Overview
The MLS Consumer Products department is seeking a Manager, On-Field Licensing.
The MLS Consumer Products team is responsible for the licensing business, e-commerce, and retailer relationships, supporting on-field equipment needs for MLS clubs.
The Manager will collaborate closely with the Senior Director, On-Field Licensing in a highly visible role to help MLS achieve meaningful revenue upside from our On-Field licensee partnerships. They will work on jersey product design, marketing, and sales planning with clubs, while managing on-field product authentication, League-wide ordering and ensuring clubs fulfill their contractual commitments. As part of these responsibilities, the Manager will be responsible for developing cross-functional relationships, by supporting the Senior Director and suggesting ways to evolve and elevate all procedures and processes.
The ideal candidate is organized, confident, detail oriented and resourceful. This exciting role is to support our Clubs and work with key partners across the League. The Manager is an integral member of the Consumer Products team aligning to the product strategy, managing the day-to-day relationships, and building processes to inform, collaborate, and execute deliverables.
Responsibilities
- Maintain the relationship and communication with On-Field licensees.
- Manage the product development process with adidas for On-Field products including, but not limited to jerseys, theme tops, training, and travel wear.
- Manage and evolve the On-Field product authentication process, communication, and reporting.
- Manage day to day jersey component provider to enhance the service provided to MLS equipment managers and retail.
- Lead internal adidas order process and monitor enterprise-wide VIK.
- Liaison for all internal requests and questions for on-field licensed products to service internal team members and external partners.
- Assist in monitoring product assortment plans, tracking market trends and identifying gaps.
- Create new opportunities with game-worn products that drive revenue.
- Manage On-Field Match-Day promotional calendar including pre and post cap information to leadership team.
- Work across the MLS enterprise (MLS, NEXT Pro, and MLS NEXT) as an On-Field subject matter expert for all its tentpole events including but not limited to Media Marketing Tour, All Star, Leagues Cup, MLS Cup.
- Key collaborator across the organization for all On-Field initiatives serving as central point of contact for but not limited to: Competition, PRO, Broadcasting and Equipment Managers.
- Partner with club commercial team to ensure club sponsor creative, locations and sizing aligns with commercial guidelines for all On-Field product.
- Additional responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 5 + years of relevant experience
- Genuine interest in the overall sports licensing and retail space
Required Skill
- Deep knowledge and interest in Major League Soccer with a clear understanding of the game, both domestically and globally (i.e., the sport, the culture, and key players).
- Demonstrated ability to deliver aggressive KPIs in defined time frames.
- Analytical skills and data-driven approach to decision making.
- Attention to detail when multi-tasking across various projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to operate and communicate effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team environment.
- Strong written and slide development presentation skills for clear communication.
- Comfortable leading multiple projects, prioritizing partner needs, and working under tight deadlines.
- High-quality interpersonal and influencing skills to work cross-functionally in a complex organization.
- Comfortable in both large, matrixed organizations, and in lean, “start-up like” environments
- High-level of commitment to a quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity, and compliance
- Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills.
- Outstanding attention to detail.
- Able and willing to travel up to 15% of the time for but not limited to partner meetings, tentpole events, club visits, as well as work non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends & holidays.
- Able and willing to lift and move items weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Desired Skills
- Multi-lingual a plus (business proficiency)
- High level professional or collegiate playing experience.
Total Rewards
Starting Base Salary $75,000 – 85,000. MLS/SUM base salaries are contingent upon several factors including individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs.
We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent through the following:
- Benefits – comprehensive and competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as a suite of programs to promote well-being including a $500 Wellness Reimbursement. A generous PTO offering, and hybrid Office/Remote Work Schedule are also offered to promote Work-Life balance.
- Career & Professional Development – on the job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities to continue your personal and professional development.
- Employee Engagement – office perks, discounts and employee events that go “beyond the traditional paycheck” to make you feel a part of our team and inspire you to elevate the Game!
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
