This post provides detailed information on the athletic equipment manager job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform, as well as templates employers can use.
It also highlights the important requirements that you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for the athletic equipment manager role by most employers.
What Does an Athletic Equipment Manager Do?
An athletic equipment manager is responsible for providing the necessary equipment for a sports team or institution by handling inventories, maintenance and repair of gears, ordering new equipment, and ensuring proper storage and supply of equipment for all practices and contests.
The athletic equipment manager job description entails getting equipment ready for events, setting it up, and carrying it for travel, as well as maintaining team uniform and occasionally managing staff and budgets.
It also involves ensuring that all equipment is in good condition and meets safety standards, as well as checking for wear and tear and replacing damaged items.
Furthermore, athletic equipment managers usually collaborate with travel departments and often work with the public and support staff to coordinate logistics for games, while ensuring safety regulations are met.
Their responsibilities can be as simple as performing inventory management, cleaning, and organizing gear, or as complex as maintaining detailed records, budgeting, and coordination of travel logistics for away games.
The athletic equipment manager duties also involve ensuring safety compliance and repair of specialized equipment to ensure the effective operation of an athletic program.
They are also expected to act as the central point of contact for all equipment-related needs for diverse sports teams.
Athletic equipment managers engage in a wide range of activities in the course of carrying out their functions using tools and technologies, including Spreadsheets for budgeting, barcoding technology for tracking, ordering, and usage of equipment, and SportSoft software for inventory management.
They also use RFID chips and GPS trackers for monitoring athlete performance and managing equipment loaning, and maintenance tracking systems for scheduling upkeep and prevention of losses.
The athletic equipment manager tasks may also include ordering new equipment as required and organizing equipment storage, as well as handling transportation for away games.
In addition to their duties, they are required to collaborate with players and coaches to understand their specific equipment needs and preferences, offering personalized equipment recommendations and adjustments.
Where Athletic Equipment Managers Work
Athletic equipment managers work with coaches, student-athletes, athletic trainers, administrative staff, and vendors to order and maintain inventory of sports equipment, and ensure that the proper fitting and safety of all athletic equipment, uniforms, and distributions are perfectly done at the right time.
They will work mostly in different sports settings, such as professional sports organizations, universities, colleges, and high schools.
Most athletic equipment managers usually report to the athletic director in their role, managing all aspects of equipment operations within an athletic department.
In larger operations, such as collegiate or professional sports teams, the athletic equipment manager typically report to the director of athletics or a similar senior leadership like the chief of staff for football, who supervises the entire management of the athletic department.
Not all regions view the role of an athletic equipment manager as being equivalently important.
In countries like the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Australia, the demand for athletic equipment managers and investment in athletic equipment management is high.
Also, in these countries, athletic programs are well-structured and established, and there is a high level of sports participation and development.
Athletic Equipment Manager Training and Certification
Formal education for an athletic equipment manager generally entails a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, including Sports Management or Business, with practical experience acquired through entry-level positions or internships.
This training can be obtained through universities and some other institutions.
For example, the Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA) offers certification programs that help their members improve their expertise of their industry.
On-the-job training is also quite common; here, an athletic equipment manager will be able to learn from their fellow professionals.
