Directing the strategy, development, and execution of licensed product opportunities across sports properties is the core of this leadership role. The Director will lead the end-to-end business goals, from consumer insight and assortment strategy to licensing, product creation, go-to-market execution, and performance management. This position suits an experienced and visionary leader with deep, hands-on experience working with sports leagues like the NFL, who understands distinct fan communities and licensing requirements.
Responsibilities
Define and complete global sports strategy for future growth that improves Crocs brand priorities, product extensions, storytelling, and distribution opportunities
Implement the global sports product and assortment roadmaps, aligned with Crocs brand, personalization, and self-expression strategies
Develop differentiated strategies for each property based on fan insights, franchise priorities, key seasonal moments, and regional growth opportunities
Identify emerging trends to drive innovation and engagement
Own strategic relationships with licensors, routinely engaging to learn about priorities, tentpole moments, and identify white space opportunities for Crocs
Lead the end-to-end product creation lifecycle in partnership with design, development, merchandising, and planning teams
Translate IP assets into authentic, brand-right products and experiences
Partner with external teams to develop exclusive product concepts that meet quality, timing, and approval requirements and vision for the partnership
Create original product merchandising, pricing, channel, and SKU strategies for the NFL and Pokémon businesses in partnership with the Global Merchandising team and Regional Merchandising teams
Monitor sales, inventory, consumer response, and product performance to find opportunities and optimize results across markets and channels with the Global Planning team
Work closely with marketing, e-commerce, retail, wholesale, and regional teams to build launches and campaigns around major sports moments
Build product storytelling and positioning that resonates with sports fans, gamers, collectors, families, and wider interest groups
Requirements
Bachelor
’s degree in business, marketing, merchandising, product development, or equivalent experience; MBA preferred
10+ years of experience in product category management, merchandising, licensing, with 3+ years of leadership experience
Demonstrated experience directly leading sports licensed businesses, product programs, partnerships, or go-to-market initiatives
Deep knowledge of sports fandom, league and club licensing, seasonal sports calendars, and sports merchandise
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
Established relationships with sports partners, including NFL and Fanatics collaborators
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex, multi-season product pipelines and approval processes
Data-driven, with strong analytical, critical thinking, negotiation, communication, and decision-making skills
Ability to work with urgency, thrive in ambiguity, operate independently, and present confidently to executive leadership
Ability to travel domestically or internationally as required
Experience developing licensed footwear, apparel, accessories, collectibles, toys, trading cards, limited-edition merchandise, or personalization products for sports fan consumers
Track record of building fan-first product strategies tied to sports events, team moments, cultural achievements, or collector engagement
Experience leading end-to-end product creation and global go-to-market processes for a consumer brand
Benefits
Participation in a company incentive program
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Life and AD&D coverage
Short and long-term disability coverage
Paid time off
Employee assistance
Participation in a 401k program that includes company match
Many other additional voluntary benefits
Important Details
Application deadline: The application window is 45 days, but applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after the posting date in order to ensure optimal consideration. The posting will be removed if the job is filled before the application window deadline.
About the Company
At Crocs, Inc., every career offers a chance to make a real impact. The company believes in the power of a blend of in-person and virtual collaboration to drive creativity and strengthen relationships.
At Crocs, Inc., we’re all about creating comfortable, easy-to-wear footwear for everyone.
