Sr. Manager, On-Field & Gaming

National Women's Soccer League • New York, NY

15d • $110,000 - $125,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is one of the fastest-growing professional sports leagues in the U.S., powered by 16 clubs and a deep roster of the world's best players, and built on record-shattering fan, media and commercial growth. Now in its 13th season, the league's momentum continues to accelerate, with viewership and attendance numbers growing rapidly, social media fandom on the rise, team valuations massively increasing and new top sponsors investing in the NWSL brand. This unprecedented growth in audience, media reach, and franchise value reflects the NWSL's expanding fan base and increasing dominance in the sports-media landscape and popular culture. The future of the NWSL is now - and we're looking for world-class talent like you to help us continue the momentum. The NWSL Consumer Products team is responsible for the licensing business, e-commerce, and retailer relationships, managing and executing on-field product needs for NWSL Clubs as well as digital gaming. The Sr. Manager, On-field and Gaming is responsible for managing partnerships and licensees across the on-field and gaming categories. The Sr. Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of licensing relationships including communicating the overall vision and marketing strategy for each category, directing the product development process and facilitating retail placement and promotion (in conjunction with Consumer Products team) as needed with key licensee(s) – i.e. Nike. The Sr. Manager owns the relationship with Competition and Technical staff teams and internal departments to ensure we have the best product on the field while adhering to all game regulations.

Requirements

• Experience: 7+ years of progressive, relevant experience within the consumer products ecosystem. Ideal experience includes deep knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Retail strategy and operations
• Product development and manufacturing
• Intellectual property (IP) licensing and brand management
• Executive Communication & Influence: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a proven ability to influence and synthesize complex information for diverse, high-stakes audiences, including Executive Leadership and external partners.
• Passion for the Game: A demonstrable background in, and genuine passion for, soccer and/or the broader sports and entertainment industry
• Flexibility & Commitment: Complete ability and willingness to maintain a flexible schedule, including working non-traditional hours (evenings and weekends) as required by key league events and partner needs.
• Travel Readiness: Ability and willingness to travel up to 30% of the time to conduct partner meetings, manage product development cycles, and attend key matches and league events.

Nice To Haves

• Product Development Expertise: Demonstrated strong understanding and practical experience navigating the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from concept and design through manufacturing and retail launch.
• Strategic Initiative & Bias for Action: Proactive, curious, and results-driven with a demonstrable bias for action focused on continuously identifying and implementing improvements to processes, profitability metrics, and licensing programs.
• Analytical Acumen: Possess strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and inform strategic business decisions.
• Collaboration & Autonomy: Proven ability to work both independently-taking ownership of deliverables-and contribute effectively as a high-value member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Project Management & Prioritization: Expert ability to manage multiple concurrent projects effectively by mastering prioritization, resource allocation, and efficient multitasking to meet all deadlines.
• Commitment to Quality: Exhibit exceptional attention to detail and a personal commitment to delivering high-quality, accurate work product consistently.
• Consensus Building: Demonstrated ability to build consensus across diverse internal and external stakeholders, effectively mediating conflicts and driving alignment toward unified objectives.

Responsibilities

• Own the management and maximization of the enterprise Nike and other key partner relationships
• Serve as a key contact for internal stakeholders to achieve partner objectives and integrate with league-wide priorities for both on-field and gaming
• Support and collaborate with internal teams on the delivery of contractual obligations, financial management and overall day-to-day partnership operations
• Prepare meeting materials, meeting notes, presentations, recap materials and key partner and club communications
• Maintains positive relationships with partners to encourage new and repeat business opportunities
• Facilitate meetings with the NWSL clubs and other partners
• Identify opportunities for key partners around League initiatives and platforms
• Coordinate the on-field licensees with NWSL guidelines oversight for all suppliers and personnel
• Own the relationship with equipment managers and be a resource for them in the league.
• Act as a liaison with Nike to help support their needs and assist with the Nike ordering process.
• In partnership with Competition and Operations, develop guidelines for product on-field while finding ways to elevate the on-field product and commercial viability
• Manage all on-field licensees including uniform, sideline, components and footwear.
• Own match compliance operations and oversee any part-time staff and game observers
• Collaborate with Nike and key stakeholders to create best-in-class jerseys
• Partner with Nike to optimize the product mix and offer best products for fans while increasing profitability. Identify new opportunities for both on-field and fan gear programs.
• Own the kit development process in partnership with Nike. Act as the main point of contact for all NWSL clubs throughout the process. Continuously find ways to improve processes and ensure parties are meeting deadlines.
• Responsible for ensuring high product quality and adheres to NWSL and Club guidelines
• Coordinate all marketing materials, product sampling, assets, etc. from licensees to support retail sell-in and sell-thru
• Liaise with partner(s) and internal teams to approve product design, production and marketing collaterals for products under license
• Ensure all brand representation and product marketing activities are aligned with NWSL objectives and guidelines
• Execute partner-driven initiatives and programs that span product, marketing, media, and event activations
• Manage the end-to-end approval processes for product development, including review of NWSL IP and assets across the portfolio of partnerships. Provide end-to-end management of marketing approvals
• Collaborate with the NWSLPA and their partners when Player Likeness is being used
• Manage licensee royalty reports, sales data and consumer insights from licensees. Collaborate with the internal Analytics team.
• Drive new ways for NWSL to utilize and gather data with key partners

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: $110,000 - $125,000 (Salary is contingent upon candidate qualifications and functional business needs).
• Time & Flexibility: Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), sick days, and an end-of-year office closure.
• Hybrid Work Model: Three days in-office and two remote days per week.
• Robust Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Mental Health benefits for employees and dependents.
• Financial Future: 401k with employer match and safe harbor contributions.
• Additional Perks: Commuter benefits, Short/Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Voluntary Pet Insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed