Athletic Operations Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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 

The Manager Operations is essential to leading the manufacturing and packaging of high-quality fan merchandise and timely and accurate fulfillment of customer orders.  Reporting directly to Vice President of Operations, this position will manage a team of Supervisors and hourly staff related to all aspects of production, core operations, budgets, project delivery, and corporate strategy. This includes significant emphasis on operational efficiency, productivity, and profitability.  One of the primary objectives of this position is to ensure the prudent allocation and utilization of resources to bolster the company's financial success.

The Manager Operations is responsible for the safety, quality, and timely execution of production and distribution operations according to direction received from Senior Leadership.  This position has a high level of emphasis on measuring, publishing, and holding teams accountable to established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and other performance metrics to enhance operational efficiency.  In addition, will provide specific direction and work collaboratively with their team of Supervisors to accomplish routine tasks efficiently, as well as projects that lead the department to growth in operational throughput.  Serve as escalation in athlete corrective and commendation actions and effectively ensure execution of priorities established by Planning and Senior Leadership.

This position requires sustained moderate physical activity throughout the shift, including ability to crouch, climb, push, pull, reach, lift, and carry.  In addition, this individual will oversee varying work centers to ensure that they are prepared to report to secondary work centers, building locations, or alternate shift patterns, as directed.

How you will make an impact:

• Responsible for the selection, training, coaching, and career development of Operations Supervisors, as well as hourly athletes.
• Analyze and monitor workflows partnering with other departments to implement any changes required on the floor, resulting in smooth and collaborative workflows throughout the organization.
• Monitor performance metrics (KPIs), prepare detailed reports, and identify areas for improvement, holding athletes accountable for the performance within each work center.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and develop effective solutions to address issues and improve overall performance.
• Seek out improvements that can elevate existing processes, including an in-depth review of performance metrics that identify opportunities for improvements.
• Oversee operational budgets, control costs, and maximize resource utilization to meet organizational needs.
• Develop long-term operational strategies for continuous improvement in areas such as quality control and process optimization, aligning with company objectives.
• Translate high-level goals into actional steps for daily operations execution.
• With guidance from HR, EHS and Senior Leadership, assists in the investigation and follow up for all personnel issues, safety violations, and/or accidents.
• Responsible for effective and timely internal communication with Senior Leadership, Managers, Planning, and other departments to align operational strategics with business goals.
• Leverage systems and technology to ensure accurate reporting capability, WIP, and progress to plan.
• Participate in cycle counts and year-end physical inventory.
• Promote and require general housekeeping and department six sigma activities.
• Adhere to all Department and Company Standards, Operating Procedures and Safety Requirements.
• Treat others with respect and conduct themselves in a positive and inclusive manner daily.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you bring to the team:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Operations Management or a related field.
• 5+ years proven operations management experience required, 8+ years industry experience with an MBA, six-sigma, or project management experience a plus.
• Experience managing budgets, KPIs, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and team management abilities.
• Ability to create and communicate execution plans, including specific KPIs to support those plans.
• Make data-driven decisions to optimize operations.
• Understand written or verbal instruction.
• High emphasis on time management skills; manage large, complex projects efficiently.
• Proficient data analysis and data entry skills and software applications including Microsoft Suite, Infor Powerlink/FMS, and the ability to learn new software programs as needed.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting experience.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish preferred, not required
• Ability to complete basic technology applications/basic computer aptitude.
• Good hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to count accurately, complete accurate measurements, and complete mathematical computations.
• Ability to inspect materials and finished products for defects.
• Ability to learn and apply accurate PMS Color matching knowledge.
• Maintain current certifications:
  • Bloodborne pathogens, First Aid & CPR, PIT.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.
• Ability to participate in a team lift of 50 lbs.
• Able to sit or stand for entire shift.
• Able to turn or bend.
• Able to grip/grasp continuously.

At Fanatics, we value transparency and honesty. If you don't meet every single requirement, that's okay - we still want to hear from you! We believe in the power of diverse experiences and talents. If you're excited about the role and confident that you can contribute, don't hesitate to apply. We're genuinely interested in how your unique skills and perspective can help us build something amazing together.

Where You'll Work and What's required:

100% in office requirement including both office and manufacturing settings.  Work Conditions may include:

• May work in a high noise environment.
• May work in a wet environment.
• May work indoors in a warm, humid environment.
• May work in a cold environment.
• May work in dusty environment.
• May handle or have exposure to chemicals, cleaning agents, and fumes.
• May work around machinery with moving parts.
• Required to know & use PPE applicable to work-center guidelines which may include:
  • Chemical Resistant or disposable Apron
  • Chemical Resistant Gloves & Arm Guards
  • Cut Resistant Gloves & Arm Guards
  • Hearing Protection
  • Heat Resistant Gloves
  • Eye Protection
  • Long pants/blue jeans

What's in it for you:

• Culture: Join a team where you're surrounded by top-tier talent, driven by a shared passion to relentlessly enhance the fan experience. With a focus on collaboration, support, and continuous development, you'll be empowered to help shape a our culture that celebrates both individual and team successes. 
• 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.
• The salary range for this position is $85,000-$100,000 which represents base pay only and does not include short-term or long-term incentive compensation. When determining base pay, as part of final compensation package, we consider several factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training.