Director, Senior Legal Counsel in Manchester

At Fanatics Commerce, we’re more than just a leader in licensed sports merchandise – we’re a team united by a relentless passion for our fans and a commitment to innovation. We live by our BOLD Leadership principles: 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 Commerce is seeking an experienced, commercial/transactional lawyer to join Fanatics’ global legal team as Director, Senior Counsel. Reporting to the Vice President - International Legal, this role will be based in the Manchester office. This role will provide significant hands‑on support (including drafting commercial contracts and rights acquisition), oversee outside counsel and partner with subject matter experts in various areas including intellectual property, privacy, regulatory and M&A.

How you will make an impact:

• Advise on complex global legal issues across a wide range of matters including commercial transactions, business operations, manufacturing, e-commerce, rights acquisition and licensing.
• Serve as a trusted business partner to leaders across the organisation, including engaging in creative problem‑solving, proactive issue‑spotting and business‑focused risk assessment.
• Provide transactional legal advice to various departments across the organisation, including engagement in proactive issue‑spotting and risk assessment.
• Partner closely with the business development and business affairs teams to structure, draft, negotiate and execute a variety of complex strategic transactions with sports teams, leagues, associations and athletes, for rights acquisition, product licensing and operation of e‑commerce and physical retail.
• Provide general advice with respect to key areas affecting the business and operations, including data protection, privacy and intellectual property matters.
• Interpret and advise with respect to rights and obligations under Fanatics' agreements.
• Ensure the business is aware of, and in compliance with, all relevant laws, rules and regulations across many countries.
• Review, analyse, draft and negotiate a wide range of complex commercial transactions including licensing, sublicensing, co‑branding, personal services, MSAs, manufacturing, distribution and vendor agreements.
• Manage international disputes, investigations, and regulatory matters, including through supervision of outside counsel.
• Create and provide cross‑functional legal training to employees.
• Develop policies, protocols, best practices and templates.

What you bring to the team:

• Qualified as a Solicitor in England and Wales.
• 10+ years of post‑qualification experience working on a wide range of sophisticated commercial transactions, including rights acquisition, intellectual property licensing, digital technology, e‑commerce, and/or brand partnerships.
• Willingness to always be a hands‑on lawyer, dealing with all of the company’s needs, from the largest to the smallest matters.
• Broad commercial and strategic background working on international transactions.
• Strong business acumen and savvy, good common sense and sound judgment.
• Ability to execute under pressure and under time constraints in a fast‑paced environment.
• Creative thinker who can initiate and develop alternative approaches to complex issues.
• Self‑starter with strong work ethic and ability to work independently and take ownership of business‑critical transactions.
• Strong academic background and law firm training.
• Experience in the global sports industry and/or a background in licensing and retail, including e‑commerce, are strongly preferred.
• In‑house experience is strongly preferred.

At Fanatics, we value transparency and honesty. If you don’t meet every single requirement, that’s okay – we still want to hear from you! We believe in the power of diverse experiences and talents. If you’re excited about the role and confident that you can contribute, don’t hesitate to apply. We’re genuinely interested in how your unique skills and perspective can help us build something amazing together.

Where You’ll Work and What’s required:

• Manchester, UK
• Hybrid Work – 3+ days in office and additional days where necessary
• Ability to travel (domestically and internationally) on occasion for partner meetings, events, and other related activities.

What’s in it for you:

• Culture: Join a team where you're surrounded by top‑tier talent, driven by a shared passion to relentlessly enhance the fan experience. With a focus on collaboration, support, and continuous development, you’ll be empowered to help shape our culture that celebrates both individual and team successes.
• Rewards: Competitive salary, performance‑based bonus.
• The chance to work with some of the world’s most exciting sports brands.
• Career development, mentoring, and training opportunities.
• A dynamic, supportive, and collaborative office environment.