Purpose of the Job

The Houston Dash is seeking an experienced, organized, innovative, and service-oriented Equipment Manager to lead all equipment, apparel, and kit operations for the First Team. This position is responsible for ensuring players and staff have the equipment, apparel, and operational support needed to perform at the highest level across daily training, matches, and team travel.

The Equipment Manager oversees the day-to-day equipment operation, including training setup and on-field support, inventory management, ordering and distribution, laundry operations, locker room setup, matchday preparation, and equipment-related travel logistics. The position also manages the Club’s equipment relationship with Nike and ensures compliance with applicable NWSL, Club, and player personal-brand requirements.

The position works closely with Sporting Operations, Technical, Medical, Performance, Player Care, and other Club departments to maintain an organized, professional, and high-performance daily environment, with a player- and team-first approach centered on anticipating needs, building trust, and delivering a consistently high level of service.

Equipment & Inventory Management

·       Lead all First Team equipment, apparel, footwear, and kit operations across training, matches, preseason, and other team activities.

·       Manage ordering, receiving, inventory, organization, distribution, and replacement of team equipment and apparel.

·       Coordinate equipment and apparel needs with players, coaches, Medical, Performance, Sporting Operations, and other relevant staff.

·       Manage laundry operations and locker room supplies, ensuring consistent standards for cleanliness, organization, and availability.

·       Coordinate equipment repair, maintenance, customization, and replacement as needed.

Manage equipment-related purchasing and purchase orders in alignment with approved budgets and Club procurement processes.

Training & Daily Performance Environment
•    Support the daily First Team training environment, including setup and breakdown of on-field equipment and ensuring all training equipment is prepared and available prior to team activities.
•    Build trusted relationships with players and staff, learning individual equipment, apparel, footwear, sizing, and fit preferences and anticipating needs before they impact the daily team environment.
•    Maintain organized and professional training, equipment, storage, and locker room environments.
•    Anticipate daily equipment and operational needs to support efficient training sessions and minimize disruptions for players and staff.
Nike, League & Player Brand Compliance
•    Serve as the primary equipment contact for the Club’s relationship with Nike and manage the Dash’s team equipment and apparel needs within applicable Club and league programs.
•    Manage equipment-related compliance involving players’ personal footwear, apparel, and brand
relationships, coordinating with the League, Club, and players as appropriate.
•    Communicate relevant equipment and apparel requirements to players and staff and proactively address potential compliance issues.
Matchday & Travel Operations
•    Lead equipment preparation and execution for all home and away matches, including locker room setup, bench equipment, player/staff apparel, and match equipment.
•    Coordinate equipment-related logistics for all team travel, including packing, luggage, transportation of equipment, training equipment, and match equipment.
•    Travel with the First Team for away matches and other team activities as required.
•    Coordinate with opposing clubs regarding visiting-team equipment and locker room requirements.
•    Oversee post-match breakdown, inventory, laundry, and preparation for subsequent team activities.

Staff Management & Department Operations
•    Manage, develop, and establish day-to-day priorities for the Assistant Equipment Manager and Equipment Intern setting expectations for responsive, team-first service, attention to detail, and accountability.
•    Develop and maintain equipment department procedures, calendars, inventories, and operating standards.
•    Partner with Sporting Operations leadership on equipment planning, purchasing, budgets, and continuous improvement of the player and staff environment.

Organizational Requirements 

·       Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required.

·       Minimum of 2 years of equipment management experience in professional, collegiate, national team, or comparable high-performance sport; women’s professional soccer experience preferred.

·       Demonstrated experience supporting equipment operations across daily training, matchday, team travel, inventory, apparel, and locker room environments.

·       Strong administrative and technology skills, including inventory management systems and Microsoft 365.

·      Ability to travel extensively and work evenings, weekends, holidays, and other non-traditional hours as required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Attributes

·       Strong knowledge of professional sports equipment, apparel, footwear, inventory management, and equipment care and maintenance.

·       Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, and adapt quickly within a high-performance team environment.

·       Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trusted relationships with players and staff, understand individual needs and preferences, and work effectively with coaches, league representatives, vendors, and external partners.

Demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and accountability, with a collaborative, low-ego, team-first approach and willingness to take ownership of the details necessary to support players and staff.