Track record of driving revenue growth through strategic partnerships.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to influence at all levels.
• Analytical
  
  Skills:
  
  Skilled in analysing complex data and market trends to inform strategy.
• Problem-Solving: Capable of managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly Desirable: Background in ecommerce and retail environments.
• Travel: Willingness to travel internationally as required.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Sports Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Work Ethic: Driven to meet goals and exceed partner expectations.
• Personable: Team oriented, able to build relationships at all levels.

Manchester, hybrid working 3 days per week

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