Product Category Manager

Fanatics

Fanatics

Product

Manchester, UK

Posted on Apr 13, 2026

Mitchell & Ness is a globally recognised heritage sportswear brand known for its premium craftsmanship, authenticity, and deep connection to sports culture. Founded in 1904, the company has built its reputation by producing high-quality, officially licensed apparel that celebrates the history of major leagues such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. Renowned for its iconic throwback jerseys, vintage-inspired designs, and attention to detail, Mitchell & Ness blends timeless style with modern streetwear appeal. The brand continues to resonate with fans, athletes, and fashion enthusiasts alike, making it a leader in the sports lifestyle market

Mitchell and Ness International is part of Fanatics Commerce, where 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

This role plays a critical part in the successful delivery of seasonal product ranges, ensuring alignment with the critical path, commercial objectives, and overall product strategy. You will contribute to the development of consumer-focused assortments that resonate with partners, retailers, fashion focused consumers and fans.

Working cross-functionally with merchandising and product teams, you will support the end-to-end lifecycle of seasonal ranges—from initial concept through to final execution—ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and on-time delivery. In addition to supporting broader team initiatives, you will take ownership of designated categories, independently managing their development and execution.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:

Product Data & Systems Management

  • Own the creation, maintenance, and integrity of product data across all systems
  • Ensure timely and accurate data input, validation, and ongoing updates
  • Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to gather and complete required data inputs
  • Manage system updates related to team ID changes, fashion trends, and product lifecycle adjustments

Product Range Execution

  • Support the delivery of seasonal product line plans in line with critical path timelines
  • Maintain accountability for product approvals, ensuring all milestones are tracked and met
  • Drive follow-ups and actions from key merchandising calendar meetings

Imagery & Asset Coordination

  • Manage the ordering, tracking, and approval of product imagery via Airtable
  • Coordinate closely with US-based imagery teams to ensure timely delivery of assets

Project & Process Ownership

  • Lead the end-to-end execution of key initiatives, including Hot Markets, Micro Moments, ISEPs, and Events
  • Maintain and manage the overarching Hot Market calendar
  • Coordinate MTO (Made-to-Order) handovers across relevant teams

Commercial & Market Insights

  • Develop market, competitor, and consumer insight reports to support product and merchandising decisions
  • Conduct benchmarking analysis and respond to ad hoc data requests
  • Translate insights into clear, actionable recommendations

Go-to-Market & Launch Support

  • Support the creation and delivery of product launch materials, including:
  • Catalogues
  • Order forms and multi-currency price lists
  • Key marketing styles
  • Assist with SMS gathering, showroom setup, and ongoing maintenance

Operational Support & Continuous Improvement

  • Manage and update the Local Print Programme Tracker
  • Provide proactive administrative and coordination support to the wider product team
  • Contribute to cross-functional processes, meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM:

  • Experience within a product management, merchandising, or product-led environment
  • Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and self-manage workload
  • Excellent analytical and reporting capabilities, with a data-driven mindset
  • Confident communicator, capable of building credible relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Collaborative approach, with a focus on teamwork and cross-functional alignment
  • Ability to present ideas clearly and influence stakeholders at all levels
  • Proactive problem-solver with strong initiative and attention to detail
  • Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to navigate change effectively
  • Passion for product, with a strong understanding of consumer and category dynamics
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including cultural awareness and active listening
  • Energetic, self-motivated, and driven to deliver high-quality results

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 consumer and 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.


This role plays a critical part in the successful delivery of seasonal product ranges, ensuring alignment with the critical path, commercial objectives, and overall product strategy. You will contribute to the development of consumer-focused assortments that resonate with partners, retailers, fashion focused consumers and fans. Working cross-functionally with merchandising and product teams, you will support the end-to-end lifecycle of seasonal ranges—from initial concept through to final execution—ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and on-time delivery. In addition to supporting broader team initiatives, you will take ownership of designated categories, independently managing their development and execution.