Equipment Manager, Academy

OVERVIEW

The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is an MLS soccer club serving the greater Los Angeles area. LAFC is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. LAFC’s ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise, and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology, and media. LAFC is invested in the world’s game and Los Angeles, constructing, and developing the 22,000 seat BMO Stadium and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal-State Los Angeles.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Equipment Manager, Academy, is responsible for overseeing all equipment, apparel, and gear essential to the Academy team’s daily operations. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the seamless execution of training sessions, matches, and travel logistics by maintaining an organized inventory system and providing players and staff with the necessary tools for success. Thus, this person must be prepared to respond promptly to last-minute requests or issues, often outside of traditional working hours, to contribute to the team’s overall success.

The ideal candidate is someone who is highly organized, solutions and detail oriented, proactive, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. This person must be prepared to respond promptly.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage, organize, and distribute training and match-day equipment, uniforms, and
• gear for players and coaching staff.
• Maintain detailed records of team equipment, supplies, and distribution through inventory logs, signed checklists, or digital tracking systems like Excel Spreadsheets.
• Ensure all equipment is properly maintained, cleaned, and in optimal working condition.
• Set up and break down equipment for training sessions, home games, and away matches.
• Monitor stock levels and coordinate timely orders with vendors to ensure equipment availability.
• Manage the equipment budget, track expenses, and collaborate with the Academy Director or designated person on procurement decisions.
• Oversee, pack, and transport all necessary gear for all team matches (home, away, and tournament games), including uniforms, balls, cones, and other essential items including training staff equipment (tables, water jugs, etc.)
• Organize and arrange player uniforms and accessories before games.
• Oversee the post-game collection, cleaning, and proper storage of uniforms and equipment, utilizing laundromat services when needed.
• Work closely with travel coordinators to ensure timely delivery and accountability of all gear during travel.
• Ensure all uniforms and gear comply with league, sponsor, and club branding guidelines and heat pressed accordingly.
• Stay current with MLS NEXT regulations regarding equipment standards and maintain full compliance.
• Collaborate with coaches, players, and staff to proactively anticipate equipment needs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors, sponsors, and league officials regarding equipment-related matters.
• Maintain overall cleanliness of work areas, vehicles, and equipment containers.
• Ensure all vehicles are clean, organized, and properly maintained.
• Regularly inspect equipment and storage areas to uphold safety and hygiene standards.
• Report any maintenance or cleanliness issues to the appropriate personnel.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor/Management.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree from an accredited four-year College or University preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar role required, soccer or MLS experience preferred.
• Must be able to work successfully in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks at once.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to quickly build trust and relationships with players and staff.
• Team player who prioritizes team and player success over individual success.
• Ability to serve as an extension of the club and maintain a professional appearance and attitude at all times.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Flexible work schedule with the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as the Academy environment requires.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid passport and be able to travel with the team as needed.
  
  

SALARY RANGE

At LAFC, we carefully consider a wide range of factors to determine a fair and equitable compensation package. The final offer amount will consider a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience and training. Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure guidelines, the compensation for this role is $70,000 per year.

HIRING PRACTICES

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

LAFC strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization, which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.