Head Equipment Manager, First Team

Sporting Kansas City

About The Position

The Head Equipment Manager oversees procurement, inventory, distribution, maintenance, and care of equipment and gear for Sporting Kansas City’s First Team in Major League Soccer. The role supports player and team-staff equipment needs to help maximize team performance and manages the Assistant Equipment Manager, First Team. The position is based primarily at the Club’s training facility and stadium, with regular travel potentially required for matches and events. Attendance at all home and away matches is required. The role involves irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and work in indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.

Requirements

Three or more years of related experience.
Fluency in spoken and written English.
Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives, and exercise independent judgment based on organizational policies and activities.
Strong, positive, self-motivated work ethic.
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Desire to continually improve individually and as a team; exemplify a growth mindset.
Passion for professional sports, including soccer and team operations.
Ability to demonstrate poise, tact, and diplomacy, with strong teamwork aptitude.
High level of interpersonal skill to handle sensitive and confidential situations and information.
Professional appearance and attitude, and ability to work with others.
Ability to lift and carry up to 100 pounds routinely.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Ability to travel and work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to maintain professionalism and emotional control in demanding or high-pressure situations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Spanish language fluency.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Calendar.
Knowledge of MLS, CONCACAF, U.S. Soccer, and FIFA regulations.
Capacity to adapt to the unique and vibrant Kansas City market.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain trusted, professional relationships with players, club personnel, and external partners to support equipment and gear needs and foster a collaborative, high-performance team environment.
Manage ordering, shipment tracking, delivery, and inventory of team equipment and gear.
Manage the budget for team equipment and gear.
Manage relationships with key vendors and partners.
Maintain organized and clean equipment storage areas.
Clean, wash, and maintain team equipment and gear in preparation for future use.
Prepare player and staff locker rooms and gear for games and trainings.
Prepare and clean up team equipment for trainings and games.
Pack and transport team equipment and gear for away trips.
Attend all home and away matches.
Ensure compliance with club, league, and federation policies and requirements concerning uniforms, equipment, branding, and gameday operations, including appropriate embellishments on team gear and equipment.
Maintain and develop a competitive and successful team culture and environment.
Represent Sporting Kansas City and its related affiliates professionally.
Perform other related tasks or projects as assigned.
Manage the Assistant Equipment Manager, First Team.