Marketing - Director, Licensing and Merchandise

Nashville Soccer Club•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Director of Licensing & Merchandise will lead the strategy, execution, and growth of Nashville SC’s consumer products business. This role is responsible for strengthening brand affinity both within and beyond the fan base, ensuring brand integrity across all licensed and promotional merchandise, and driving revenue through best-in-class product development, retail strategy, and licensing partnerships. This role will oversee all consumer products bearing club marks, including MLS retail licensees, premium (promotional) licensees, and in-venue retail operations for all MLS matches as well as other major events at GEODIS Park. The position will serve as the primary liaison with MLS, adidas, Fanatics, and key partners to ensure product excellence, strong assortment strategy, and impactful launches.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in consumer products, licensing, retail, operations, or brand marketing.
Demonstrated experience in product sourcing, merchandising strategy, quality assurance, and retail performance analysis.
Strong understanding of licensing structures, royalty reporting, and revenue-sharing models preferred.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and executive presence.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
Passion for soccer and a strong appreciation for Nashville’s culture.
Ability to lift and move merchandise and retail materials, including items up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Background in visual or graphic arts is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute the club’s consumer products business plan, monitoring retail performance and identifying revenue growth opportunities.
Develop and manage the annual merchandise calendar, aligning product drops and campaigns with key club moments.
Research, forecast, and manage the consumer products budget, including royalty revenue and revenue-sharing agreements.
Analyze sales data and market trends to inform product strategy and assortment planning.
Ensure product quality and brand consistency across all licensed goods, including accurate application of club colors, marks, and design standards.
Partner with MLS and adidas on jersey design, allotments, and league-wide initiatives.
Serve as the primary contact to MLS licensees and the MLS Consumer Products team, ensuring a commercially viable product assortment is both available and developed
Stay current on global and local consumer trends, particularly those resonating with the Nashville market.
Serve as primary liaison with in-venue retail partner (Fanatics) on assortment, marketing campaigns, game-day operations, and retail activation strategy.
Collaborate with MLS and Fanatics e-commerce teams to optimize online product assortment and performance.
Coordinate major product launches, including jersey releases and marquee retail moments, to maximize in-venue and digital sales.
Facilitate merchandise sales needs via Fanatics and other third parties for other major events such as concerts and other sporting events held at GEODIS Park.
Work closely with Creative and Content teams to plan and execute digital campaigns, photoshoots, and storytelling around key merchandise initiatives.
Partner with Corporate Partnerships to develop co-branded merchandise and premium items.
Support Community Relations, Ticket Sales, and other departments with timely merchandise solutions for events and activations.
Maintain high standards of customer service across all consumer product touchpoints.
Act as primary stakeholder for all consumer product matters internally and externally.
Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support matchdays and major events.
Lead special projects and additional duties as assigned