Buyer

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.  

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.  

How You Will Make an Impact: 

Category Strategy & Assortment Execution  

• 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.  

Vendor & Market Partner Engagement  

• 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.  

Business Performance & Financial Accountability  

• 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.  

Team Collaboration & Talent Development  

• 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.  

Model our BOLD Leadership Principles:  

• 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.  

Fan Obsession & Market Awareness  

• 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.  

What You Bring to the Team: 

• 4+ years of experience in Merchandising or Buying, with proven success in assortment management and vendor partnerships.  

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

• 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.  

Where You’ll Work

• This role is based in New York City or Jacksonville, FL  

• Travel to vendor meetings, market appointments, and industry events as needed.  

WHY FANATICS 

• At Fanatics, our Buyers are more than merchants — they’re storytellers, strategists, and fan champions.  

• 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. 

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.

The salary range for this position is $70,000 - 115,000, which represents base pay only and does not include short-term or long-term incentive compensation. When determining base pay, as part of a final compensation package, we consider several factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training.