At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technology teams to deliver innovative solutions for sports merchandise operations.
- Company: Join Fanatics Commerce, the global leader in licensed sports merchandise.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work environment and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the sports industry while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in IT leadership with experience in supply chain and logistics.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
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.
Head of Technology, International (UK)
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 limitless entrepreneurial spirit, and delivering with a determined and relentless mindset.
As we continue to scale our global platform, the Head of Technology, International will play a critical role in delivering technology excellence and operational resilience across UK international operations.
Role Overview
The Head of Technology, International provides strategic and operational leadership across all UK-based technology teams, supporting resilient infrastructure, systems, and strong alignment between Fanatics International business needs and the global technology strategy.
Partnering closely with North America technology leaders and internal functional owners, this role defines technical plans and deploys solutions in line with business priorities spanning retail, fulfillment, supply chain, and digital channels.
The Head of Technology, International delivers business and fan impact through BOLD leadership and execution excellence, leveraging data, automation, and AI-enabled insights.
How Will You Drive Impact
Success is measured by the ability to deliver results through BOLD capabilities and measurable outcomes.
- Team & Leadership Impact (Build Championship Teams)
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partner with North America Technology leaders to ensure global alignment across front-end, e-commerce, and operations systems, bridging UK Operations, Commercial teams, and Global Technology leadership.
- Act as the senior in-country technology leader, establishing governance frameworks, KPIs, and delivery processes that connect regional priorities to global strategy.
- Manage vendor performance, contracts, and service delivery, representing Fanatics International in partner and stakeholder engagements across the UK.
- People Leadership
- Build and develop a high-performing UK-based technical team spanning infrastructure, networking, workplace systems, and site technology, with clear accountability and career pathways.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, continuous improvement, and meaningful engagement with business priorities across all UK technology functions.
- Fan & Customer Impact (Obsessed with Fans)
- Ensure maximum uptime, scalability, and security across fulfillment centers, retail sites, and offices to deliver seamless commerce experiences for fans at every touchpoint.
- Oversee business continuity and disaster recovery planning in alignment with global policies, safeguarding the reliability of fan-facing and operational systems.
- Partner with e-commerce and commercial teams to align regional technology solutions with the end-to-end fan experience across digital and physical channels.
- Evaluate and select regional applications and services that improve efficiency and fan experience where independent solutions are preferred over global standards.
- Innovation & Problem Solving (Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit)
- Lead major UK technology initiatives including 3PL integration, WMS and ERP deployments, and RFID implementation across supply chain and logistics operations.
- Guide technology and product decisions that balance ROI against strategic initiatives, identifying opportunities for automation and modernization across buying, merchandising, and fulfillment systems.
- Assess and adopt emerging technologies and regional solutions that support scalable growth and operational excellence for Fanatics International.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of delivery frameworks and governance processes that raise the bar for technology execution across the UK.
- Ownership & Execution (Determined & Relentless Mindset)
- Own full accountability for supply chain technology teams and systems, driving delivery against agreed timelines, budgets, and performance targets.
- Establish and manage delivery frameworks, KPIs, and governance processes to ensure consistent, measurable outcomes across all UK technology programs.
- Oversee cybersecurity posture and compliance in alignment with global policies, proactively managing risk across infrastructure, networks, and enterprise systems.
- Drive vendor and partner performance through effective contract management, service governance, and escalation ownership.
- 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.
- Required Qualifications
- CAPABILITIES & EXPERIENCE YOU BRING
- Over 10 years of IT leadership experience within complex, multi-site, or omni-channel organizations, with demonstrable success managing infrastructure, networks, and enterprise systems at scale.
- Strong understanding of Supply Chain, Logistics, Buying, and Merchandising processes, with hands‑on experience leading technology delivery across these domains.
- Proven track record delivering technology transformation initiatives, including WMS, ERP, 3PL integrations, or RFID implementations in a retail or fulfillment environment.
- Skilled in vendor and partner management, including contract negotiation, service governance, and performance management across complex supplier landscapes.
