Academy Kit Manager

Job Title:

Academy Kit Manager

Reports to:

Head of Kit Operations

Location:

Robert Rowan Performance Centre

Department:
Football

Sub-department:
Kit Operations - Academy

Brentford FC is a bit different from other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.

Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day. We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC. We play in a new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.

We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.

The Academy Kit Manager leads the day-to-day delivery of kit and equipment services across Brentford FC's Academy pathway, from Pre-Academy and U7-U17 through to U18 and B Team/U21. Reporting to the Head of Kit Operations, the postholder ensures players and staff receive the correct kit and equipment for training, fixtures, travel and tournaments, on time and to Club standards. The role line-manages Academy Kit Coordinators/Assistants and oversees stock, storage, laundry and logistics while supporting the Academy's development towards Category One standards and alignment with the First Team operation.

• Lead the day-to-day Academy kit and equipment operation across the Pre-Academy, U7-U17, U18 and B Team/U21 programmes, ensuring consistent standards throughout the player pathway.
• Line-manage Academy Kit Coordinators/Assistants, setting clear responsibilities, planning rotas and workloads, monitoring performance and supporting their ongoing development.
• Plan and deliver all training, home and away match, tournament and travel kit requirements, including overlapping fixtures and late changes.
• Manage player and staff sizing, seasonal allocations, personalisation, issue, returns and replacement of kit in line with Club policy.
• Own Academy stock control, ordering forecasts, goods-in, inventories and replenishment, maintaining accurate records and appropriate contingency levels.
• Oversee laundry turnaround, garment care, hygiene and presentation, ensuring clean kit is available when required and damaged items are identified promptly.
• Maintain kit rooms, storage areas, changing areas and equipment spaces so they remain safe, secure, clean, organised and ready for use.
• Coordinate equipment and kit logistics for fixtures, tours and tournaments, including packing, loading, transport, accommodation requirements and relevant travel documentation.
• Build effective working relationships with Academy Operations, coaches and the Medical, Performance, Analysis, Player Care and Football Operations teams to anticipate and meet requirements.
• Ensure all kit preparation and presentation comply with Club, supplier, sponsor and competition regulations and is aligned with First Team standards where appropriate.
• Manage delegated budgets responsibly, maintain purchasing and issue records, and report shortages, variances, loss, damage or avoidable waste to the Head of Kit Operations.
• Act quickly on operational issues, inspect equipment and working areas, and complete post-event reviews so problems are resolved and standards continue to improve.

• Proven experience in kit, equipment or operational delivery within professional football or another elite sporting environment;
  Academy experience is desirable.
• Strong understanding of the demands of a multi-team Academy programme and the standards required across training, matchday, travel and tournament environments.
• Good working knowledge of stock control, procurement, supplier management and budget monitoring.
• Knowledge of laundry processes, garment care, personalisation methods, hygiene and the safe use of relevant machinery and products.
• Working knowledge of health and safety, COSHH, manual handling, safeguarding responsibilities and confidentiality within an Academy setting.

• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage overlapping schedules, competing priorities and short-notice changes.
• High attention to detail when preparing, checking, personalising and presenting player and staff kit.
• Confident use of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and stock-control or inventory systems for accurate reporting and record keeping.
• Ability to plan and deliver complex matchday and travel logistics, including packing, load management and contingency preparation.
• Sound commercial judgement when ordering, controlling stock, reducing waste and working within delegated budgets.

• Provide clear, supportive and accountable leadership to…