Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Fanatics Commerce is the global leader in licensed sports merchandise, operating a vertically integrated platform that designs, manufactures, and delivers officially licensed apparel, jerseys, headwear, and collectibles for major leagues, teams, and events worldwide. With more than 900 e-commerce sites and a global omnichannel presence across digital, in-venue, and retail, Fanatics Commerce reaches fans in over 180 countries and powers official fan experiences for many of the world's most iconic sports properties.

At Fanatics, we bring our BOLD Leadership Principles to life every day—building championship teams, obsessing over fans, acting with limitless entrepreneurial spirit, and delivering with a determined and relentless mindset.

As we continue to scale our global platform, the Operations Manager will play a critical role in driving inbound and outbound distribution operations through championship-caliber team leadership.

ROLE OVERVIEW
The Operations Manager shapes the Fanatics experience by serving as an athlete and fan advocate, responsible for leading inbound or outbound operations across multiple sub-departments. This role inspires a team of 3–10 Supervisors and 50–350 athletes to perform at a high level through effective communication, mentorship, and feedback, while directing supervisors and reporting to the Sr. Manager of Operations. The Operations Manager delivers business and fan impact through BOLD leadership and execution excellence, leveraging data, automation, and AI-enabled insights.

HOW WILL YOU DRIVE IMPACT
Success is measured by the ability to deliver results through BOLD capabilities and measurable outcomes.

Team & Leadership Impact (Build Championship Teams)

Cross-Functional Leadership:

• Serve as a key liaison between supervisors, team leaders, athletes, and internal and external operations partners to gather information, resolve issues, and align on priorities.

• Communicate company standards and policies proactively, collaborating with Human Resources to ensure compliance and a safe, consistent workplace.

• Mesh effectively with the existing management team by listening actively, building consensus, and serving as an articulate advocate of the collective operational vision.

People Leadership:

• Inspire and develop a team of 3–10 Supervisors and up to 350 athletes through coaching, constructive feedback, training, motivation, and incentive programs.

• Develop supervisors into bigger leaders by providing clear direction, stretch opportunities, and ongoing performance accountability.

• Manage staffing levels, scheduling, and workforce planning—including forecasts for peak demand periods—to optimize team performance and operational efficiency.

Fan & Customer Impact (Obsessed with Fans)

• Model a culture of ownership in every customer and employee interaction, consistently valuing and advocating for the customer perspective.

• Meet and exceed service levels and quality expectations while operating within financial constraints to deliver a best-in-class fan experience.

• Suggest and implement innovative solutions that improve customer satisfaction while identifying opportunities to reduce costs.

• Communicate with and proactively understand the needs of both internal and external customers to ensure seamless service delivery.

Innovation & Problem Solving (Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit)

• Display strong analytical and problem-solving skills, thinking outside of the box to find effective solutions even when answers are not immediately apparent.

• Provide direction on support processes and configurations to ensure consistency, productivity, and profitability across the operation.

• Lead the identification and development of ongoing process improvements that drive departmental efficiency and scalability.

• Monitor program effectiveness and report on productivity metrics to senior leadership, translating data into actionable insights.

Ownership & Execution (Determined & Relentless Mindset)

• Effectively plan, staff, direct, and coordinate activities to maintain efficient storage and material flow while sustaining rigorous inventory control.

• Maintain and drive department standards for productivity, reliability, and accuracy across all operational sub-departments.

• Manage a safe workplace by championing training programs and proactive accident prevention and preparedness initiatives.

• Drive strategic priorities and day-to-day operational activities with a determined mindset, thriving in a fast-paced, high-volume distribution environment.

AI & DIGITAL CAPABILITY
We are building a future-ready organization. This role is expected to:

• Apply AI and technology to improve efficiency, quality, and outcomes

• Use data and digital tools to inform decisions and enhance performance

• Demonstrate curiosity and adaptability in adopting new technologies and ways of working

• Contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement

CAPABILITIES & EXPERIENCE YOU BRING
Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of distribution or warehouse management experience, with demonstrated ability to lead large, multi-function teams in a high-volume environment.

• 3–5 years of Fanatics tenure, with deep familiarity with internal operations, culture, and systems.

• Strong computer proficiency including Excel, Word, Lotus Notes, Internet, Mainframe, FMS, and DMS.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze operational and performance data and translate findings into effective courses of action.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey direction to athletes, supervisors, and senior leadership alike.

• Proven ability to perform in a fast-paced environment while managing difficult situations with composure and sound judgment.

• Excellent planning and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands, multitask, and lead staffing and capacity planning for peak operational periods.

Education:
Bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related discipline preferred, or equivalent education and experience.

WORK LOCATION
Select the option below that matches this role, delete the other two, and fill in every highlighted field before posting.

On-site: Your work location will be on-site in Aberdeen, MD.