What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Product position at Fanatics?
About Us
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.
About The Team
Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.
Role Summary
The Product Director – Trading Cards is a senior leader responsible for setting the long-term product vision, strategy, and roadmap across Fanatics Collectibles’ trading card portfolio. This role leads a high-performing product organization—driving innovation, operational excellence, and cross-functional alignment to deliver best-in-class trading card products and collector experiences.
The ideal candidate is a strong people leader, strategic thinker, and expert storyteller with executive presence and the ability to influence at all levels. They bring deep knowledge of trading cards, consumer products, licensing, and collector engagement, paired with a passion for building innovative physical products and experiences. They excel at delivering products on time, unlocking new partnerships, and leveraging brand assets to drive growth and collector enthusiasm.
Key Responsibilities
Product Strategy & Leadership
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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.
About The Team
Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.
Role Summary
The Product Director – Trading Cards is a senior leader responsible for setting the long-term product vision, strategy, and roadmap across Fanatics Collectibles’ trading card portfolio. This role leads a high-performing product organization—driving innovation, operational excellence, and cross-functional alignment to deliver best-in-class trading card products and collector experiences.
The ideal candidate is a strong people leader, strategic thinker, and expert storyteller with executive presence and the ability to influence at all levels. They bring deep knowledge of trading cards, consumer products, licensing, and collector engagement, paired with a passion for building innovative physical products and experiences. They excel at delivering products on time, unlocking new partnerships, and leveraging brand assets to drive growth and collector enthusiasm.
Key Responsibilities
Product Strategy & Leadership
- Define and own the multi-year product vision, roadmap, and release strategy across the trading card portfolio.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of product managers—raising the bar on product thinking, execution, creativity, and cross-functional partnership.
- Establish a culture of innovation and experimentation, pushing boundaries in card design, technology, formats, and collector experiences.
- Drive organizational alignment around product priorities through clear communication, compelling storytelling, and data-driven decision making.
- Identify emerging product, technology, and collector trends to shape the next generation of trading card products.
- Explore new product formats, premium offerings, digital integrations, and exclusive programs that elevate the collector experience.
- Champion storytelling and brand integration within product narratives, content, and release strategies.
- Leverage broader organizational partnerships to build cross-category product innovation.
- Serve as the senior product-facing representative to licensors, partners, athletes, talent representatives, and key stakeholders.
- Build trust and credibility with executive-level partners; negotiate product rights, approvals, timelines, and innovation opportunities.
- Unlock new partnerships by leveraging existing trading card products and expanding integration across brands, talent, technology partners, and global markets.
- Ensure all licensing agreements are strategically aligned with product vision, profitability goals, and future category expansion.
- Oversee all phases of trading card product development, ensuring products are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
- Partner with manufacturing, design, operations, and supply chain teams to ensure feasibility, accuracy, and consistency throughout development.
- Guide autograph, memorabilia, chase-content, and product differentiation strategies to optimize value, authenticity, and collector demand.
- Ensure brand guidelines, quality standards, and compliance requirements are rigorously met.
- Lead quarterly business reviews and executive presentations showcasing roadmap progress, category performance, and future opportunities.
- Partner with sales, marketing, and e-commerce teams to maximize revenue, expand distribution, and create compelling product stories.
- Analyze collector insights, market data, retailer feedback, and industry trends to inform product decisions and drive continuous improvement.
- Track KPIs, forecast demand, and manage product P&L to maximize profitability and long-term sustainable growth.
- Deep understanding of trading card products, licensing models, consumer products economics, and collector trends.
- Strong understanding of collector behavior, fan engagement, and product storytelling.
- Expert-level leadership capabilities, including team management, coaching, and influencing cross-functional partners.
- Executive presence with exceptional presentation skills; able to communicate complex ideas simply and persuasively.
- Ability to think strategically while executing flawlessly in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- High creativity paired with strong operational discipline and attention to detail.
- 8–10 years of product management experience, preferably in trading cards, collectibles, consumer products, sports, entertainment, or licensing.
- Proven experience leading product teams and managing senior stakeholders across global organizations.
- Background in developing innovative physical products; trading card or collectibles experience strongly preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field; MBA a plus.
- Passion for trading cards, collectibles, and fan culture.
By submitting your application, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our Candidate Privacy Policy.