Apparel Product Development Specialist

Fanatics • Irvine, CA

16h • $80,500 - $95,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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: We Build
Championship Teams, we’re Obsessed with Fans, we embrace a Limitless
Entrepreneurial Spirit, and we approach every challenge with a 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.

Role Overview
At Fanatics, our Buyers are more than merchants — they’re storytellers,
strategists, and fan champions. The Buyer is a category owner, responsible for
curating a compelling assortment and driving performance across a defined
product category. This leader plays a critical role in bringing the Fanatics
brand to life through innovative product strategy, vendor partnerships, and
end-to-end merchandise execution. With vertical capabilities, fan access, and a
best-in-class platform, this is your opportunity to make bold decisions, build
an iconic category, and help shape the future of fan retail. Reporting to the
Divisional Merchandise Manager (DMM), the Buyer partners closely with Planning,
Product Development, Site Experience, Marketing, and Supply Chain to build and
manage an assortment that delivers for fans — financially, emotionally, and
experientially.

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in Merchandising or Buying, with proven success in assortment management and vendor partnerships.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to make data-informed decisions.
• Passion for product, fans, and delivering innovation at speed.
• Team player with high accountability and growth mindset.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in vertical/private brand and market vendor businesses is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of the merchandising strategy for your category, aligned to brand goals and financial targets.
• Build a balanced, trend-right assortment that blends accessibility and exclusivity — grounded in data, fan insights, and product performance.
• Manage the category’s 'Good, Better, best' framework and product lifecycle — from initial buy through markdown and exit.
• Partner with Product Development to shape vertical brand assortment and optimize positioning within the category.
• Build strong relationships with vendor and brand partners to drive growth, product exclusivity, and innovation.
• Collaborate on seasonal strategies, assortment reviews, and go-to-market planning.
• Negotiate costs, terms, and exclusives in partnership with the DMM and General Merchandise Manager.
• Curate the vendor matrix to optimize productivity, reduce redundancy, and elevate product storytelling.
• Own in-season management of sales, margin, inventory, and turn for your category.
• Leverage insights to drive pricing, promotion, and markdown decisions.
• Collaborate with Planning to align OTB, receipt flow, and in-season reforecasting.
• Track and report on category performance; make recommendations to accelerate profitable growth.
• Be a culture carrier and active contributor to the broader Merchandising team.
• Share insights, tools, and best practices across divisions to elevate team thinking.
• Support onboarding and coaching of Assistant Buyers and Coordinators.
• Build Championship Teams: Contribute to a winning culture rooted in accountability and collaboration.
• Obsessed with Fans: Make decisions that prioritize fan value, experience, and emotion.
• Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit: Stay curious, seek innovation, and challenge what’s possible.
• Determined and Relentless Mindset: Operate with urgency, resilience, and follow-through.
• Stay closely connected to the voice of the fan — tracking trends, social signals, and product sentiment.
• Monitor the competitive landscape to ensure category relevance and differentiation.
• Be an expert in your category across vertical and market brands — including brand equity, cost architecture, and vendor capability.

Benefits

• We provide a wide range of health, financial, legal, and development assistance, including wellness programs with fitness and weight management partners, paid maternity paternity leave, and infertility treatment.
• Additionally, we offer flexible time off to help you recharge, along with a competitive 401k plan to support your financial future.
• At Fanatics, we’re dedicated to supporting you in all aspects of work and life.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed