Head of Card Grading

WeTheHobby is a thriving sports entertainment company with global reach, headquartered in Rochester, NY. We value creativity, diversity, innovation, dedication, and our community!

Our work environment includes:

• Modern office setting
• Strong growth opportunities
• Flexible working hours
• Lively atmosphere
• A team that cares about one another
• Welcoming and inclusive culture

WeTheHobby, a trusted and respected brand in the sports collectibles industry, is looking for a seasoned and well-versed sports card grader to lay the foundation for a grading division within our organization

Reporting to the COO, the Head of Card Grading will be responsible for developing and overseeing all card grading operations. This individual will be responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and consistency of all card grades while managing and growing a team of skilled graders. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge and professional experience in the trading card industry (sports, non-sports, and trading card game (TCG) cards alike), have expert knowledge of grading standards (PSA, BGS, SGC, CSG), and will be able to lead efforts to enhance the grading process through innovation, quality control, and strategic growth.

This role is full-time, located onsite at our beautiful new Headquarters in the Village Gate neighborhood in Rochester, NY

What You’ll Do:

• Establish and maintain grading standards in line with industry benchmarks, ensuring adherence to best practices and ethical guidelines.
• Act as a subject matter expert for all card grading standards, practices, and industry developments.
• Authenticate and evaluate the condition of trading cards (sports, non-sports, or TCG depending on business needs) in an expedient manner but without compromising accuracy.
• Develop and implement quality control measures to enhance the grading process and reduce errors or inconsistencies.
• Lead strategic initiatives to optimize grading efficiency, including the introduction of new technologies, tools, or methodologies.
• Collaborate with other departments (e.g., Retail, Operations, and Procurement) to ensure smooth workflow and resolution of customer inquiries related to grading
• Manage relationships with high-profile clients, collectors, and dealers, ensuring premium experience and consistent communication regarding grading processes and outcomes.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, analytics, or related field of study, preferred
• 5 years of experience in direct card grading, preferably in a leadership role, or as a dealer/collector with ample grading submission history
• Firsthand knowledge of trading cards, tickets, and other sports, non-sports, and TCG collectibles
• Expert in the various counterfeits and counterfeiting/card doctoring methods that exist in the card industry (across all categories)
• Ability to manage high-pressure situations and meet production targets without compromising on quality

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment, with a focus on continuous improvement
• Strong organization skills to achieve production goals and maximize productivity
• Strong communication skills to engage with both internal teams and external clients
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and quality assurance.

In accordance with applicable Federal and State laws, the anticipated annual salary range for this position based upon location in Rochester, NY, and experience is $78,000 - $146,000 annually.

To comply with Federal law, WeTheHobby participates in E-Verify. All newly-hired employees are verified through this electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to confirm their identity and employment eligibility.