Director of Consumer Products

JOB TITLE: Director of Consumer Products

CLUB: Seattle Sounders FC & Seattle Reign FC 

DEPARTMENT: Marketing 

TYPE: Full Time

FLSA: Salary, Exempt

ROLE: People Manager

OUR CLUBS

Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC are entering an exciting new era in the pursuit of excellence and a commitment to growth on and off the pitch. Each club has independently forged a rich history of performance while connecting deeply with the community. Our clubs are continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible while fostering an inclusive culture- championing causes and building community connections to expand our reach and impact. Each match is an opportunity to bring together our community, celebrating our resilience, inclusivity, and a commitment to excellence. United in professional dedication- we are two clubs with one shared vision of progress and greatness.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Consumer Products will lead the strategy and execution of all consumer product initiatives including merchandise, licensing, e-commerce, to drive revenue grown and enhance the brands’ presence in both physical and digital markets for both Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC.

As a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of market trends and consumer behavior, the Director will lead the development of forward-thinking strategies, pushing boundaries with creative, non-traditional approaches that resonate with our diverse and passionate fan bases. This individual will leverage data-driven insights to meet the needs of different fan segments, align merchandise, premiums and consumer products and sales strategies with live events, personalized and custom fan journeys, and exclusive moments and experiences.   

The Director will also have exceptional management and leadership skills, adept at cultivating talent, fostering teamwork, and creating a positive, high-performing work environment. They will oversee and develop a team of professionals, manage licensee and vendor relationships, artists and collaborator partnerships, ensuring alignment with the broader business goals of the clubs while driving excellence in execution across all products, premiums and merchandise lines.

Collaborating cross-departmentally, the Director will integrate merchandise, premiums and product extensions into broader brand and fan engagement initiatives, supporting overall business objectives while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and community impact. We are looking for a leader who embraces creative, innovative strategies, and technology that grow the business and engage fans in ways that reflect the spirit of our clubs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Development of All Consumer Products

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive consumer products strategy for both clubs.
• Develop and manage product lines that reflect brand values and resonate with fans, ensuring alignment with key events, seasons, and milestones to maximize revenue opportunities.
• Ensure alignment of product offerings with club values, including sustainability, diversity, and community outreach initiatives.
• Support the development of jersey design for both clubs, including development of product extensions, artist collaborations, and customization
• Lead the strategic development and expansion of consumer products by integrating digital offerings, including mobile apps, digital collectibles, virtual fan experiences, and other interactive products, to enhance fan engagement and drive new revenue streams across the Sounders and Reign brands.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies in sports retail, licensing, and consumer behavior to ensure both clubs remain leaders in the market, introducing new products and enhancing fan interactions with the brands.

Relationship Management of Key Partners

• Identify, negotiate, and manage relationships with licensees, league partners, retail vendors, and e-commerce platforms.
• Oversee licensing agreements with third-party partners, ensuring product quality, brand consistency, and compliance with legal and trademark standards while identifying new opportunities to expand the portfolio.
• Identify, negotiate, and manage relationships with third-party collaborators, artists, and other key partners.
• Leveraging influencer collaborations, co-branding, and limited edition drops to drive fan engagement and increase brand visibility through exclusive partnerships and hype-driven releases.

Execution and GTM (Go-To-Market) Plans to Support Distribution and Sell-Through of Products

• Oversee the design, production, and distribution of club-branded products and merchandise in collaboration with internal teams and external vendors.
• Monitor and analyze sales performance, adjusting strategies to optimize revenue and consumer satisfaction.
• Drive revenue for both clubs to support club annual and long-term goals.
• Manage budgeting and forecasting for the consumer products division, ensuring financial goals are met.
• Develop and manage the consumer products budget, forecasting revenue, and managing costs.

Internal Collaboration to Accomplish Club Objectives

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to create integrated campaigns that promote consumer products and enhance fan engagement across all touchpoints, including retail, e-commerce, and in-venue sales.
• Lead a high-performing team focused on product development, licensing, and retail operations, fostering employee engagement and an inclusive and innovative culture.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience in consumer products, retail, or licensing, preferably within sports, entertainment, or a related field.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing successful product strategies.
• Experience coaching and developing high performing teams to support both organizational and individual performance, contributing to a best-in-class workplace.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to living organizational values and our Mission to Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify and Uplift Through Soccer, with a track record of promoting these values in all interactions.
• Experience negotiating contracts and managing relationships with external partners.
• Understanding of e-commerce platforms and digital marketing strategies.
• Understanding of AI-driven marketing techniques, including predictive analytics and automated customer journey mapping, to enhance e-commerce performance and fan interactions.
• Proficiency in leveraging fan data and analytics to inform product development, optimize merchandising strategies, and enhance fan engagement through data-driven insights and targeted campaigns.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting and revenue forecasting.
• Bold, innovative and creative thinker, who can contribute ideas and participate in cross-departmental efforts throughout the organization.
• Ability to maintain high standards for performance and striving for excellence
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills- Setting context, planning, coordinating cross-functionally, and ensuring teams have the information they need.
• Adaptability and drive to maintain high standards for performance and striving for excellence.

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

• This role requires regular on-site presence at our Headquarters & Training Facility in Renton, WA, as part of a hybrid work arrangement.
• Employee must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.  
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. 
• Must be able to facilitate own local travel.  
• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Responsibilities may require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as lifting up to 20 pounds. 

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

We offer competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people by providing the following top-notch benefits.

The annual salary range for this position is $80,000 - $125,000 and eligible for bonus opportunity. Base pay at time of offer will take into account job-related knowledge, skills and experience required for the role, internal equity and market.

Our Total Rewards package for full-time team members includes:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: We offer 100% employer-sponsored premiums for you and your dependents.
• Generous and Flexible PTO: Our Paid Time Off plan is designed with your well-being in mind, offering unlimited paid vacation.
• Retirement Planning Support: 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.
• Inclusive Parental Leave: Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12-16 weeks of paid leave, giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.
• Continuous Growth Opportunities: We invest in your learning and development through various programs and resources.
• Community Engagement: We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.