At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage elite kit operations for U21 & Academy teams, ensuring top-quality equipment.
- Company: Join Liverpool FC, a club dedicated to excellence and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, and exclusive perks like retail discounts and match tickets.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic sports environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team, making a real impact in the world of football.
- Qualifications: Experience in inventory management and strong organisational skills required.
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
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 bank holidays and the option to purchase up to an additional 5 days) and access to our benefits kit bag which includes but not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme matching up to 5.5%
- Life Assurance Cover
- Free financial guidance and mortgage advice
- Car salary sacrifice scheme for affordable driving
- Cycle to Work scheme to keep you active
- Purchase season ticket loans for easier commuting
- Exclusive shopping discounts & cashback with top retailers
- Will Writing Service for future planning
- Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support
- Medicash Health Cash Plan for everyday healthcare needs
- Volunteering opportunities to give back to the community
- Special LFC perks – retail discounts, partner offers, free LFCTV GO access, and priority tickets for matches, events & concerts
Liverpool FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all Colleagues and Volunteers to share this commitment. This role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
U21 and Academy Kit Operations Manager in Knowsley 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 Knowsley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the football industry, especially those connected to Liverpool FC. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your previous experience in kit operations or inventory management. Bring it along to interviews or networking events to demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job opening that excites you, apply through our website ASAP. Don’t wait for the deadline; get your application in early to stand out from the crowd. Plus, it shows you’re keen and ready to jump in!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by researching Liverpool FC’s values and recent initiatives. Tailor your answers to reflect how you can contribute to their goals, especially in operational excellence and team leadership. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the club!
We think you need these skills to ace U21 and Academy Kit Operations Manager in Knowsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant 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!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've managed teams or projects in the past, and how you foster a proactive and solution-focused culture.
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key in this position. When writing your application, make sure to proofread for any errors and ensure that all your information is accurate. We appreciate meticulousness, especially when it comes to kit management!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s quick and easy, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at LFC Foundation
✨Know Your Kit Operations
Familiarise yourself with the specific kit operations and logistics involved in managing U21 and Academy teams. Understand the importance of compliance with competition regulations and how to maintain high standards across all operational areas.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership and management experience. Be ready to discuss how you've set clear standards and expectations in previous roles, and how you foster a proactive and solution-focused culture within a team.
✨Master Financial Management
Brush up on your financial and analytical skills. Be prepared to talk about your experience with budget management, inventory control, and cost-effective procurement. Highlight any systems you've implemented for tracking and managing stock efficiently.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since excellent communication is key in this role, prepare to discuss how you've effectively collaborated with different departments in past positions, ensuring smooth operations and coordination.