Manager, Licensing & Partnerships

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Manager, Licensing & Partnerships

🔹 Company: Fanatics

🔹 Location: New York, NY, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Manufacturing

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-14

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing Topps’ relationship with US sports & entertainment partners
• Driving alignment with key stakeholders and cross-functional partners
• Analyzing market trends and competitive landscapes
• Improving licensor approval processes and refining communication
• Creating visually polished decks and presentations for internal and external stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the collectibles or trading card industry and the ability to manage cross-functional teams effectively.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Support and drive relationship management with US sports & entertainment licensors

✅ Create compelling, visually polished decks for business updates, product initiatives, and strategic proposals

✅ Review and assess partner financials and P&Ls to evaluate performance and identify trends

✅ Develop and improve licensor approval processes to ensure successful product timelines

✅ Support partner adoption of key product initiatives such as the Debut Patch

✅ Analyze market trends and competitive landscapes to inform strategic decision-making and new license opportunities

✅ Internal communication & management: ensure relevant teams understand key terms of each license agreement

✅ Refine processes to streamline communication, contract management, and project execution with partners

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of multitasking, meeting deadlines, and working across a wide range of high-priority initiatives.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in licensing, partnerships, or a related role within the collectibles or trading card industry

Required Skills:

• Strong knowledge of the collectibles or trading card industry
• Experience developing executive-level presentations, pitches, or QBRs
• Skills in distilling complex data into clear narratives
• Experience with financial modeling, budgeting, or revenue tracking for partner businesses
• Comfort using tools like Excel, Tableau, or financial dashboards
• Proficient in PowerPoint and ability to create decks and presentations for stakeholders
• Ability to handle a multi-tasking environment, meet deadlines, and work across a wide range of high-priority initiatives
• Ability to create and maintain strong internal and external stakeholder relationships
• Entrepreneurial, proactive, self-motivated, and enthusiastic in nature
• A genuine desire and interest in Sports from a hobby perspective

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with sports & entertainment partners
• Familiarity with the Topps brand or products

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a passion for collectibles, sports, culture, and entertainment will likely find themselves a strong cultural fit for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000 (USD) per year

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee discounts on Fanatics products

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours, Monday through Friday

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Fanatics is a leading online retailer of officially licensed sports merchandise. The company operates in the e-commerce and manufacturing sectors.

Company Size: Fanatics has 201-500 employees, which means the company is mid-sized and offers opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: Fanatics was founded in 1995 and has since grown to become a prominent player in the sports merchandise industry.

Company Description:

• Fanatics is the global leader in licensed sports merchandise, offering fans the world's largest collection of official sports apparel and gear from their favorite leagues, teams, and players
• The company operates a vertically-integrated business model that includes design, sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution
• Fanatics is committed to delivering innovative, high-quality products that celebrate the passion of sports fans worldwide

Company Specialties:

• E-commerce
• Manufacturing
• Sports merchandise
• Licensing and partnerships

Company Website: www.fanaticsinc.com

ASSUMPTION: Fanatics' focus on sports merchandise and licensing makes this role an excellent fit for candidates passionate about sports and collectibles.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a mid-level management position, reporting directly to the Director of Global Licensing & Partnerships.

Reporting Structure: The Manager, Licensing & Partnerships will oversee the relationship with US sports & entertainment partners and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive alignment and execution.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks or meetings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expanding the role's responsibilities based on performance and the company's growth
• Potential career advancement within the licensing and partnerships department or related areas
• Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and initiatives with major sports leagues and entertainment partners

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for candidates looking to expand their skills and advance their careers within the licensing and partnerships field.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Fanatics office is a dynamic, fast-paced environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): The primary office for this role is located in New York, NY, United States.

Geographic Context:

• New York City offers a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, with numerous attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options
• The city is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to commute to work
• New York is home to several major sports teams and events, providing ample opportunities for networking and engagement with industry professionals

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is standard business hours, Monday through Friday, with the possibility of occasional overtime or weekend work to meet project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The on-site nature of this role allows for better collaboration and communication with colleagues and partners, fostering a stronger sense of teamwork and camaraderie.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final interview with the Director of Global Licensing & Partnerships
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Industry knowledge and experience
• Presentation and communication skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Cultural fit and passion for sports and collectibles

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your presentation and analytical skills to discuss during the interview
• Research Fanatics and the Topps brand to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the company

ATS Keywords: Licensing, Partnerships, Sports, Entertainment, Collectibles, Trading Cards, Market Analysis, Financial Modeling, Presentation Skills, Stakeholder Management, Cross-functional Teams

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's industry knowledge, presentation skills, and cultural fit within the company.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Tableau or other data visualization tools
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the industry and can be easily adapted by candidates with relevant experience.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Passion for sports and entertainment
• Innovation and creativity
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Customer focus
• Integrity and accountability

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Cross-functional collaboration and teamwork
• Data-driven decision-making
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Proactive and entrepreneurial mindset

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments in the collectibles and trading card industry?
• Can you describe a time when you had to manage a complex project with multiple stakeholders, and how did you ensure successful execution?
• How do you approach creating visually polished presentations that effectively communicate complex data and ideas?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong passion for sports and collectibles, as well as a proactive and entrepreneurial mindset, will be well-suited to the company's culture and work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple partners and projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and time management
• Dealing with tight deadlines and competing priorities, necessitating adaptability and flexibility
• Navigating the complexities of the licensing and partnership landscape, requiring a deep understanding of the industry and its key players
• Working with diverse stakeholders, including internal teams, external partners, and high-profile clients, demanding strong communication and interpersonal skills

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome by candidates with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the licensing and partnership landscape.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Licensing Manager or Partnerships Manager position in other companies, but may have a broader scope and more responsibility due to Fanatics' size and growth potential
• Compared to related roles in the entertainment industry, this position may offer more opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and exposure to high-profile projects
• Career progression in this role could lead to senior management or director-level positions within the licensing and partnerships department or related areas

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles in the industry to better understand the competitive landscape and identify opportunities for career growth and advancement.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive market analysis and competitive landscape assessment for a new licensing opportunity
• Creating a visually polished presentation to pitch a strategic partnership to a major sports league or entertainment property
• Streamlining the licensor approval process to improve product timelines and reduce bottlenecks

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and challenges that candidates can expect to face in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the current licensing and partnership portfolio, and how this role will contribute to its growth and expansion?
• How does Fanatics support the professional development and career growth of its employees, particularly in the licensing and partnerships department?
• Can you provide examples of successful licensing and partnership initiatives that the company has executed in the past, and how this role contributed to their success?
• How does Fanatics approach collaboration and communication with its partners, and what role will this position play in maintaining and strengthening those relationships?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the licensing and partnerships department in the coming years, and how can this role help address them?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role and their commitment to understanding the company's goals and priorities.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your presentation and analytical skills to discuss during the interview
• Research Fanatics and the Topps brand to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the company
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and reiterate your interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.