At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UK IT operations, ensuring seamless technology experiences across retail and digital channels.
- Company: Join Fanatics Commerce, a leader in licensed sports merchandise with a passion for fans.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits, career growth, and a culture that celebrates teamwork and individual success.
- Other info: Collaborate with top-tier talent and shape the future of sports fan engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and fan experience.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in IT leadership with expertise in infrastructure and enterprise systems.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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: Build Championship Teams, Obsessed with Fans, Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit, and 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.
To deliver technology excellence and operational resilience across UK operations, enabling scalable growth and seamless commerce experiences across retail, fulfillment, and digital channels. The IT Director provides strategic and operational leadership across all UK‑based technology domains and teams supporting resilient infrastructure, systems, and strong alignment between UK business needs and global technology strategy. Partnering closely with NA technology teams and leaders and internal functional owners, this role will define technical plans and local resources in line with business priorities, existing products, planned development and independent solutions.
How You Will Make An Impact
- People Leadership: Build and develop a high‑performing UK IT team with clear accountability and career pathways. Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement.
- Regional Technology Leadership: Lead all UK‑based IT functions — infrastructure, networking, workplace systems, and site technology. Ensure uptime, scalability, and security across fulfillment centers, retail sites, and offices. Oversee business continuity, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity in alignment with global policies.
- Strategic Delivery & Program Management: Deliver major UK initiatives spanning Supply Chain, Logistics, Buying, and Merchandising systems. Partner with North America Technology to ensure global alignment across front‑end, e‑commerce, and operations systems. Establish and manage delivery frameworks, KPIs, and governance processes.
- Vendor, Partner & Stakeholder Management: Manage vendor performance, contracts, and service delivery. Act as primary bridge between UK Operations, Commercial teams, and Global Technology leadership.
- Technology Strategy & Solution Selection: Guide technology and product decisions to balance UK ROI against initiatives. Where appropriate, evaluate and select regional applications and services that support efficiency and growth.
What You Bring To The Team
- Over 10 years in IT leadership within complex, multi‑site or omni‑channel organizations.
- Proven experience managing infrastructure, networks, and enterprise systems at scale.
- Strong understanding of Supply Chain, Logistics, Buying, and Merchandising processes.
- Demonstrated success leading technology delivery and transformation initiatives.
- Skilled in vendor and partner management, contract negotiation, and service governance.
- Effective communicator and influencer within global, matrixed environments.
Where You’ll Work And What’s Required
- Global technical leadership including leaders for infrastructure, networks, workplace systems, and site technology.
- Internal UK‑based leaders for E‑commerce, buying & merchandising, Finance and Operations.
- Local technical teams and functional leaders.
- International Senior Leadership Team.
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.
Benefits: At Fanatics, we’re dedicated to supporting you in all aspects of work and life; as such we offer a range of competitive benefits tailored to each country in which we operate. Specific details regarding the benefits package applicable to your location will be shared and discussed during the interview process.
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.
About The Team: 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.
Our BOLD Leadership Principles:
- Build Championship Teams
- Obsessed with Fans
- Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Determined and Relentless Mindset
Head of Technical / Director, IT in Manchester employer: Fanatics
Fanatics is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the Remote Senior Software Engineer III role in Leeds. With a strong emphasis on employee growth through mentorship opportunities and a flexible work environment, Fanatics supports both personal and professional development while encouraging team collaboration. The company's commitment to high-performance solutions and cutting-edge technology makes it a rewarding place for engineers looking to make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technical / Director, IT in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their culture, values, and recent projects. At StudySmarter, we believe that showing genuine interest in the company can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your answers. We want you to feel confident and ready to tackle any question that comes your way during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which is something we value at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technical / Director, IT in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for technology and sports shine through. We want to see how your enthusiasm aligns with our commitment to enhancing the fan experience.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in IT leadership and your understanding of omni-channel organisations. We love seeing how your background fits with our needs!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure you articulate your achievements and skills without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Fanatics Commerce.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fanatics
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest technologies relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of infrastructure, networking, and enterprise systems, as these are crucial for a Head of Technical position. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led technology delivery and transformation initiatives in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of collaboration. Fanatics values people leadership, so be ready to share how you've developed clear accountability and career pathways for your team members.
✨Align with Their BOLD Principles
Familiarise yourself with Fanatics' BOLD Leadership principles: Build Championship Teams, Obsessed with Fans, Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit, and Determined and Relentless Mindset. Think of specific instances where you've embodied these principles in your previous roles and be prepared to discuss them.
✨Prepare for Strategic Conversations
Since this role involves strategic delivery and program management, come equipped with insights on how you would approach major initiatives in Supply Chain, Logistics, and E-commerce. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure alignment between UK operations and global technology strategies.
