The MLS Consumer Products (CP) team is seeking a Director to support the business unit’s growth operations. Consumer Products is responsible for the physical and digital (e.g., NFTs) licensing business, e-commerce, and retailer relationships, supporting on-field equipment needs for MLS clubs, digital gaming and the relationship with Electronic Arts. The Director will play a key role in supporting the CP team and will be responsible for developing strategic initiatives, evaluating and driving new business opportunities, while collaborating with the MLS Strategy & Business Intelligence group to leverage data analytics and reporting for the CP team, Clubs and key initiatives.

• Develop and support the execution of new and market expansion strategies for key CP business areas (e.g., licensing, retail, ecommerce, gaming, on-field, etc.)
• Develop new initiatives and implement programs and policies by leading research assessing new markets and analyzing business opportunities, and collaborating with internal stakeholders on financial modeling and scenario analysis
• Conduct financial analyses and develop proposals for new categories of Consumer Products business including but not limited to health and wellness, youth, and CP strategic investments such as marketing automation systems opportunities
• Support SVP and EVP with CP negotiations and closing agreements
• Create and participate in strategic presentations to both internal and external senior executives
• Work closely with Strategy & Business Intelligence team providing consumer product lens on League-wide strategic initiatives as well as supporting analytics and reporting for the Consumer Products team
• Support CP annual strategic business planning process
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree, MBA preferred
• 8+ years of experience
• 5+ years of experience in consulting and/or corporate strategy

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of business dynamics, models and trends in retail and licensing ecosystem (i.e., consumers, licensees, retailers, ecommerce companies)
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the proven ability to think strategically and analytically
• Command of contracts and experience working with legal professionals
• Effective presentation creation abilities
• Strong communication and presentation skills to interact with both MLS Partners and Senior Leadership
• Comfortable juggling multiple projects, prioritizing stakeholder needs, and working under tight deadlines
• High quality interpersonal and influencing skills to work cross functionally in a matrix organization
• Comfortable in both large, matrixed organizations and in lean, “start-up like” environments
• Positive, can-do attitude, team player
• Ability to mentor junior staff
• Proactive resourceful, self-starter
• High-level of commitment to a quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, team environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency)
• Knowledge of the sport of soccer
• Ability to travel and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays