At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global retail strategy and expansion for Fanatics Collectibles, driving store development and operations.
- Company: Join Fanatics, a leading digital sports platform igniting fan passions worldwide.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to shape the future of sports retail on a global scale.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the sports retail industry while connecting fans globally.
- Qualifications: 12-15+ years in retail leadership with expertise in global strategy and P&L management.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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.
The Director/Senior Director of Global Retail – Owned & Operated will own the strategy, economics, and execution of Fanatics Collectibles’ owned and operated retail expansion worldwide. This role is responsible for defining and scaling a brand-forward global retail footprint — from market entry and real estate strategy through store development, operations, and performance optimization.
This is a full time role, in the designated London office 5 days per week, however we are open to relocating for the right candidate. This leader will serve as the global owner of the retail expansion playbook and P&L, accountable for building compelling investment cases, securing high‑impact locations, managing regional teams and external operating partners, and delivering world‑class retail experiences that connect fans to the Fanatics Collectibles ecosystem across regions. The role reports to the Sr. Director of Strategy – Global.
Key Responsibilities:
- Global Retail Strategy & Investment Leadership: Define and execute the global owned and operated retail strategy, including market prioritization, store formats, expansion sequencing, and revenue targets across regions. Establish the global retail expansion playbook, codifying criteria for market entry, site selection, capital allocation, and store economics. Lead end‑to‑end financial modeling and business case development for all new store openings, relocations, remodels, and format innovations. Create executive‑ and board‑ready pitch decks to support real estate approvals, capital investment decisions, and long‑range planning. Partner with Global leadership to ensure alignment with Fanatics Collectibles’ overall growth strategy, brand priorities, and capital plans.
- Global Real Estate Strategy & Execution: Own the global retail real estate strategy, including country and city selection, trade‑area analysis, footfall and tourism assessment, and competitive benchmarking. Identify, evaluate, and secure best‑in‑class retail locations across priority global markets. Lead and oversee lease negotiations worldwide, structuring deals to optimize rent, incentives, flexibility, and long‑term portfolio value. Manage senior‑level relationships with landlords, developers, brokers, and strategic partners across regions. Ensure global consistency while navigating local regulatory, zoning, and permitting requirements.
- Store Development & Market Launch: Oversee global store development from feasibility through opening, including design standards, construction management, and launch execution. Partner with Design, Operations, and Brand teams to evolve scalable store prototypes adaptable to different markets and formats. Establish disciplined project management and governance to deliver stores on time, on budget, and to brand standards globally.
- P&L Ownership & Global Retail Operations: Own full global P&L responsibility for the owned and operated retail portfolio. Define and track global financial KPIs, forecasting cadence, and performance dashboards. Identify opportunities to improve unit economics through pricing, merchandising, staffing models, and operational efficiencies across markets. Implement scalable systems, reporting tools, and governance models to support multi‑country operations.
- Team Leadership, Regional Management & External Partners: Build, lead, and develop a hub‑and‑spoke global retail organization, including regional retail leaders and local market teams. Set clear decision rights, performance expectations, and operating rhythms for regional teams to ensure consistency with global strategy. Directly manage and develop senior regional leaders; coach teams to operate with strong commercial discipline and local market fluency. Oversee and coordinate external operating partners, including local retail operators and staffing partners, real estate, construction, and development partners, event, activation, and experiential vendors. Establish partner selection criteria, governance models, SLAs, and performance management frameworks to ensure accountability, quality, and scalability. Balance internal ownership with external leverage to enable capital‑efficient global expansion.
- Brand Experience & Fan Engagement: Partner with Marketing, Product, and Licensing to deliver globally consistent, locally resonant in‑store experiences. Oversee flagship openings, global retail activations, and experiential moments, ensuring strong execution and ROI. Champion innovation in experiential retail, merchandising, and visual presentation to elevate fan engagement worldwide.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
- 12–15+ years of progressive retail leadership experience, including global or multi‑region ownership.
- Demonstrated expertise in global retail real estate strategy, site selection, and lease negotiation across multiple countries.
- Proven ability to build and present investment cases, pitch decks, and executive‑level materials.
- Strong global P&L ownership with accountability for unit economics and portfolio‑level profitability.
- Experience building and managing regional teams and external operating partners across multiple geographies.
- Deep understanding of store development, construction management, and capex planning at scale.
- Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Clear, confident communicator capable of influencing senior leaders and external partners globally.
- Fluent in English; additional languages a plus.
The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Subject to applicable laws, Fanatics Collectibles may choose to run a background check. By submitting your application, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our Candidate Privacy Policy.
Director of Global Retail, Owned and Operated, UK employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
Fanatics is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets passion for sports. With a commitment to employee growth and development, we provide ample opportunities for career advancement while fostering a collaborative culture that values creativity and teamwork. Our global presence and diverse team ensure that every employee can contribute to meaningful projects that enhance the fan experience worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Global Retail, Owned and Operated, UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail and sports industry. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a personal brand online that highlights your experience in global retail strategy and operations. Share insights, articles, or even your thoughts on the latest trends in retail. This will help you stand out and attract attention from potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Fanatics and its competitors. Understand their market strategies and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their growth. Tailor your responses to show how you can enhance the fan experience and drive retail expansion.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Fanatics team and being part of something big in the sports retail world.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Global Retail, Owned and Operated, UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Global Retail role. Highlight your relevant experience in retail strategy, P&L management, and team leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Fanatics!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about sports retail and how you can contribute to our global expansion. Keep it engaging and make sure it reflects your personality.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible to show how you've driven success in retail operations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Global Retail, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of P&L management. Brush up on financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've improved unit economics in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how you’ve driven profitability in retail settings.
✨Master the Market
Familiarise yourself with Fanatics' global retail strategy and the competitive landscape. Research key markets where they operate and be prepared to discuss potential opportunities for expansion. Showing that you understand local market dynamics will set you apart.
✨Pitch Perfect
You’ll likely need to present investment cases and pitch decks during the interview. Prepare a mock presentation that outlines a retail expansion strategy, including site selection and capital allocation. This will showcase your ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders.
✨Team Dynamics
Highlight your experience in building and leading diverse teams across different regions. Be ready to share examples of how you've managed regional leaders and external partners. Emphasising your collaborative approach will resonate well with their focus on team leadership.
