Director, International - MLS

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Overview

Major League Soccer is entering a defining phase of global relevance, accelerated by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a rapidly expanding international fan base. The Director, International & Growth Consumer Products is a seasoned commercial leader responsible for building and scaling MLS’s global consumer products business outside the United States.

 

This role serves as a primary growth engine for MLS Consumer Products, tasked with unlocking new international revenue streams, expanding global retail reach, and building a durable, scalable international infrastructure in partnership with MLS strategic partners. The Director will support the SVP to define where and how MLS competes globally across licensing, retail, and product, ensuring MLS evolves from a domestic league with international interest into a globally commercialized sports brand.

 

This is not an operational licensing role. It is a strategic, revenue-owning leadership position focused on market expansion, portfolio strategy, and long-term monetization.

 

Responsibilities

International Strategy & Market Expansion

• Lead the international Consumer Products strategy, including market prioritization across EMEA, LATAM, APAC, and Canada
• Define entry, scale, and maturity models by market, balancing speed-to-market with long-term brand equity
• Identify and activate growth opportunities tied to international fandom, marquee players, clubs, and global events

Global Licensing & Partner Ecosystem

• Partner with Fanatics to structure and oversee international licensing frameworks that align with MLS’s collective rights model
• Lead negotiations and governance of global, regional, and local licensees
• Build long-term, scalable partnerships that prioritize brand standards, distribution depth, and sustainable growth

Retail & Distribution Leadership

• Develop global retail and distribution strategies across specialty, mass, digital marketplaces, and DTC
• Expand cross-border ecommerce and marketplace presence, ensuring localized execution with centralized brand control
• Partner with global retailers and platforms to elevate MLS product visibility and accessibility internationally

Product & Assortment Strategy

• Guide product localization strategies that reflect regional consumer preferences while maintaining MLS brand integrity
• Balance on-field authenticity with lifestyle, fashion, and culture-driven assortments appropriate for global markets
• Collaborate with design, merchandising, and marketing teams to ensure product relevance and differentiation

World Cup Acceleration & Post-2026 Sustainability

• Maximize international CP demand driven by the 2026 World Cup moment
• Build infrastructure and partnerships that convert event-driven awareness into recurring, post-World Cup revenue
• Ensure MLS Consumer Products remains globally competitive beyond tournament cycles

Growth & Commercial Leadership

• Own international Consumer Products revenue targets, KPIs, and multi-year growth plans
• Develop and manage international P&L models, investment cases, and performance dashboards
• Drive disciplined growth—balancing short-term revenue opportunities with long-term brand and platform development
• Translate global strategy into executable plans that scale across markets without fragmentation

Organizational Leadership & Influence

• Serve as a leader within MLS Consumer Products, operating with credibility across the enterprise, clubs and global partner level.
• Act as a connective leader across Consumer Products, Marketing, Media, Commercial Partnerships, Competition, and SUM
• Influence without direct control—aligning clubs, licensees, and stakeholders around a shared global growth vision

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 8+ years of experience required

 

Required Skills

• Proven track record scaling international consumer products businesses for major sports leagues, entertainment brands, or global IP portfolios
• Deep understanding of international retail, licensing structures, and regional market dynamics
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated success negotiating and structuring large-scale, long-term partnerships
• Strategic leader with the ability to translate vision into measurable commercial growth
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with clarity and confidence at the executive and board level within a global organization; skilled in stakeholder alignment and strategic influence.
• Proven ability to identify growth opportunities, navigate ambiguity, and build new functions, processes, or capabilities from inception through execution.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to drive alignment across diverse stakeholders; makes timely, data-informed decisions with commercial rigor.
• Deep understanding of consumer behavior, brand development, and revenue-driving product strategies; ability to translate cultural and fan insights into scalable commercial opportunities.
• High-level of commitment to a quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance.
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

 

Desired Skills

• Experience operating in NFL, NBA, or similarly complex global brand environments strongly preferred
• Experience operating in international markets; Spanish language proficiency (business-level) preferred.
• Working knowledge of soccer and/or professional sports ecosystems, including fan engagement dynamics, league structures, and commercial models.
• Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency)

 

Total Rewards

Major League Soccer offers a competitive starting base salary of $120,000 – 150,000, based on individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs. We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a $500 wellness reimbursement, and generous Holiday and PTO schedule to promote work-life balance. We also prioritize career and professional development, offering on-the-job training, feedback, and ongoing educational opportunities.

 

We believe in the power of in-person collaboration to fuel creativity, strengthen connections, and cultivate a vibrant workplace. As a result, employees are required to work from an MLS office at least four days a week. We understand the value of balance, so employees also have the flexibility of working remotely on Fridays, along with the option to take up to two additional remote flex days each month.

 

At Major League Soccer, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to compete in the marketplace. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

We are dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation throughout the job application or interview process, essential job functions, and other benefits and privileges of employment. If you require accommodation, please contact us to request it.

 

Join our team and be part of the Major League Soccer family, where we elevate the game and inspire greatness!