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Principal, Continuous Improvement

Fanatics

Fanatics

Portland, OR, USA
Posted on Apr 2, 2026
Role Overview

The Principal, Continuous Improvement role is responsible for defining and driving the continuous improvement strategy across operations within Fanatics Collect. This role serves as a senior subject-matter expert, leading large-scale, cross-functional transformation initiatives that enhance throughput, quality, cost efficiency, and scalability.

Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this role focuses on designing and implementing scalable systems, processes, and operating models. The Principal partners closely with Operations, Product, Technology, and other stakeholders to influence strategy, improve end-to-end workflows, and deliver measurable business impact.

What You’ll Own Strategic Process Transformation
  • Define and drive the continuous improvement strategy across operations
  • Identify systemic inefficiencies and architect scalable, long-term solutions
  • Establish standardized operating models, playbooks, and best practices
Program Leadership & Execution
  • Lead complex, high-impact, cross-functional initiatives from concept through implementation
  • Translate business objectives into structured roadmaps with clear success metric
  • Drive execution through influence, alignment, and program governance (not direct authority)

    Operational Excellence & Performance Systems

  • Design and implement KPI frameworks to measure throughput, quality, cost, and efficiency
  • Build mechanisms for real-time performance visibility, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement
  • Establish operating rhythms that reinforce accountability and data-driven decision-making

    Cross-Functional Influence & Integration
  • Partner with Operations, Product, and Technology to influence system design, tooling, and automation
  • Improve end-to-end workflow integration across functions
  • Drive prioritization of initiatives that unlock efficiency and scalability

    Capability Building & Thought Leadership
  • Act as a subject-matter expert in continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)
  • Mentor and guide program managers, CI practitioners, and operations leaders
  • Promote best practices and elevate problem-solving capabilities across the organization

    Business Impact
  • Deliver measurable improvements in cost, cycle time, quality, and operational scalability
  • Enable operational readiness for growth and new business models
  • Influence long-term operational strategy and transformation efforts

    What We’re Looking For
  • 8+ years of experience in operations, supply chain, manufacturing, or continuous improvement roles
  • Proven track record leading large-scale, cross-functional transformation initiatives
  • Deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, or related methodologies
  • Strong systems thinking and ability to design scalable operational solutions
  • Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders without direct authority
  • Experience building performance systems and driving adoption across teams

    Preferred
  • Experience in high-volume, process-driven environments
  • Familiarity with WMS, workflow tools, or operational systems
  • Experience partnering with Product and Engineering teams

    Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don’t fall victim to fraud. Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics email address (including @collectfanatics.com). For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers


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 Collect is the leading global platform for collectors, providing a trusted place to seamlessly connect, buy, sell, trade and store collectibles. Today, Fanatics Collect is home to a marketplace that connects buyers and sellers through fixed-price listing and auctions, a vault where collectors can safely store their collections, and a live commerce platform, Fanatics Live, where collectors can join their community for live-stream shopping of collectibles.