Director, Headwear Merchandising - Mitchell & Ness

Fanatics • Philadelphia, PA

16d • Hybrid

About The Position

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. ROLE OVERVIEW: The Director of Product Creation & Merchandising – Headwear is a key strategic leader responsible for developing and executing the global product and merchandising strategy across multiple licensed brands, leagues, and categories. This role leads the end-to-end product lifecycle for headwear assortments that resonate with consumers, drive commercial results, and reinforce the brand’s positioning in the market. As the business lead for cross-functional partners in Planning, Design, Development, and Sourcing, this role ensures strategic alignment and operational excellence across all aspects of product creation. Additionally, the Director serves as the primary product liaison to key league partners and internal commercial teams, providing a clear, compelling vision that inspires collaboration and fuels growth.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• Licensed sports experience preferred; headwear product experience is a plus

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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director