At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage kit and equipment for the First Team, ensuring elite standards on matchdays and training.
- Company: Join Bolton Wanderers, a historic football club with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a chance to work in a vibrant football culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in professional football while working with passionate individuals.
- Qualifications: Experience in elite sports operations and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Role Purpose
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is seeking an experienced, highly organised, and pro-active First Team Kit & Equipment Lead to manage all aspects of kit, equipment, and operational match day support across the First Team. The successful candidate will oversee the day-to-day delivery of elite-level kit and equipment services for the First Team and support staff. The role will ensure the highest professional standards are maintained across training, matchdays, travel, and club operations in line with Championship football expectations. This is a role requiring exceptional organisational ability, strong people management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to operate effectively within a high-performance sporting environment.
Main areas of responsibility
- First Team Operations: Oversee all First Team kit preparation for training sessions, matches, recovery sessions, and travel. Ensure all player and staff kit requirements are consistently delivered to elite professional standards. Co-ordinate all matchday equipment and dressing room setup for home and away fixtures. Manage and supervise all training equipment preparation in conjunction with coaching and sports science staff. Day to day support on field at the training ground during training sessions. Ensure smooth operational support for pre-season tours, cup competitions, and off-site training camps.
- Club-Wide Kit & Equipment Management: Support the Kit Manager to manage ordering, stock control, distribution, and replacement of all training wear, match kit, footwear, and equipment. Ensure all kit and equipment complies with EFL, FA, and competition regulations.
- Logistics & Travel: Co-ordinate all kit and equipment logistics for home and away fixtures. Organise transportation, packing, and movement of football operations equipment. Ensure all travel requirements are prepared efficiently and professionally. Support operational planning alongside football administration and logistics departments.
- Laundry & Facility Operations: Support and help with laundry operations, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and presentation. Ensure dressing rooms, storage areas, and operational spaces are maintained to professional standards. Monitor equipment maintenance, repairs, and replacement schedules.
- Health & Safety: Promote safe working practices within all operational areas. Ensure staff operate equipment and machinery safely and correctly.
General Responsibilities
BWFC seek to ensure that all children and young people are protected and kept safe from harm while they are with staff and volunteers within Bolton Wanderers activities. Everyone at Bolton Wanderers has a safeguarding responsibility to all work colleagues, fans and any vulnerable adults and children. Comply fully with all data protection and confidentiality obligations, ensuring that personal, sensitive, and confidential information is handled lawfully, securely, and in accordance with UK GDPR and the Club's Data Protection and Confidentiality Policies. Be an ambassador of the Group, providing excellent customer service at all times whilst portraying a professional image. Perform other duties as required, which are considered relevant to the post and to the objectives of the Group as identified by the Head of Football Administration or Kit Manager. Treat all colleagues as customers ensuring respectful positive outcomes across communications. Adhere to and abide by all BWFC policies, procedures, and guidelines especially remembering responsibilities to others under Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity. This post is subject to a DBS disclosure.
About The Candidate
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience within professional football or elite sport operations.
- Excellent organisational and logistical skills.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced elite sporting environment.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Flexible approach to working hours including evenings, weekends, and travel.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience working within Championship, Premier League, or elite-level football environments.
- Knowledge of EFL and FA operational regulations.
- Understanding of high-performance football environments and athlete support operations.
Personal Attributes
- Professional and trustworthy.
- Highly motivated and dependable.
- Strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
- Calm and composed under pressure.
- Team-orientated with strong leadership qualities.
- Discreet and capable of handling confidential information.
About The Club
As a founder member of the Football League (EFL), Bolton Wanderers is a football club that is internationally renowned, having played in all four professional leagues of English football, as well as winning the FA Cup on four occasions. Since the 2019 acquisition by Football Ventures (Whites) Ltd, a new chapter is underway for Bolton Wanderers and Bolton Stadium Hotel, focused on actively shaping a dynamic and enduring future. We are committed to a distinctive approach, driving the club's progress with ambitious plans realised through practical, genuine and comprehensive strategies. As we continue striving towards achieving greater success, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a First Team Kit & Equipment Lead to join our existing Kit team.
As an equal opportunities employer, Bolton Wanderers Football Club is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us.
BWFC seek to ensure that all children and young people are protected and kept safe from harm while they are with staff and volunteers within Bolton Wanderers activities. Everyone at Bolton Wanderers has a safeguarding responsibility to all work colleagues, fans and any vulnerable adults and children.
First Team Kit & Equipment Lead in Bolton employer: EFL
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where passion for football meets professional excellence. With a commitment to employee growth and a culture that values teamwork and inclusivity, the club provides unique opportunities to contribute to elite-level operations while ensuring the highest standards of service on match days and training sessions. Located in the heart of Bolton, employees benefit from being part of a historic club with ambitious plans for the future, fostering both personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land First Team Kit & Equipment Lead in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the club! Research Bolton Wanderers, their history, and current team dynamics. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might just land you a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready for practical assessments or scenario questions that test your organisational skills and ability to handle pressure in a matchday environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Bolton Wanderers.
We think you need these skills to ace First Team Kit & Equipment Lead in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any previous experience you have in professional football or elite sport operations. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those relevant details!
Be Organised:Since this role requires exceptional organisational skills, give us a glimpse of how you manage tasks and logistics. A well-structured application can really showcase your ability to handle the demands of a fast-paced environment.
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to tailor your application to the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. Use similar language and phrases to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for in a First Team Kit & Equipment Lead.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows that you’re serious about joining our team at Bolton Wanderers!
How to prepare for a job interview at EFL
✨Know Your Kit Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the specific kit and equipment used by the First Team. Research the materials, brands, and any unique features that set them apart. This knowledge will show your passion for the role and your attention to detail.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed logistics in previous roles. Whether it’s coordinating travel or ensuring all equipment is ready for match day, be ready to discuss your methods for staying organised under pressure.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As this role involves working closely with players and staff, think of instances where you’ve effectively communicated or resolved conflicts. Highlight your ability to build relationships and maintain a positive atmosphere, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Understand the Club's Values
Familiarise yourself with Bolton Wanderers' history, values, and recent developments. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with the club’s mission will demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for joining their team.
