Senior Operations Manager

Fanatics; Middleton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Fanatics is seeking a Senior Operations Manager to own site operations at our Middleton site, leading a team of leaders to deliver KPI targets in a high‑volume D2C environment. You will champion bold leadership, data‑driven decision making, and AI‑enabled insights to drive safe, efficient fulfilment and fan‑focused service while managing budgets and capacity planning.

You'll collaborate with HR, Finance, L&D, and tech partners to align plans and resources, ensuring scalable processes as we scale

Qualifications

• 5+ years of operational leadership in high‑volume D2C environments.
• Proven track record leading multiple teams in fast-paced operations.
• Experienced with WMS tools, systems, and reporting standards.
• Demonstrated history of leading change and building scalable teams and processes.
• Strong data analytics skills and ability to drive pattern-based decisions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management across HR, Finance, L&D, and tech partners.

Responsibilities

• Own full ownership of site operations and KPI delivery across service, cost, and operational excellence.
• Lead and develop departmental leaders with succession planning and budget management.
• Drive process improvements using data, automation, and AI-enabled insights.
• Ensure safe, efficient fulfilment and superior fan experience through optimized capacity plans and scheduling.

Skills

Operational Leadership

WMS Tools

Data Analytics

Change Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

Tools

WMS Software

Job description

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 entrepreneurial speed, and delivering with a determined and relentless mindset.

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 Senior Operations Manager will play a critical role in driving safe, efficient, and high‑performing fulfilment operations at site level.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Senior Operations Manager holds full ownership of site operations, leading a team of leaders to deliver functional KPIs across service, cost, and operational excellence. This senior leadership role drives team development, succession planning, resource and capacity management, and the tactical execution of departmental plans within a high-volume direct‑to‑consumer environment. The Senior 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:

• Partner with HR, L&D, Finance, and technical business partners to align operational plans, resource strategies, and improvement initiatives across the site.
• Communicate regularly with international operational peers, local supply and demand leaders, and project managers engaged in functional plans to ensure alignment and shared accountability.
• Manage, coach, and develop all leaders within the department, maintaining an active succession plan for every leadership role.
• Own performance management and recovery plans where required, fostering a high‑performance culture built on accountability and continuous development.

Fan & Customer Impact (Obsessed with Fans)

• Ensure the safe and efficient execution of operational plans that enable on‑time, accurate fulfilment and a consistently excellent fan experience.
• Meet or exceed agreed performance targets for service levels, driving outcomes that directly support fan satisfaction and loyalty.
• Own departmental resource and capacity plans to ensure the operation is always positioned to meet fan demand, including during peak periods.
• Communicate operational performance and priorities regularly across the department to keep teams focused on delivering for fans.

Innovation & Problem Solving (Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit)

• Lead operational change initiatives within a high‑growth business, identifying opportunities to improve processes, systems, and ways of working.
• Leverage WMS tools, reporting standards, and data analysis to identify trends, diagnose root causes, and drive continuous improvement.
• Build and refine team structures and operational processes to support scalability and evolving business needs.
• Apply data‑driven insight to challenge the status quo and deploy innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and service.

Ownership & Execution (Determined & Relentless Mindset)

• Take full ownership of operational budgets, managing cost performance with rigour and accountability.
• Develop and deploy comprehensive department plans, ensuring regular communication of performance and operational priorities across the team.
• Lead and execute improvement plans to recover performance where required, maintaining relentless focus on KPI delivery.
• Engage and influence internal and external stakeholders effectively to secure the support and resources needed to achieve operational goals.

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:

• 5+ years of operational leadership experience in a high‑volume direct‑to‑consumer environment.
• Proven track record leading multiple teams simultaneously in a high‑tempo, fast‑paced operational setting.
• Experienced and knowledgeable operator and user of WMS tools, systems, and reporting standards.
• Demonstrated experience leading change and building scalable teams and processes within a high‑growth business.
• Highly proficient in using, understanding, and managing data, including routine analysis of operational performance and trends.
• Skilled communicator with demonstrated ownership of functional performance, plans, and projects across a broad stakeholder group.
• Experienced in partnering with HR, Finance, L&D, and technical business partners to drive operational outcomes.

WORK LOCATION

On-site: Your work location will be onsite in Stake Hill, Middleton.

At Fanatics, we operate with a BOLD mindset—We Build Championship Teams, we're Obsessed with Fans, we embrace a Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit, and we approach every challenge with a Determined & 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.

ABOUT US

Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally.

Fanatics Commerce is a leading designer, manufacturer, and seller of licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods. It operates a vertically‑integrated platform of digital and physical capabilities for leading sports leagues, teams, colleges, and associations globally – as well as its flagship site, www.fanatics.com .

Fanatics Commerce has a broad range of online, sports venue, and vertical apparel partnerships worldwide, including comprehensive partnerships with leading leagues, teams, colleges, and sports organizations across the world—including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, Formula 1, and Australian Football League (AFL); the Dallas Cowboys, Golden State Warriors, Paris Saint‑Germain, Chelsea FC, and Tokyo Giants; the University of Notre Dame, University of Alabama, and University of Texas; the International Olympic Committee (IOC), England Rugby, and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

Fanatics will never ask candidates for money, banking information, or other sensitive personal information as part of the interview process. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from Fanatics recruiting, please do not respond and report it here .