Role SummaryThe Product Director - Trading Cards is a senior leader responsible for setting the long-term product vision, strategy, and roadmap across Fanatics Collectibles' trading card portfolio. This role leads a high-performing product organization-driving innovation, operational excellence, and cross-functional alignment to deliver best-in-class trading card products and collector experiences.
The ideal candidate is a strong people leader, strategic thinker, and expert storyteller with executive presence and the ability to influence at all levels. They bring deep knowledge of trading cards, consumer products, licensing, and collector engagement, paired with a passion for building innovative physical products and experiences. They excel at delivering products on time, unlocking new partnerships, and leveraging brand assets to drive growth and collector enthusiasm.
Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Strategy & Leadership- Define and own the multi-year product vision, roadmap, and release strategy across the trading card portfolio.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of product managers-raising the bar on product thinking, execution, creativity, and cross-functional partnership.
- Establish a culture of innovation and experimentation, pushing boundaries in card design, technology, formats, and collector experiences.
- Drive organizational alignment around product priorities through clear communication, compelling storytelling, and data-driven decision making.
Innovation & Category Growth- Identify emerging product, technology, and collector trends to shape the next generation of trading card products.
- Explore new product formats, premium offerings, digital integrations, and exclusive programs that elevate the collector experience.
- Champion storytelling and brand integration within product narratives, content, and release strategies.
- Leverage broader organizational partnerships to build cross-category product innovation.
Licensing, Partnerships & Relationship Management- Serve as the senior product-facing representative to licensors, partners, athletes, talent representatives, and key stakeholders.
- Build trust and credibility with executive-level partners; negotiate product rights, approvals, timelines, and innovation opportunities.
- Unlock new partnerships by leveraging existing trading card products and expanding integration across brands, talent, technology partners, and global markets.
- Ensure all licensing agreements are strategically aligned with product vision, profitability goals, and future category expansion.
Product Development & Operational Excellence- Oversee all phases of trading card product development, ensuring products are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
- Partner with manufacturing, design, operations, and supply chain teams to ensure feasibility, accuracy, and consistency throughout development.
- Guide autograph, memorabilia, chase-content, and product differentiation strategies to optimize value, authenticity, and collector demand.
- Ensure brand guidelines, quality standards, and compliance requirements are rigorously met.
Go-to-Market, Insights & Performance- Lead quarterly business reviews and executive presentations showcasing roadmap progress, category performance, and future opportunities.
- Partner with sales, marketing, and e-commerce teams to maximize revenue, expand distribution, and create compelling product stories.
- Analyze collector insights, market data, retailer feedback, and industry trends to inform product decisions and drive continuous improvement.
- Track KPIs, forecast demand, and manage product P&L to maximize profitability and long-term sustainable growth.
Required Knowledge & Competencies- Deep understanding of trading card products, licensing models, consumer products economics, and collector trends.
- Strong understanding of collector behavior, fan engagement, and product storytelling.
- Expert-level leadership capabilities, including team management, coaching, and influencing cross-functional partners.
- Executive presence with exceptional presentation skills; able to communicate complex ideas simply and persuasively.
- Ability to think strategically while executing flawlessly in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- High creativity paired with strong operational discipline and attention to detail.
Qualifications- 8-10+ years of product management experience, preferably in trading cards, collectibles, consumer products, sports, entertainment, or licensing.
- Proven experience leading product teams and managing senior stakeholders across global organizations.
- Background in developing innovative physical products; trading card or collectibles experience strongly preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field; MBA a plus.
- Passion for trading cards, collectibles, and fan culture.
