Company Overview
Fanatics is the global leader in licensed sports merchandise & changing the way fans purchase their favorite team apparel & jerseys. Through an innovative, tech-infused approach to making & selling fan gear in today's on-demand culture, Fanatics operates more than 300 online & offline stores, including the e-commerce business for all major professional sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, MLS, PGA), & more than 200 collegiate & professional team properties, which include several of the biggest global soccer clubs (Manchester United, Real Madrid, Chelsea). Fanatics offers the largest collection of timeless & timely merchandise whether shopping online, on your phone, in stores, in stadiums or on-site at the world's biggest sporting events. At Fanatics, we're a diverse, passionate group of employees aiming to ignite pride & passion in the fans we outfit, celebrate & support. We recognize that diversity helps drive & foster innovation, & through our IDEA program (inclusion, diversity, equality & advocacy) at Fanatics we provide employees with tools & resources to feel connected & engaged in who they are & what they do to support the ultimate fan experience.
About the Team
At Fanatics, our Business Affairs & Legal team plays an integral role into why we are the #1 licensed sports, omni-channel retailer. This team is known for negotiating & drafting long-term, exclusive deals with professional sports teams, universities, event promoters, & athletes. They are trusted advisors in counseling our business teams with day-to-day matters as well as key strategic initiatives. This division is critical to the success of the overall company strategy & our mission to become the #1 Fan Brand in the world.
A standalone subsidiary of Fanatics, Fanatics Licensing Management (FLM) serves a varied role for its clients, ranging from providing traditional agency services (e.g., brokering deals with third party licensees, overseeing brand protection & brand management, etc.) to managing the sub-licensing rights as a Master Licensee on behalf of professional sports properties & college clients. The portfolio includes:
College: University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Miami, University of Notre Dame, University of Oregon & the University of Wisconsin;
Professional Properties: NFL Players Association, Major League Soccer, Hockey Canada, Big 3
The Vice President, Licensing will serve a critical role in (1) working with SVP, Business Affairs to strategically grow the businesses for FLM clients; (2) managing client & licensee relationships; & (3) ensuring our operational & logistics teams & processes work efficiently & effectively.
Specifically, the Vice President is accountable for the following responsibilities:
Creating meaningful & effective relationships with each partner, that further the strategic initiatives of each client's licensing programs.
Directing & leading the FLM team to accomplish set goals & objectives in an effective, but efficient manner while meeting the obligations & expectations of clients & key constituents.
Managing the P&L for the business to ensure that the division achieves its strategic & financial objectives.
Job Responsibilities
Develop & implement strategic licensing plans & initiatives for client institutions with the goal of positioning brand appropriately, & maximizing licensing revenue.
Identify & lead new business opportunities that meet high quality business strategies & goals ensuring their alignment with short-term & long-term objectives.
Proactively address challenges in both internal & external environment to protect business interests. Research & analyze universities' licensee base to determine brand growth opportunities.
Maintain an in-depth working knowledge of all FLM clients.
Coordinate the development of key performance goals for business unit & direct reports.
Communicate division strategy to team members & provide ongoing performance evaluation for staff against the division's goals & objectives.
Maintain a deep knowledge of the sports licensing industry.
Oversee the FLM college & pro sports licensing staff & licensing operations to ensure smooth & efficient operation of the organization.
Manage relationships with clients, key stakeholders, business partners, & strategic alliances.
Communicate with client institutions & licensees regarding licensing strategies & initiatives & the execution thereof. Lead business meetings with client institutions and/or licensees in an effort to help elevate client licensing programs.
Evaluate & determine proper infrastructure, equipment, software & other technology needs.
Oversee revenue generation, & work with Accounting team to prepare budgets & analyze P&L for division.
Identify ways to maximize revenue, ensuring financial targets & other agreed targets are met, devising solutions or improvements when necessary.
Travel (as necessary) to clients, industry licensing trade shows, & participate in business sessions with leading licensees.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills & Abilities:
Bachelor's degree required (MBA preferred)
7+ years management experience
10+ years in licensing industry
10+ years customer/client relations
A motivated self-starter with ability to excel at multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Exceptional attention to detail