Product Innovation Associate

Fanatics Collectibles•Sunnyvale, TX

About The Position

The Product Innovation Associate supports the development and execution of Fanatics Collectibles’ product innovation agenda. Reporting to the Innovation Project Manager, the Associate researches technologies that may improve performance, reduce costs, or enhance the consumer experience and works with operations and support teams to coordinate projects and help deliver expected results. The work spans product and process innovation in card manufacturing, including finishing, collation, and packaging techniques. The role supports test projects from planning through completion, coordinates across internal departments and external vendors, analyzes data and market trends, documents tests and processes, and helps identify technical challenges and manufacturing failure points. Work takes place in an administrative office setting with interaction in the production facility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in design or engineering, or equivalent work experience.
English language proficiency.
Experience collaborating with or coordinating across multifunctional teams.
Analytical skills.
Experience with project management tools.
Strong organization and time-management abilities, including prioritizing multiple assignments or project workstreams.
Ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners.
Ability to collaborate and influence outcomes through clear communication and follow-through.
Ability to work independently and as part of a project or operational team.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and plan work around business requirements and deadlines.
Self-driven, curious, and willing to seek learning opportunities and take initiative within assigned responsibilities.
Detail orientation and strong follow-up practices.
Ability to work extended hours when necessary.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Nice To Haves

1–3 years of experience in pre-press, design, print, print finishing, manufacturing, or related production environments.
Exposure to project management, Lean, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, or business analysis principles.
1–3 years of operations, manufacturing, product development, or related experience.
Spanish language skills.
Curiosity and a problem-solving mindset, with the ability to support project plans, timelines, and roadmaps.
Developing project coordination and project management skills.

Responsibilities

Assist in identifying and developing innovative products, platforms, and processes aligned with market and business needs.
Support test projects from planning through completion, helping ensure objectives meet quality, repeatability, and scalability standards for production quantities.
Provide regular project updates to the Innovation Project Manager and cross-functional stakeholders, escalating risks and challenges as appropriate.
Analyze data and market trends to generate insights that support innovation.
Schedule, prepare for, and participate in Product Innovation meetings; facilitate portions of meetings as assigned.
Research material and equipment options for individual innovations.
Support engagement with outside vendors regarding technology and execution needs.
Coordinate with internal departments on technology needs and project requirements.
Support trials of new technologies across applicable processes and help identify potential manufacturing failure points.
Document processes, order of operations, test results, and materials for each innovation.
Maintain an organized library of new technologies, innovations, and related documentation.
Assist in solving technical challenges experienced during manufacturing processes.