Junior Product Developer
Manchester - UK
Job Summary
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 worlds 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.
As we continue to scale our global platform the Junior Product Developer will play a critical role in bringing officially licensed sportswear and apparel to life.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Junior Product Developer supports the Product Development team across the full end-to-end development process working closely with Design Sourcing and Production teams to ensure every officially licensed sportswear and apparel product meets the quality and authenticity fans expect. Reporting to a Senior Product Developer and based at our Manchester office on a hybrid basis this entry-level role offers hands-on exposure to tech pack creation sample coordination and cross-functional collaboration. The Junior Product Developer 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)
- Collaborate with colleagues across Product Development Design Sourcing and Production teams communicating clearly and confidently to support seamless cross-functional execution.
- Contribute positively to the wider team culture by bringing a proactive can-do attitude and a genuine willingness to support colleagues wherever needed.
- Build strong working relationships with internal and external partners representing the Product Development team professionally in all interactions.
Fan & Customer Impact (Obsessed with Fans)
- Support the creation and upkeep of Bills of Materials (BOM) and Tech Packs ensuring all product documentation is complete and meets Fanatics global product standards directly contributing to the quality fans expect.
- Assist with the development and approval of labels badges and trims helping to ensure every product detail reflects the authenticity and quality that fans demand.
- Help coordinate sample flow (protos SMS and fit samples) between internal teams and external partners keeping the development calendar on track and ensuring fans receive great product on time.
- Support the compilation of basic metrics and reporting to track on-time sample performance and quality contributing to a product pipeline that consistently delivers for fans.
Innovation & Problem Solving (Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit)
- Build foundational knowledge of fabric trim construction and product engineering by shadowing and supporting senior team members developing the expertise to contribute to smarter more efficient development processes.
- Identify opportunities to improve the accuracy and consistency of data input and record keeping across PD systems including PLM and trackers to drive greater efficiency across the team.
- Support the wider team in preparing for seasonal milestone meetings including Proto/Costing Reviews and Line Freeze bringing a proactive solutions-focused approach to ensuring materials and information are ready in good time.
- Demonstrate curiosity and a willingness to explore how digital tools and emerging technologies can enhance product development workflows and outcomes.
Ownership & Execution (Determined & Relentless Mindset)
- Maintain accurate up-to-date product development trackers ensuring key dates and milestones are clearly recorded and the team can execute against the calendar with confidence.
- Attend fit meetings alongside senior colleagues taking detailed notes on product change requests and following up diligently on all required actions to keep development on track.
- Manage day-to-day administrative and coordination tasks including in/out parcel coordination and communication with internal and external partners with precision and a high standard of organisation.
- Manage multiple concurrent tasks and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment demonstrating a determined and relentless approach to delivering on commitments.
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
CAPABILITIES & EXPERIENCE YOU BRING
Required Qualifications:
- A genuine interest in product development sportswear or apparel with a strong willingness to learn and grow within the field.
- Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills with the ability to maintain accuracy across multiple development trackers BOMs and Tech Packs simultaneously.
- A proactive can-do attitude with a demonstrated willingness to get involved support the wider team and take ownership of tasks.
- Good written and verbal communication skills with the confidence to liaise effectively with colleagues across different teams and external partners.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office particularly Excel; experience with PLM systems is advantageous but not required.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced deadline-driven environment.
- Willingness to be based at our Manchester office on a hybrid basis with occasional domestic travel to support product development activities.
Education:
A relevant degree or equivalent experience in Product Development Fashion Textiles or a related field is desirable but not essential.
WORK LOCATION
Hybrid: The primary place of performance of this role is the Companys office located in Manchester subject to the Companys current hybrid work policy. This role currently requires in-office presence 3 days per week.
At Fanatics we operate with a BOLD mindset - We Build Championship Teams were Obsessed with Fans we embrace a Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit and we approach every challenge with a Determined and Relentless Mindset. If youre 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 iGaming 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 2500 athletes and celebrities and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2000 retail locations including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22000 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 .
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 worldincluding 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).
At Fanatics Commerce we infuse our BOLD Leadership Principles in everything we do:
Build Championship Teams
Obsessed with Fans
Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit
Determined and Relentless Mindset
By submitting your application you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read ourCandidate Privacy Policy.
Fanatics will never ask candidates for money banking information or other sensitive personal information as part of the interview process. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from Fanatics recruiting please do not respond and report it here.
Required Experience:
Junior IC