JOB TITLE: Head of Product
DEPARTMENT: Merchandising
LOCATION: Stamford Bridge, London
CONTRACT: Permanent, Full Time
Closing date: 8th April
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the position may be filled before the listed closing date. To avoid missing out, please submit your application at your earliest convenience.
Role Purpose
The Head of Product is the most senior hire in the new Chelsea FC product team and the architect of the club's mono-brand merchandise strategy. This person will lead the transformation of Chelsea's owned merchandise from a generic club shop offering to a premium lifestyle range that reflects the global ambition and cultural relevance of the club. Reporting into the Retail & Licensing Director, they will set direction across all product categories, manage a small team of Product Managers and a Designer, and serve as the key internal and external partner for all CFC Merchandise.
Key Responsibilities
* Define and own Chelsea FC's mono-brand product strategy — setting a clear vision for how the range evolves to meet the needs of fans globally, from casual supporter to fashion-conscious lifestyle consumer, with commerciality at the heart of every decision
* Lead seasonal product direction across all categories, using data, sales performance, and consumer insight as core tools to inform briefs, identify opportunities, and course-correct quickly when product is not performing
* Recruit, manage and develop a team of Product Managers and Product Designers, fostering a culture that balances creative ambition with commercial rigour
* Own all key external and internal relationships — acting as the primary interface with Merchandising, Marketing, Brand, Licensing, Partnerships and Sponsorship internally, and with Nike, Fanatics, and key licensees externally
* Lead product collaborations — identifying the right partners, managing those relationships end-to-end, and ensuring collaboration product elevates Chelsea FC's cultural credibility whilst delivering strong commercial returns
* Own global licensed product approvals, ensuring all third-party product meets Chelsea FC's quality, design, and brand standards — with the right assortment for local markets and a consistent brand essence worldwide
* Own gross margin performance — setting cost price targets at brief stage, negotiating directly with a curated base of manufacturers and factories, and developing a production location strategy that accounts for Chelsea's global fan base, trade tariffs, and supply risk
* Oversee sign-off on all product briefs, ensuring every SKU has a clear rationale, a commercial case, and a realistic sell-through expectation before entering development
Essential Requirements
* Significant experience in product leadership within a premium apparel, sportswear, or lifestyle brand — with a demonstrable track record of building commercially successful ranges where sell-through, margin improvement, and revenue growth are measurable outcomes
* Strong analytical capability combined with genuine aesthetic sensibility — equally comfortable interrogating a sales report and defending a design point of view
* Proven experience managing product collaborations and global licensed product, including partner negotiations, approvals processes, and maintaining brand consistency across diverse markets
* Hands-on experience negotiating directly with manufacturers and managing a global supply base, with a working knowledge of international sourcing, production locations, and the commercial implications of trade tariffs and import duties
* A natural relationship-builder with the leadership presence to influence across a complex stakeholder landscape — internally and externally
* Comfortable operating in a start-up type environment — this is a new function, and the successful candidate will need to establish ways of working, processes, and culture largely from the ground up; an entrepreneurial mindset and a bias for action are essential
* A genuine passion for football culture and an understanding of the deep relationship fans have with their club
Desirable Experience
* Background at a premium sportswear, streetwear, or lifestyle brand (e.g. Adidas, New Balance, Represent, Stone Island, Palace, or similar)
* Experience working with football clubs, sports organisations, or entertainment IP
* Knowledge of global retail and e-commerce channels for sports merchandise
Our Expectations
* To embody the club’s BLUE behaviours (Brave, Lead, Unity, Edge) in the approach to work and interaction with others
* To adhere to the club’s policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR.
* To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and reporting any acts of discrimination through appropriate channels
* To create a safe environment and act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are either in your care or attending club premises, and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead
* To report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the HR Department
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.
If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you.
Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.
This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.
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