Equipment Manager - Defiance MLS NEXT Pro

JOB TITLE: Equipment Manager – Defiance MLS NEXT Pro

CLUB: Seattle Sounders FC

DEPARTMENT: Equipment

REPORTS TO: Director of Equipment Operations

FLSA: Non-Exempt

TYPE: Individual Contributor

OUR CLUB

Seattle Sounders FC is a progressive high performing collection of people who strive to achieve the highest levels of our sport while making a transformative impact in our communities in the best soccer city in America. Our culture is focused on serving one of the most passionate sports fan bases in North America who are invested in the Sounders as much for our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities as they are for winning the 2019 MLS Cup and 2022 CONCACAF Champions League on home soil. We exist to create special moments like these, where we enrich lives and unify our fans and city through soccer.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Equipment Manager plays a vital role in supporting the success and smooth operations of the MLS NEXT Pro Team, Defiance, by managing and maintaining all team equipment, ensuring that players and coaches have everything they need to perform at their highest level. This position handles all logistics for gear distribution, maintenance, and transport, ensuring timely support for coaches and players during training, matches, and travel. This role also requires a proactive approach to inventory management, laundry processes, and facilities upkeep, maintaining a high standard of order and efficiency that reflects the club’s commitment to excellence. A key figure in Defiance’s daily operations, the Equipment Manager will also uphold club values and foster an inclusive, positive environment in all interactions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the daily distribution, organization, and maintenance of all Defiance equipment to support both team practices and games.
• Maintain efficient laundry process, including the collection, washing, drying, and distribution of uniforms, training kits, and other gear to maintain high standards of cleanliness and readiness.
• Distribute and fit supplies for Defiance and Academy players and coaches, ensuring proper sizing and comfort.Inspects equipment and supplies to detect need for repair or replacement.
• Facilitate the setup and takedown of all Defiance training sessions, working closely with coaches to ensure a smooth, efficient process.
• Assist coaches as needed with Defiance training sessions.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness within the practice facility, locker rooms, bathrooms, and equipment room, aligning with club standards.
• Prepare, transport, set up, and take down the locker room and other team areas for home matches, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment.
• Coordinate packing and unpacking of equipment, supplies, and uniforms for all away matches, ensuring everything needed is accounted for and prepared for team travel.
• Accompany the team for away matches, maintaining all equipment while also performing any administrative needs while on the road
• Lead and execute the annual inventory process for all Defiance gear and assist with inventory for the first team, ensuring an accurate record of all items.
• Printing of all Defiance and academy gear
• Support the management of assistant equipment staff and any part-time employees, fostering an environment of teamwork and accountability.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS   

• Experience in an equipment room for another professional sports team, college or high school team
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage a comprehensive inventory.
• Effective record-keeping and inventory skills, with ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure
• Skilled in problem-solving with the ability to handle multiple variables and situations independently.
• Demonstrated logic and reasoning abilities, with proficiency in interpreting instructions from various formats (written, oral, diagram).
• A dedicated team player who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Committed to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and to living club values and the Sounders FC Mission to Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify and Uplift Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, players, vendors, and fans.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of maintaining effective, positive relationships across the club.
• Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) or multi-lingual skills preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• This is an in-person position working from our Headquarters & Training Facility in Renton, WA and Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, WA.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be willing and available to travel to Defiance team away games.
• Must have a reliable means of local transportation.
• Must have a valid driver’s license. Ability to operate manual vehicle.
• Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• Responsibilities include regular work outdoors and may require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to busy athletic facility area, outside weather conditions and loud noise levels.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

The hourly rate for this position is $22.50 per hour. We provide an engaging and supportive environment that prioritizes our team members' health and well-being. Full-time employees enjoy a range of top-notch benefits, including:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: We offer 100% employer-sponsored premiums for you and your dependents.
• Generous and Flexible PTO: Our Paid Time Off plan is designed with your well-being in mind, offering unlimited paid vacation.
• Retirement Planning Support: 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.
• Inclusive Parental Leave: Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12-16 weeks of paid leave, giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.
• Continuous Growth Opportunities: We invest in your learning and development through various programs and resources.
• Community Engagement: We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.