Club Vacancy - Academy Kit & Equipment Manager

Academy Kit & Equipment Manager

Derby County Football Club, established in 1884, is one of the founder members of the English Football League and has a rich and varied history, including two First Division titles in 1972 and 1975 and an FA Cup success in 1946. The club are currently playing in the Sky Bet Championship, the second tier of English Football following their promotion from League One in the 2023/24 season, and is under the management of Head Coach Paul Warne. The club also boasts a successful and respected Category One Academy, a status which has been held since 2014, and a Women’s side competing in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division. Derby County recently embarked on an exciting new era following the change in ownership to Clowes Developments (UK) Limited, in the summer of 2022. Our track record of producing talent is outstanding, and we intend to protect that proud legacy, investing in key roles within the club to build on the foundations in place for success.

Derby County Football Club are seeking to recruit an Academy Kit and Equipment Manager to work within our Category One Academy.

As an Academy Kit and Equipment Coordinator, the successful candidate will lead and work proactively by taking responsibility for the Academy players, management, and staff’s kit requirements, ensuring all kits are correct and ready within strict deadlines and complying with set schedules.

Key Responsibilities:

• To prepare a daily training kit for staff and players in the Professional Development Phase.
• To prepare all training equipment for the Professional Development Phase.
• Prepare all kit and equipment for all Academy schoolboy fixtures (Pre-Academy, FDP, and YDP).
• Prepare changing rooms with match kit and equipment before players and staff arrive at all U21 fixtures (Home and Away).
• Prepare changing rooms with match kits and equipment before players and staff arrive at all U18 fixtures (Home and Away).
• When possible, be present on the training field for U21 and U18 training sessions to meet specific training needs and requests.
• To complete the annual kit and equipment order, meeting the academy's needs while maintaining the organisational needs and budget.
• Liaise with internal key DCFC Staff, including, but not limited to, the Academy Manager, Assistant Academy Manager, Head of Academy Operations, Head of Academy Medical & Sports Science, Academy Secretary, PDP, YDP and FDP Coaches, Recruitment Department, Analysis Department, First Team Kit Manager, Laundry Team, Finance Department, and Commercial Department to ensure the smooth running of the Academy.
• Liaise with external key partners, including, but not limited to, Kit Manufacturers, Equipment Manufacturers, and Printing companies, to ensure the best value for the Academy and the Organisation.
• To record, monitor and provide feedback on stock and equipment levels to the Head of Academy Operations at key points throughout the year.
• To distribute kits and training wear to all staff and players associated with the Academy.
• To attend meetings that require your input or as directed to by the Academy Manager or Head of Academy Operations.
• To carry out general duties as requested by the Academy Manager and Head of Academy Operations.
• To assist other departments and teams as necessary to achieve the overall aims of the business.

Personal characteristics and experience:

• Previous experience working in a football environment is desirable.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record of working effectively to targets and deadlines.
• Experience working independently in managing processes from start to finish is desirable.
• Team Player
• Hardworking
• Commitment to high standards
• Flexible approach to hours of working
• Highly organised with the ability to manage competing demands and deadlines.
• Ability to work on own initiative, solving problems as they arise.
• Excellent communication skills
• Attention to detail.

Essential and Desirable Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent (grade A-C) are desirable
• Driving License is essential

This is a full-time role of 35 hours per week. Due to the nature of working in an elite sport environment, the successful candidate must be flexible and able to work evenings and weekends as required.

Competitive salary, dependent on experience.

Everything we do as a Club is built around the three pillars of stability, integrity and progress. Our core values are:

• We are proud of who we are and what we do
• We are positive, inspired and passionate
• We are ambitious and driven
• We are prepared, honest and humble
• We are the heartbeat of our community
• We are the club of opportunity

Derby County employee benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Two complimentary staff season tickets
• Two complimentary staff away memberships
• 20% discount at DCFC Megastore
• Company Pension with Aviva
• Discounts with select Club partners and sponsors
• Healthshield Cash Health Plan to support employee health and well-being and Perks for great deals and discounts
• Participating in our employee forum, ‘The Herd’
• Training and development opportunities
• Access to programmes and volunteering opportunities with Derby County Community Trust
• Subsidised lunchtime meals at Moor Farm

Derby County Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

As part of the Club's commitment to providing a safe environment for children and young people, applicants should be aware that this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Criminal Record Check.

Derby County Football Club is an Inclusive Club for all and is committed to Equality and Diversity.

To apply for this role, please complete an application form, which can be found HERE.

Alternatively, please copy and paste - http://thera.ms/apply - to your chosen browser.

More information can be found at https://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/jobsandcareers

The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 30 September 2024. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

Strictly no agencies, please.

Derby County Football Club’s Job Applicant Privacy Policy can be found at dcfc.co.uk.