Director of Digital Print Operations

About the Company

Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.

About the Team

Fanatics Collectibles is a leading licensee, producer, designer, and seller of physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other collectibles for the biggest sports and entertainment properties in the world. Our manufacturing operation in Allen, TX is where a growing share of our product comes to life, and digital production is one of the fastest-moving parts of that operation. We are scaling a digital print workflow that starts with on-card production and will grow to include high-end turnkey production and Topps Now, our fast-turn product tied to live sports moments. This is a build-and-run role at the center of that growth.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for a Director, Digital Production to own the Allen digital print workflow end to end. You will lead on-card production as the anchor program and scale the workflow to add high-end turnkey production and Topps Now. This is a hands-on leadership role in a fast-moving operation where quality, speed, security, and reliability all matter at the same time.

You will report to the leader of Allen operations and partner closely with Pre-Press, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Project Management teams across our sites. The right leader pairs deep print and digital production expertise with the ability to build a function, set standards, staff and develop a team, and hold a demanding production schedule.

Responsibilities

• Own safety and security. Ensure the digital production floor meets safety and product security standards, and that physical and digital asset handling (pre-release card imagery, licensed IP) meets Fanatics' security and confidentiality requirements.
• Own the workflow. Run the Allen digital production workflow end to end, from print-ready files through finished, inspected cards.
• Scale the operation. Lead on-card production as the anchor program, then build the process and capacity to add high-end turnkey production and Topps Now. Partner with Allen operations leadership to shape the 1-3 year capacity and capability roadmap for digital production, informing where new equipment, shifts, or facility investment is needed next.
• Hold the schedule. Set and hold daily production schedules, capacity plans, and throughput targets across shifts.
• Stand up Topps Now. Build fast-turn, time-sensitive print-on-demand production tied to live sports moments, with the process discipline to hit tight windows without giving up quality.
• Own quality. Define and enforce quality standards for digital output and build inspection and QC processes that catch defects before cards ship.
• Set the standard. Author and maintain SOPs and work instructions for digital production that other Allen functions (Pre-Press, Quality, Manufacturing) rely on as the workflow scales to new product lines.
• Plan across functions. Partner with Project Management, Supply Chain, and the Sunnyvale manufacturing team on print run sizing, material planning, and street-date sequencing so digital capacity matches demand.
• Build the team. Hire, develop, and lead the Allen digital production team, and design the org and shift structure to support growth.
• Develop the talent pipeline. Own performance management, career development, and succession planning for the digital production team; provide input on compensation and promotion decisions in partnership with HR.
• Manage the equipment. Own machine uptime and coordinate with Maintenance and vendors on readiness, maintenance, and new installs.
• Report and improve. Track production metrics (volume, yield, defect rate, lead time) and drive continuous improvement against clear targets.

Qualifications & Experience

• 8+ years in print production, manufacturing, or digital print operations, including 3+ years leading teams.
• Hands-on expertise in digital printing, prepress, and color management in a high-volume production environment.
• Track record of building or scaling a production function, including process design, staffing, and standard operating procedures.
• Proven ability to hold a demanding production schedule and hit throughput and quality targets at the same time.
• Strong operational leadership: hiring, developing, and holding a team accountable across multiple shifts.
• Comfort working across Pre-Press, Quality, Supply Chain, and Project Management to solve problems that cross functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with trading cards, collectibles, or other high-mix, short-run production.
• Familiarity with on-card printing, foil, and premium finishing processes.
• Experience standing up fast-turn or print-on-demand production tied to time-sensitive demand.
• Working knowledge of ERP and production scheduling systems.

Location

This role is based in Allen, TX and is expected to be onsite five days per week.

Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don’t fall victim to fraud.  Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics email address (including @collectfanatics.com).  For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers