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.
As we continue to scale our global platform, the Buyer will play a critical role in contributing to business growth, elevating fan experiences, and delivering measurable impact. This role will help strengthen the product assortment, deepen vendor partnerships, and contribute to how we serve hundreds of millions of fans worldwide.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Buyer delivers business and fan impact through BOLD leadership and category ownership, responsible for curating a compelling assortment and driving performance across a defined product category. This leader plays a critical role in bringing the Fanatics brand to life through innovative product strategy, vendor partnerships, and end-to-end merchandise execution.
The Buyer builds and manages an assortment that delivers for fans—financially, emotionally, and experientially—while developing vendor relationships and cross-functional partnerships that sustain long-term category growth.
Reporting to the Divisional Merchandise Manager (DMM), the Buyer partners closely with Planning, Product Development, Site Experience, Marketing, and Supply Chain to execute a category strategy aligned to brand goals and financial targets.
HOW WILL YOU DRIVE IMPACT
Success is measured by the ability to deliver results through BOLD capabilities and measurable outcomes.
Fan & Customer Impact (Obsessed with Fans)
• Stays closely connected to the voice of the fan—tracking trends, social signals, and product sentiment to inform category decisions.
• Monitors the competitive landscape to ensure category relevance and differentiation.
• Builds a balanced, trend-right assortment that blends accessibility and exclusivity, grounded in data, fan insights, and product performance.
• Acts as an expert in the category across vertical and market brands—including brand equity, cost architecture, and vendor capability.
Ownership & Execution (Determined & Relentless Mindset)
• Owns in-season management of sales, margin, inventory, and turn for the category.
• Manages the category’s Good/Better/Best framework and product lifecycle—from initial buy through markdown and exit.
• Leverages insights to drive pricing, promotion, and markdown decisions.
• Collaborates with Planning to align OTB, receipt flow, and in-season reforecasting.
• Tracks and reports on category performance; makes recommendations to accelerate profitable growth.
• Supports development and execution of the merchandising strategy for the category, aligned to brand goals and financial targets.
Innovation & Problem Solving (Entrepreneurial Spirit)
• Partners with Product Development to shape vertical brand assortment and optimize positioning within the category.
• Curates the vendor matrix to optimize productivity, reduce redundancy, and elevate product storytelling.
• Collaborates on seasonal strategies, assortment reviews, and go-to-market planning with vendor and brand partners.
• Applies innovative thinking and sound business judgment to solve complex category challenges and drive continuous improvement.
Team & Leadership Impact (Build Championship Teams)
• Serves as a culture carrier and active contributor to the broader Merchandising team.
• Shares insights, tools, and best practices across divisions to elevate team thinking.
• Supports onboarding and coaching of Assistant Buyers and Coordinators.
• Negotiates costs, terms, and exclusives in partnership with the DMM and General Merchandise Manager.
• Builds strong relationships with vendor and brand partners to drive growth, product exclusivity, and innovation.
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:
• 2+ years of experience in Merchandising or Buying, with proven success in assortment management and vendor partnerships.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to make data-informed decisions.
• Passion for product, fans, and delivering innovation at speed.
• Team player with high accountability and a growth mindset.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in vertical/private brand and market vendor businesses.
Work Environment:
• This role is based in New York City or Jacksonville, FL.
• Travel to vendor meetings, market appointments, and industry events as needed.
Education:
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience preferred, not required.
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.