Job Details
Job Location
Kraft Soccer – Foxborough, MA
Position Type
Full Time
Job Category
Sports Team Operations/Support
Description
SUMMARY:
Responsible for developing, planning and organizing programs for maintaining and purchasing athletic equipment and apparel for Kraft Soccer, LLC., Kraft Soccer II, LLC. and the Academy. This includes all aspects of the equipment operation including but not limited to uniforms, apparel, budget management, purchase orders and aiding as needed the coaching staff. This position is also responsible for overseeing the work of the Asst. Equipment Manager (KSLLC) and Equipment Manager (KSII, LLC).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coordinate daily with Coaching, Athletic Training and Operations staff to help execute successful training sessions. This includes, but is not limited to; coordinating maintenance with field crew, managing equipment staff to set up daily coaching sessions, coordinating the delivery of equipment needed for all teams sessions with field crew and stadium operations.
- Supply all necessary, and any desired apparel for game-day use of the 1st team athletes, coaches and staff and manage Revolution II and Development Academy apparel process.
- Build and maintain a complete inventory of all athletic equipment and apparel issued to all personnel and athletes.
- Possesses knowledge of inventory control principles and method.
- Keep up to date on standards and regulations for MLS and USL and DA game-day and training apparel (jerseys, shorts, warm-up apparel, and coach/staff apparel) according to Uni-Sport and MLS guidelines. Ensure compliance with First Team, Revolution II and Development Academy at the league and company level.
- Manage key relationships with MLS/USL contacts to make sure all teams are adhering to any/all applicable MLS/USL guidelines regarding training/game-day apparel and equipment. Assist with the same responsibility at the USL and Academy level.
- Responsible for hiring, training and directly managing the daily responsibilities and overall performance of the KSLL and KSLLC II Equipment Staff.
- Partner with Human Resources and maintain status as preliminary point of contact for any staff performance and/or disciplinary actions; including, but not limited to Performance Improvement Plans, Disciplinary Warnings and/or termination of employment for a direct report.
- Observes wearing of equipment and apparel for proper attire, safety, and appearance.
- Responsible for successfully providing any/all correctly branded apparel and footwear to players, Coaches and Staff in order to maintain compliance across MLS, USL and USDA in order to minimize and eliminate personnel penalties/fines on a yearly basis.
- Manage the processing of invoices for vendors used by the equipment staff for First Team, Revolution II and Development Academy.
- Oversee the maintenance and daily cleaning of all training apparel and footwear. Work with the rest of the Equipment staff to maximize the efficiency of the daily laundry for 1st team, USL and Academy teams and staff.
- Develop, implement and train equipment staff on the process of packing for all preseason, regular MLS game, Open Cup game, and MLS Playoff game apparel and equipment. Make sure any/all weather conditions are considered and prepared for.
- Attend meetings, activities and events which may require working evenings and weekends.
- Travel with the team to all preseason trips, MLS regular season games, Open Cup games, and MLS playoff games.
- Coordinate with Athletic Training and Operations staff to maximize efficiency while traveling domestically and internationally. Including but not limited to seeking out cost effective ways to transport team equipment. Work with Revolution II and Development Academy on best practices so we are efficient and cost effective across all teams.
- Communicate directly with visiting team equipment staff to coordinate arrivals at Gillette Stadium for matches.
- Manages a budget and works within the constraints of that budget.
- Manage the ordering, inventory and management of the annual adidas Schedule C Order for the 1st team, USL and Academy teams. This includes all apparel, footwear, headwear, and training accessories; Manage MLS Equipment budget of +/- $250,000 annually.
- Manage the Adidas Asset Card program for Revolution First Team (MLS), Revolution II (USL) and Revolution Development Academy, supplementing the regular Adidas schedule orders with the needs of all teams. (+/- $25,000 annually). Maintain a record of purchases, and report these figures to supervisor and/or management as required.
- Remain on constant alert for any equipment breakdowns.
- Order, maintain and/or replace any/all training equipment including, but not limited to; full size and training goals, coaching sticks, training mannequins, cones, hurdles, and pinnies in a cost effective manner. Maintain a record or purchases, and report these figures to supervisor and/or management as required.
- Coordinate with front office staff (Marketing, Corporate Sponsorships) to correctly handle any special events/special game-day (Media/Green Screen Day, Military Appreciation, Pride Night, Shirts Off Their Backs, etc.) policies or needs.
- Coordinate with Facility staff (cleaning crew, maintenance workers) to maintain the daily training facility and game-day Gillette stadium locker room spaces, to fix any issues and keep the spaces clean, presentable and workable. Including but not limited to submitting work orders, purchasing new equipment to meet team needs and liaising with stadium operations on long term projects.
- Manage the relationship with vendors (adidas, Kwikgoal, Uni-Sport, New Era etc.) to improve and constantly supply the best possible training apparel/equipment.
- Liaise with MLS/USL League Office to assist coaches and athletes with boot sponsorship/waivers if necessary.
- Work with PSEMA (Professional Soccer Equipment Managers Association) to constantly improve and standardize best practices across the MLS.
- Special projects and assignments as business dictates
- Responsible for the maintenance, creation and control of all personally identifiable information or any other information protected by any Confidentiality or Privacy Standards or Company Policies that you have access or knowledge of, including but not limited to any state or federal regulations including HIPPA.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Equipment Staff
- KSLLC Assistant Equipment Manager (MLS)
- KSLLC II Equipment Manager (USL)
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelors degree preferred.
- Experience and knowledge of the soccer industry is required, such as, but not limited to, previous equipment role at the professional or collegiate level.
- Personable, dependable, trustworthy and possess strong interpersonal skills.
- Highly organized and attentive to detail.
- Self-motivated and possess a strong sense of accountability.
- Effective communication skills, written and oral.
- Strong time management skills with the ability to multi-task.
- Ability to travel and work nights and weekends as needed.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Travel is required
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- This job entails working in both an office environment as well as outside in all elements (i.e. heat, cold, rain, snow).
- International and Domestic Travel are required as well as working nights and weekends as needed.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
- None required
OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
This company is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.