What are the responsibilities and job description for the Apparel Product Development Specialist position at 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.
How You’ll Make an Impact
- Serve as a key execution partner in the apparel production workflow for Major Events, supporting timelines from line adoption through bulk production and delivery
- Track production milestones, deliverables, approvals, and risks across multiple vendors and events
- Support issue resolution related to materials, artwork, samples, production delays, or quality concerns
- Maintain accuracy and visibility across production trackers, calendars, and reporting tools
- Enable seamless coordination between internal teams and external partners to meet immovable event deadlines
Key Responsibilities
Production & Execution Support
- Support day-to-day production activities for Major Events apparel programs
- Track sample submissions, approvals, lab dips, strike-offs, and bulk production readiness
- Monitor production timelines and flag risks early to prevent downstream delays
- Assist in resolving production issues related to materials, capacity, quality, or timing
-
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Partner closely with Product Development, Sourcing, Planning, Logistics, and Creative teams
- Coordinate with vendors and factories to ensure clarity on specs, timelines, and expectations
- Support communication flow between internal stakeholders and external partners
-
Data, Reporting & Process Management
- Maintain detailed production trackers, dashboards, and status updates
- Ensure accuracy of production data, documentation, and approvals
- Support post-event reviews and identify opportunities for process improvement
Major Events Readiness
- Support rapid execution cycles tied to global event calendars and last-minute changes
- Assist with event-specific production needs, including quick-turn programs and contingency planning
- Be available for peak periods leading up to and during major events
What You’ll Bring to the Team
- 2–5 years of experience in production, product operations, sourcing support, or supply chain within apparel or consumer products
- Strong understanding of apparel production processes, timelines, and vendor coordination
- Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Comfort working in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally
- Proficiency in Excel / Google Sheets and comfort with production tracking tools
- Willingness to be flexible with hours during peak event periods
Preferred Experience
- Experience supporting major events, seasonal launches, or high-volume programs
- Exposure to licensed sports, entertainment, or large-scale retail environments
- Experience working with international vendors and factories
Why This Role Matters
Major Events operate on non-negotiable deadlines with global visibility. This role ensures that production execution stays on track, risks are identified early, and teams remain aligned—directly contributing to Fanatics’ ability to deliver for fans on the world’s biggest stages.
Where You’ll WORK
- This role is based at our Irvine, CA location.
- Travel to vendor meetings, market appointments, and industry events as needed.
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: We provide a wide range of health, financial, legal, and development assistance, including wellness programs with fitness and weight management partners, paid maternity paternity leave, and infertility treatment. Additionally, we offer flexible time off to help you recharge, along with a competitive 401k plan to support your financial future. At Fanatics, we’re dedicated to supporting you in all aspects of work and life.
The salary range for this position is $80,500-$95,000/year, which represents base pay only and does not include short-term or long-term incentive compensation. When determining base pay, as part of a final compensation package, we consider several factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training.
How You’ll Make an Impact
- Serve as a key execution partner in the apparel production workflow for Major Events, supporting timelines from line adoption through bulk production and delivery
- Track production milestones, deliverables, approvals, and risks across multiple vendors and events
- Support issue resolution related to materials, artwork, samples, production delays, or quality concerns
- Maintain accuracy and visibility across production trackers, calendars, and reporting tools
- Enable seamless coordination between internal teams and external partners to meet immovable event deadlines
Key Responsibilities
Production & Execution Support
- Support day-to-day production activities for Major Events apparel programs
- Track sample submissions, approvals, lab dips, strike-offs, and bulk production readiness
- Monitor production timelines and flag risks early to prevent downstream delays
- Assist in resolving production issues related to materials, capacity, quality, or timing
-
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Partner closely with Product Development, Sourcing, Planning, Logistics, and Creative teams
- Coordinate with vendors and factories to ensure clarity on specs, timelines, and expectations
- Support communication flow between internal stakeholders and external partners
-
Data, Reporting & Process Management
- Maintain detailed production trackers, dashboards, and status updates
- Ensure accuracy of production data, documentation, and approvals
- Support post-event reviews and identify opportunities for process improvement
Major Events Readiness
- Support rapid execution cycles tied to global event calendars and last-minute changes
- Assist with event-specific production needs, including quick-turn programs and contingency planning
- Be available for peak periods leading up to and during major events
What You’ll Bring to the Team
- 2–5 years of experience in production, product operations, sourcing support, or supply chain within apparel or consumer products
- Strong understanding of apparel production processes, timelines, and vendor coordination
- Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Comfort working in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally
- Proficiency in Excel / Google Sheets and comfort with production tracking tools
- Willingness to be flexible with hours during peak event periods
Preferred Experience
- Experience supporting major events, seasonal launches, or high-volume programs
- Exposure to licensed sports, entertainment, or large-scale retail environments
- Experience working with international vendors and factories
Why This Role Matters
Major Events operate on non-negotiable deadlines with global visibility. This role ensures that production execution stays on track, risks are identified early, and teams remain aligned—directly contributing to Fanatics’ ability to deliver for fans on the world’s biggest stages.
Where You’ll WORK
- This role is based at our Irvine, CA location.
- Travel to vendor meetings, market appointments, and industry events as needed.
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: We provide a wide range of health, financial, legal, and development assistance, including wellness programs with fitness and weight management partners, paid maternity paternity leave, and infertility treatment. Additionally, we offer flexible time off to help you recharge, along with a competitive 401k plan to support your financial future. At Fanatics, we’re dedicated to supporting you in all aspects of work and life.
The salary range for this position is $80,500-$95,000/year, which represents base pay only and does not include short-term or long-term incentive compensation. When determining base pay, as part of a final compensation package, we consider several factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training.
Salary : $80,500 - $95,000