Fanatics · 2 weeks ago
Director, Headwear Merchandising - Mitchell & Ness
Philadelphia, PA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
10+ years expFanatics is a leader in licensed sports merchandise, seeking a Director of Product Creation & Merchandising for Headwear. This role is responsible for developing and executing the global product and merchandising strategy while leading cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and operational excellence.
eSportsManufacturingRetailSporting GoodsSports
Responsibilities
Lead the development and execution of the headwear product creation and merchandising strategy across multiple brands and leagues, ensuring alignment with consumer insights, brand positioning, and business goals
Shape product and assortment strategies that optimizes the balance between SKU efficiency, profitability, and growth—always with an eye on performance
Own short- and long-term licensed product roadmaps and ensure alignment with evolving league priorities and fan expectations
Build and lead a high-performing merchandising team, building a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability across global and omni-channel markets
Serve as the lead merchandising voice in internal and external meetings, presenting product lines, seasonal strategies, and key initiatives to buyers, league partners, sales teams, and executive leadership
Identify and capitalize on market trends and competitive opportunities, translating insights into products and programs that move the business forward
Partner with Planning and Sales to set financial targets, track performance, and adjust in real time to meet business needs and consumer demand
Collaborate with Digital Marketing and Sales to drive sell-through, protect margin, and enhance the consumer journey across retail and e-commerce channels
Champion a cross-functional, consumer-first mindset in partnership with Design, Development, and Sourcing to deliver compelling, brand-right product
Ensure clear communication and seamless coordination between Product Creation, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Merchandise Planning functions
Advocate for the voice of the fan, delivering product assortments that inspire emotional connection, loyalty, and deepen love for the brand
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, or comparable graduation from a textile school; an equivalent level of work experience (10 plus years) is acceptable with a strong understanding of the product creation process
10+ years in product creation and/or merchandising within the licensed or branded industry
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive strategic initiatives from concept to execution
Deep understanding of omni-channel merchandising and consumer behavior across retail and digital platforms
Strategic thinker with the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment
Bring a love of sports and understanding of the fan experience
Have a strong visual sense of the product, understanding of target customer, and clear point of view around product assortment and business opportunities
Willingness to travel up to 40% for partner meetings and other related activities
Three days onsite each week in Mitchell & Ness Philadelphia office
Preferred
Licensed sports experience preferred; headwear product experience is a plus
Benefits
Wide range of health, financial, legal, and development assistance
Wellness programs with fitness and weight management partners
Paid maternity paternity leave
Infertility treatment
Flexible time off
Competitive 401k plan
Company
Fanatics
Fanatics is a sports merchandise retailer that manufactures fan gear and jerseys across retail channels. It is a sub-organization of Kynetic.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Fanatics has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2021 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$4.9BKey Investors
Clearlake Capital GroupNational Football LeagueAlameda Research
2022-12-06Private Equity· $700M
2022-03-02Private Equity· $1.5B
2022-01-01Series Unknown· $10M
Leadership Team
J
Joseph Bozich
Advisor to Chief Executive Officer
Michael Mahan
CEO
Recent News
Sports Business Journal
2026-01-23
Sports Business Journal
2026-01-23
Company data provided by crunchbase