Head Equipment Manager, First Team

Job Description Summary

We elevate Kansas City through soccer experiences and create memories through personalized touchpoints with our club. Our promise is to continually delight our fans and set the benchmark for best practices across Major League Soccer.

Sporting Kansas City’s values are to be experience obsessed, high performance in all that we do, exemplify accountability, demonstrate integrity and to always put the club first.

The Equipment Manager will oversee the procurement, inventory, distribution, maintenance & care of equipment & gear for the Sporting Kansas City First Team in Major League Soccer. The primary objective is to maximize team performance by managing & supporting player & team staff equipment & gear needs. This role will also manage the Assistant Equipment Manager, First Team.

Job Description

Essential Functions

• Develop and maintain trusted, professional relationships with players, club personnel, and external partners to support equipment & gear needs and maintain a cohesive, collaborative & high-performance team environment.

• Manage the ordering, shipment tracking, delivery, and inventory of team equipment & gear.
• Manage the budget for team equipment & gear.
• Manage relationships with key vendors & partners.
• Maintain an organized and clean equipment storage areas.
• Clean, wash & maintain all team equipment & gear in preparation for the next team use.
• Prepare team player & staff locker rooms & gear for team games & trainings.
• Prepare & clean up team equipment for team trainings & games.
• Pack and transport team equipment & gear for away team trips.
• Attend all home matches and away matches.

• Ensure compliance with all club, league and federation policies and requirements related to uniforms, equipment, branding & gameday operations. Ensure all team gear & equipment has appropriate embellishments.
• Maintain & develop a competitive & successful team culture & environment.

• Represent Sporting Kansas City and its related affiliates in a professional manner at all times.
• Perform other related tasks or projects as assigned.

Personal Attributes

• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives, and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.
• Must possess a strong, positive, and self-motivated work ethic.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented.
• Have a desire to continually improve from both individual & team perspectives. Exemplify a growth mindset.
• Passionate about professional sports, including soccer and team operations.
• Ability to demonstrate poise, tact and diplomacy. Strong teamwork aptitude required.
• High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive, confidential situations and information.
• Professional appearance and attitude, as well as ability to work with others.

Skills and Experience

• Three (3) years or more of related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Must be able to fluently speak, read, and write in the English language. Spanish language fluency is preferred.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Calendar preferred.
• Knowledge of MLS, CONCACAF, U.S. Soccer & FIFA regulations preferred.
• Capacity to adapt to the unique and vibrant Kansas City market.

Physical Abilities

• Based primarily at the Club’s training facility and stadium, with potential regular travel for matches and events.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds routinely as part of session setup, breakdown, and demonstration.
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.
• Travel and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, are required.
• Must maintain professionalism and emotional control in demanding or high-pressure situations.

Sporting Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create an empowering environment for a diverse and inclusive team of associates who make a positive impact on our club and our community. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.