- Effective communicator and influencer operating within global, matrixed environments, with the ability to align regional priorities with enterprise‑wide technology strategy.
- Experience acting as a senior in‑country technology leader, with accountability for infrastructure, workplace systems, site technology, and cybersecurity across multiple locations.
- Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and retain high‑performing technical teams, with a strong focus on accountability, career development, and engagement.
- WORK LOCATION
Hybrid: The primary place of performance of this role is the Company's office located in Manchester, England subject to the Company's current hybrid work policy.
This role currently requires in-office presence Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
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 & 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.
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 i Gaming 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.
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.
Fanatics Commerce has a broad range of online, sports venue, and vertical apparel partnerships worldwide, including comprehensive partnerships with leading leagues, teams, colleges, and sports organizations across the world—including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, Formula 1, and Australian Football League (AFL); the Dallas Cowboys, Golden State Warriors, Paris Saint‑Germain, Chelsea FC, and Tokyo Giants; the University of Notre Dame, University of Alabama, and University of Texas; the International Olympic Committee (IOC), England Rugby, and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
- Build Championship Teams
- Obsessed with Fans
- Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Determined and Relentless Mindset
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Head of Technology, International (UK) in Manchester employer: Fanatics
At Fanatics, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates sports enthusiasm. Our Retail Sales Associates enjoy competitive benefits, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and the chance to be part of a dynamic team that thrives in a high-energy environment, especially during game days. Join us in creating unforgettable experiences for fellow sports fans while developing your career in the heart of the action.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technology, International (UK) in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Tech Transfer Events
Tech transfer is all about networking, so make sure you're attending industry conferences and seminars related to technology commercialization. Events like the AUTM Annual Meeting or local innovation workshops are clutch for meeting key players and learning what's trending—plus, you might just bump into someone from Fanatics!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Having a solid portfolio can really make you stand out. Highlight any projects where you successfully brought a technology to market or improved a process. Sharing case studies or insights on platforms like LinkedIn can catch the eye of recruiters at Fanatics, showing them you’ve got the chops for the job.
✨Leverage University Connections
Many universities have strong tech transfer offices—connect with them! They often have ties to industry and can help you get your foot in the door. Plus, you might find openings or internship opportunities that lead to this full-time role at places like Fanatics.
✨Engage with Online Communities
Join forums or online communities focused on tech transfer and commercialization. Platforms like ResearchGate or industry-specific Slack channels are great for connecting with professionals, discussing trends, and possibly learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Remember, your next opportunity could be just a message away!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technology, International (UK) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Transfer Know-How:In the tech transfer and commercialization world, it's crucial to highlight your understanding of intellectual property, patents, and market analysis. Make sure your CV includes relevant projects or experiences where you successfully navigated these areas. Any certifications in commercialisation would also give you a serious edge!
Tailor Your Documents for the Role:Your cover letter should reflect not just your enthusiasm for the position at Fanatics, but also your knowledge of current trends in technology-transfer. Discuss specific cases where you've contributed to commercialising innovations or enhancing research outcomes—this will show you’re ready to tackle challenges head-on!
Quantify Your Achievements:In this field, numbers count! Whether it's successful licensing deals, funding acquired for projects, or percentage increases in collaboration outcomes, include these metrics in your CV. They not only make your accomplishments more tangible but also demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Demonstrate Your Business Acumen:Understanding the business side is just as crucial as the tech side! When writing your application, weave in examples that illustrate your strategic thinking and your role in negotiations or partnerships. This balance of skills is what will set you apart for a full-time role at Fanatics.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fanatics
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Knowledge
Brush up on key technologies and trends in technology transfer and commercialization. Be ready to showcase your understanding of licensing agreements and the innovation lifecycle, as well as any specific tools or software used in the field.
✨Show Your Business Acumen
This role isn't just about tech; it's also about understanding the market. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach bringing a technology to market, including strategies for assessing commercial viability and potential partnerships.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Think about how you'd approach real-world challenges in technology transfer, like negotiating a deal or handling stakeholder concerns—this can help us get a sense of your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past, particularly in scenarios that involved tech developers and business strategists coming together.
