Director of Retail Events

Role Purpose

The Director of In Venue Retail (IVR) Events will be responsible for end-to-end planning and execution of in-venue retail events managed by Fanatics International on behalf of our partners.  As a member of the Commercial leadership team this person will own the strategy for the growth of the IVR channel and foster relationships with key stakeholders, suppliers and partners to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.

Role & Responsibilites:

Event Planning Responsibilities
•    Manage/participate in all aspects of event planning, including site visits, developing financial models, generating CAD layouts, defining operational plans, developing production schedules and staffing plans, and working with internal and external teams to secure selling infrastructure including fixtures, POS, tents, etc.
•    Facilitate meetings with event partners, buyers/merchandising, marketing/creative as well as internal and external HR business partners.
•    Serve as a main operational point of contact for clients and other entities as necessary to plan and execute these special events and deliver a stellar client experience from conception through post-event review.
•    Work with internal recruiting partners and/or staffing agencies to ensure Fanatics is receiving enthusiastic and hardworking event staff
•    Establish protocols and procedures. Train and supervise event staff.
•    Work directly with our operation teams to ensure efficient and accurate delivery of merchandise and selling infrastructure to events. 
•    Remain current (or ahead of the curve) with trends in event planning, design, and production, and proactively identify and solve operational challenges.

Event Execution Responsibilities: 
•    Manage on-site preparations, production, and event breakdown; and ensure consistent, high-level service throughout all phases.
•    Meet strict deadlines and stay within expense budgets, while meeting or exceeding budgeted sales and profits for overall event.
•    Assign duties for traveling Fanatics events department employees.
•    Troubleshoot and resolve any issues that arise on event day.
•    Build client relationships that enable future growth.
•    Build relationships with vendors, venues, and other industry contacts while crafting and implementing the creative and logistical aspects of the event.

Post Event Responsibilities 
•    Prepare and present executive and detail-level reports for both client and internal use to summarize event performance, identify areas of success as well as areas for opportunity.
•    Work with finance and accounting teams to analyse profit/loss statements for each event and work with management team on potential recommendations for improvements/changes.
•    Manage proactively post-event inventory clearance and locations closure.

Operational Excellence
•    In close partnership with the operations team, working to ensure day-to-day operations provides a best-in-class experience for fans.
•    Ensure future growth strategy considers expanded operations capabilities.

Team Building & Leadership
•    Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and results-driven execution.

Knowledge, Experience & Skills

•    8+ years of leadership experience consumer-facing event management/retail experience and proven success.
•    Proven track record of scaling retail operations and delivering revenue growth in a European market.
•    Service-oriented style with professional presentations skills and a demonstrated ability to effectively interact with people.
•    High-energy with an entrepreneurial spirit, effective in providing motivational leadership and exceptional customer service.
•    Clear concise written and verbal communication skills.
•    Excellent organizational skills, including multi-tasking, time management, and attention to detail.
•    Ability to handle pressure and make good decisions quickly.
•    High-energy with an entrepreneurial spirit, effective in providing motivational leadership and exceptional customer service.
•    Understanding of various retail executions, technologies and KPI's.
•    Ability to analyse data, and develop strategies to address opportunities.
•    Strong analytical, conceptual, and technical skills (Excel, Access, Zoom, PowerPoint, Adobe, Outlook).
•    Travel (including overnight stays) will be required as needed to support events

Educational requirements:
•    Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field (MBA a plus)
•    Fluency in English required and [French/German/Spanish/Portuguese] a plus.

We are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate diversity and inclusivity at Fanatics. Our commitment to inclusion drives us forward every day; across all races, gender, gender identities, age, sexual orientation, religion & spiritual beliefs, neurodiversity, disability and all identities of our people both current and future. If you have any requirement(s) for reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, and/or to perform essential job functions, please contact us.