Partnerships Lead (US & International Sports)
Fanatics
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
A brand new and exciting opportunity has arisen in our US & International Sports team for a Partnerships Lead who will oversee and strengthen key relationships for a group of high profile sports partners within Fanatics International. This individual will be responsible for managing and growing partner relations, driving revenue opportunities, and ensuring high-quality execution of account strategies, under the direction of the Senior Partnerships Director. The ideal candidate is a dynamic, results-oriented professional with a deep understanding of the sports industry and strong account management expertise.
How you will make an impact:
- Partner Relationship Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for select partners, fostering strong, collaborative relationships to maximise partner satisfaction and engagement.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with internal teams (including Marketing, E-Commerce, Product, Operations, New Business and Finance) to ensure seamless execution of partner agreements, product launches, and promotional campaigns that align with both Fanatics’ and partners’ objectives.
- Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Track and report on partnership performance metrics, providing actionable insights and recommendations to drive growth. Ensure timely and accurate communication of performance, goals, and KPIs with partners and internal stakeholders.
- Team Support: Supports Account Director/Senior Director in dedicated projects, as required, in strategic execution, project management and presentation delivery.
- Contract and Renewal Management: Oversee contract renewals and renegotiations, ensuring terms are favourable and align with Fanatics’ objectives.
- Market Research and Trends Analysis: Support the wider team to stay informed on industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging opportunities within the broader sports industry. Identify growth opportunities to propose innovative solutions to partners.
- Programme Management: Work with Partnerships Director and internal stakeholders to translate partner requirements into delivery plans, hold teams accountable to deliver to time and on plan.
- Client Relationship Building: Support the build and maintenance of strong relationships with key stakeholders at partner organizations.
- Strategic Business Reviews: Manage the process for reviewing performance against contract and business plans with partners, involving internal teams to provide and present appropriate data sets.
What you bring to the team!
- Extensive background in dedicated account management, partnerships, or business development, ideally within the sports, entertainment, or e-commerce sectors.
- Relationship-Building Skills: Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across diverse organizations
- Stakeholder Management: Ability to lead, influence and negotiate cross-functionally
- Proven experience in managing effective client relationships.
- Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the relevant sports landscape, including club operations, league structures, and fan engagement strategies.
- Commercial Acumen: Strong commercial mindset with a track record of driving revenue growth through strategic partnerships.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and persuade at all levels.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse complex data sets and market trends to inform decision-making and strategy development.
- Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or a related field.
- Strong Work Ethic: Determination to set and meet goals, delivering against high standards and expectations of our Partners
- Highly Personable: A team orientated individual with the ability to build relationships at every level
- Travel: There will be travel both domestic and internationally required of the role at times
- Desirable not essential: a background and understanding of working within an e-commerce environment.
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.
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 our culture that celebrates both individual and team successes.
Benefits: At Fanatics, we’re dedicated to supporting you in all aspects of work and life; as such we offer a range of competitive benefits tailored to each country in which we operate. Specific details regarding the benefits package applicable to your location will be shared and discussed during the interview process.
A brand new and exciting opportunity has arisen in our US & International Sports team for a Partnerships Lead who will oversee and strengthen key relationships for a group of high profile sports partners within Fanatics International. This individual will be responsible for managing and growing partner relations, driving revenue opportunities, and ensuring high-quality execution of account strategies, under the direction of the Senior Partnerships Director. The ideal candidate is a dynamic, results-oriented professional with a deep understanding of the sports industry and strong account management expertise.