At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage kit operations for U21 & Academy teams, ensuring top-notch equipment and laundry services.
- Company: Join a prestigious football club with a commitment to excellence and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with matchday responsibilities and potential for career advancement.
- Why this job: Be part of an elite team, making a real impact in the world of football.
- Qualifications: Experience in inventory management and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a U21 & Academy Kit Operations Manager to be responsible for leading and delivering an elite, best-in-class kit and laundry operation across all U21 & Academy age groups. The role ensures players and colleagues are consistently provided with high-quality, competition-compliant kit and equipment to support training, matchdays, tours, and all football-related activities. This position plays a key leadership role within the Football Operations Department, driving operational excellence, financial efficiency, and service standards aligned with the Club’s values, objectives, and performance culture.
Leadership & Management
- Alongside the Head of Kit Operations, lead, manage, and develop a team of Kit Operations staff across the U21 & Academy programme.
- Set clear standards, expectations, and workflows to ensure consistency and accountability.
- Role model a proactive, professional, and solution-focused culture within the Kit Operations Department.
Operational Delivery
- Oversee the distribution and management of all U21 & Academy kit (players and colleagues), ensuring sufficient and appropriate provision for training, matchdays, tournaments, and tours.
- Ensure full compliance with competition regulations across all age groups.
- Maintain elite standards across all operational areas including: Changing rooms, Boot room, Kit rooms, Laundry facilities.
- Implement efficient systems for kit tracking, allocation, rotation, and lifecycle management.
Planning & Logistics
- Oversee kit ordering processes across the Academy programme, ensuring financial control, stock accuracy, and forecasting efficiency.
- Collaborate with U21 & Academy departments (including but not limited to Operations, Coaching, Medical departments) to coordinate transportation of equipment and kit for fixtures (home and away), tours, and training camps.
Financial & Inventory Control
- Manage U21 & Academy kit budgets in collaboration with the Head of Kit Operations.
- Monitor stock levels, minimise waste, and ensure cost-effective procurement and replenishment.
- Maintain accurate records of kit issuance, returns, and inventory.
Standards, Compliance & Governance
- Ensure compliance with all Club policies, health & safety procedures, and operational guidelines.
- Maintain a safe, organised, and professional working environment at all times.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the Football Operations Department.
Additional Responsibilities
- Provide matchday leadership and oversight of U21 & Academy kit operations.
- Support wider Men’s Kit Operations when required.
- Undertake any duties necessary to ensure the Kit Operations Department operates at an elite professional standard.
Essential Knowledge
- IT skills to include the ability to use Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook).
- Previous inventory management experience.
- Exposure to a sporting environment, notably football.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Displays a high level of discretion and maintains strict confidentiality.
- Attendance at home and away first team matches.
- Full driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
Essential Functional / Technical Skills
- Strong financial and analytical skills and excellent attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal presentation and communication skills to present data accurately.
Please note: this vacancy may close early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Benefits
To reward your hard work and commitment we offer a competitive salary, 25 days holiday (plus 8).
U21 and Academy Kit Operations Manager in Huyton employer: LFC Foundation
Contact Detail:
LFC Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land U21 and Academy Kit Operations Manager in Huyton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with others on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the club and its values. Show that you understand their culture and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing your previous experiences in kit operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and contributing to our success.
We think you need these skills to ace U21 and Academy Kit Operations Manager in Huyton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in kit operations and management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of U21 & Academy Kit Operations Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Organisational Skills: Since this role requires strong organisational abilities, give us examples of how you've successfully managed inventory or logistics in the past. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their knack for keeping things running smoothly!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the football world. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at LFC Foundation
✨Know Your Kit Operations
Familiarise yourself with the specific kit operations relevant to U21 and Academy teams. Understand the logistics of kit distribution, compliance with competition regulations, and how to maintain high standards in changing rooms and laundry facilities. This knowledge will show your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or managed operations in previous roles. Highlight your ability to set clear standards and expectations, and how you foster a proactive and solution-focused culture. This is crucial as the role involves leading a team of Kit Operations staff.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Brush up on your financial management skills, especially regarding budget control and inventory management. Be ready to discuss how you've previously managed budgets, minimised waste, and ensured cost-effective procurement. This will be key in showcasing your fit for the financial aspects of the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice your communication skills, both written and verbal. You may need to present data or collaborate with various departments, so being able to convey information clearly and confidently is essential. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in a sporting environment.