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, relocation options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on innovation and fan engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the sports retail industry while connecting fans globally.
- Qualifications: 12-15 years of retail leadership experience with strong P&L management skills.
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.
Director of Global Retail, Owned and Operated, UK in London employer: FANATICS COLLECTIBLES
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 reach and diverse portfolio ensure that every team member plays a vital role in enhancing the fan experience, making this a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Global Retail, Owned and Operated, UK in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail industry, especially those who have experience with global expansion. A friendly chat can lead to insider info or even a referral that could land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Research is key! Dive deep into Fanatics' current retail strategies and recent expansions. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the pitch! Think about how you would present your vision for the global retail strategy at Fanatics. Create a mock pitch deck to practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Fanatics team!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Global Retail, Owned and Operated, UK in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for sports and retail shine through! We want to see how excited you are about the role and how you can contribute to our mission of enhancing the fan experience.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in global retail strategy and P&L management. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We want to know what makes you stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:For added security and to ensure your application gets to us directly, make sure to apply through our company website. It’s the best way to get your foot in the door and show us you’re serious about joining the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at FANATICS COLLECTIBLES
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Fanatics' business model and their global retail strategy. Understand how they connect with sports fans and what makes their offerings unique. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for the brand and show that you're ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your expertise in global retail strategy, site selection, and P&L management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewers to see how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about Fanatics' future plans for retail expansion and how they measure success in their stores. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation about the company's direction.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a potential Director, it's crucial to showcase your leadership style. Be ready to discuss how you've built and managed teams in the past, especially in a global context. Highlight your ability to coach and develop talent while ensuring alignment with broader business goals.
