Sr. Partner Quality Manager (Third Party Vendors)

About this role

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, 2,500 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally.

About the Company

Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.

Role Summary

The Sr. Partner Quality Manager (3rd party vendors) ensures that all Topps and Fanatics Collectibles products are manufactured to the highest standards of quality, integrity, and timeliness. This position focuses on print, finishing, and packout quality at external partners; interfaces with internal product development teams and the broader external supply chain; and reports directly to the Vice President of Quality Assurance and Compliance.

• This position is based in Sunrise, Florida, at a Fanatics external partner location and requires an on-site presence.

• Ability to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime, based on production demands.

• Trading card or collectibles manufacturing experience is highly preferred.

• Travel up to 50% is required to support additional external partners, press approvals, pack outs, audits, and other production needs. Approved travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with company policy.

Experience/Education:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred

• 10+ years in quality assurance in commercial print and packaging

• 5+ years in a supervisory or management role

Quality Assurance Experience:

• Experience in developing and maintaining quality control systems

• Proven ability to implement quality assurance and ensure compliance within set standards

• Proven ability to work cross-functionally to define quality parameters and align SOPs, work instructions, training materials, and implementation plans.

• Experience conducting quality process audits and addressing quality issues at external partner locations.

Print Experience:

• Extensive experience in commercial printing, coatings, and post-press embellishments, including cold foil, films, and embossing

• Expert knowledge of commercial print standards regarding color management in digital, conventional and UV printing.

• Proven track record of managing quality operations and meeting production targets related to on-time delivery and adherence to quality standards.

• Experience managing print and press approvals at external partner locations, including color, registration, stock, coatings, embellishments, and overall product appearance.

• Experience providing on-site quality oversight during packout operations to ensure finished products meet approved specifications, quality standards, and release requirements.

Management Experience:

• Significant experience in a managerial or supervisory role within a busy manufacturing setting

• Experience directly managing, developing, and holding a team accountable for performance.

• Proven ability to manage and optimize resources effectively

Process Improvement Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in process improvement and optimization

• Track record of implementing successful process improvement initiatives

Collaboration and Cross-Functional Experience:

• Experience working with cross-functional teams to achieve production goals.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with other departments, such as engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain.

• Experience managing external partner relationships

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Supervision and Leadership:

• Ensure external partners have clear direction regarding quality standards and parameters.

• Ability to troubleshoot production issues and implement effective solutions on-site at external partner locations, including issues involving prepress files, proofing, stock, and product specifications.

• Strong decision-making capabilities

• Innovative thinking to improve current production processes

• Proven ability to lead and influence external partners

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills

• Conflict resolution and team-building abilities

• Strong organizational and time management skills

Quality Control:

• Attend product engineering and BOM (Bill of Materials) reviews, evaluate risks and inefficiencies, and communicate with the product development team to drive efficiency, meet quality standards, provide cost and time savings.

• Ability to implement and monitor quality assurance programs

• Works cross-functionally to manage on-site and in-process quality assurance checks for all WIP and…