Operations Manager
Fanatics
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Job summary
Fanatics Commerce in Aberdeen, MD is seeking an Operations Manager to lead inbound and outbound distribution operations, directing a team of 3–10 supervisors and 50–350 athletes to deliver leading fan experiences. You will use data, automation, and AI-enabled insights to optimize performance, plan staffing, maintain inventory control, and ensure safety in a fast-paced environment, reporting to the Sr.
Manager of Operations.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years in distribution or warehouse management, with demonstrated ability to lead large, multi-function teams in a high-volume environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead inbound or outbound operations across multiple sub-departments.
- Inspire and develop a team of 3–10 Supervisors and up to 350 athletes through coaching, feedback, training, and accountability.
- Manage staffing levels, scheduling, and capacity planning for peak periods to optimize performance.
- Drive improvements using data, automation, and AI-enabled insights across the operation.
- Maintain safe workplace standards and adherence to compliance while delivering a best-in-class fan experience.
Skills
Education
Tools
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 Operations Manager will play a critical role in driving inbound and outbound distribution operations through championship-caliber team leadership.
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.
Success is measured by the ability to deliver results through BOLD capabilities and measurable outcomes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
- 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.
Bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related discipline preferred, or equivalent education and experience.
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.
The salary range represents base pay only and does not include short-term or long-term incentive compensation. When determining base pay as part of a final compensation package, we consider several factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training. For information about our benefits, please visit https://benefitsatfanatics.com/
$96,800 - $117,700 USD
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 and 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.
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).
At Fanatics Commerce, we infuse our BOLD Leadership Principles in everything we do:
- Build Championship Teams
- Obsessed with Fans
- Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Determined and Relentless Mindset
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