Athletic Equipment Manager Job Description Example/Sample
The athletic equipment manager job description may consist of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities, depending on the organization they work for:
- Manage athletic equipment services, like equipment rooms, inventory, procurement, distribution and retrieval, policies and procedures, and vendor relationships
- Clean, maintain, and repair equipment to ensure it meets safety and functional standards, laundering athletic clothing according to fabric and care requirements, as well as overseeing students in equipment assembly and disassembly
- Interview and appoint assistants, train them and evaluate their performance, and organize daily work schedules and follow up on work progress
- Manage sport specific contracts, work with sales representatives, and secure athletic equipment and other related products for assigned sports programs
- Establish and maintain accurate records for all equipment, carry out regular inventory checks, and bring records together
- Serve as budget administrator for equipment budget, tracking, supervising, approving, revising, and forecasting equipment budgets across sports
- Ensure appropriate management of brands and logos, and work with university brand managers to ensure product represents the University properly
- Develop equipment quality standards and guidelines, and ensure equipment rules are followed when supplying and using equipment
- Order and purchase new equipment and uniforms, run related budgets, and coordinate with vendors
- Confirm need for and assist each athletic equipment and clothing order for all sport teams and departments, as well as plan and deliver assignments, and coordinate work schedules
- Prepare, pack, and move equipment for practices and games, especially for away competitions, and make decisions whether equipment should be repaired or replaced
- Manage the purchase of equipment and distributions requirements, and reconcile vendor billings with the athletic administrative specialist when goods are delivered
- Give out equipment and safety wears to athletes and manage the going out and returning procedures of equipment
- Render support in the financial management of the equipment budget for each intercollegiate sports program, and collaborate with sport team head coaches on inventory and purchasing of all equipment and clothing
- Check equipment for faults and team up with the athletic training department to ensure proper fitting and adjustment of protective equipment for student-athletes
- Facilitate good communications between students, parents, employees, and management by applying effective interpersonal and professional communication techniques
- Maintain the highest level of confidence concerning all issues in the athletic department, keeping secret any information obtained through work.
Athletic Equipment Manager Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career SuccessÂ
The athletic equipment manager requires certain skills, industry knowledge, and a number of personal attributes to be successful in their job and career and to qualify for hiring by most recruiters/employers, including:
- Knowledge of sports equipment and gear: Understanding of equipment used in various sports, including maintenance and safety standards
- Inventory management skills: Ability to track, issue, and organize equipment and supplies efficiently
- Equipment maintenance and repair skills: Basic skills to clean, repair, and ensure equipment is safe and functional
- Understanding of safety and compliance rules: Familiarity with NCAA, NFHS, or league-specific regulations regarding equipment
- Strong organizational skills: Ability to maintain accurate records and manage multiple equipment rooms or teams
- Attention to detail: Ability to ensure equipment is properly fitted, labeled, sanitized, and accounted for
- Physical stamina: Ability to lift 30–50 lbs., move gear, and work on feet for long periods
- Communication skills to effectively communicate with coaches, athletes, and staff
- Time management skills to keep equipment prepared for practices, games, and travel schedules
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, especially during sports seasons or events
- Problem-solving ability to quickly address missing equipment, damages, or last-minute needs
- Teamwork skills: Ability to work closely with coaches, trainers, and athletic staff
- Ability to use equipment management software – preferred in larger programs for tracking inventory
- Reliable and dependable: Ability to ensure equipment is ready and operations run smoothly
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Bachelor’s degree in sports management, kinesiology, or related field (preferred but not required)
- AEMA Certification (Athletic Equipment Managers Association) preferred
- CPR and First Aid certification (advantageous but not always required).
Athletic Equipment Manager Job Description TemplatesÂ
Here are athletic equipment manager job description templates employers can simply edit and use in their job postings to attract the best talents to their companies:
TEMPLATE 1.
Position Title: Athletic Equipment Manager
Reports To: Athletic Director / Head Coach / Operations Manager
Location: [School, University, or Organization Location]
Employment Type: Full-Time
Company / Organization Overview
[Your Organization Name] is committed to supporting student-athletes, coaches, and sports programs with professionalism, safety, and exceptional service. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality athletic equipment, maintaining efficient operations, and ensuring athletes have the resources they need to succeed both on and off the field.
Position Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Athletic Equipment Manager to oversee the purchasing, inventory, maintenance, fitting, and distribution of athletic gear and apparel. This role ensures athletes and teams receive proper equipment on time while maintaining safety standards and operational efficiency.
The ideal candidate has experience in athletic equipment operations, strong organizational skills, and knowledge of NCAA, NFHS, or professional equipment standards.
Key Responsibilities
Equipment Management & Distribution
- Issue, collect, and inventory athletic equipment and uniforms for all sports programs.
- Track equipment distribution using inventory management systems or manual logs.
- Ensure timely gear setup for practices, games, and special events.
- Maintain organized storage areas and label equipment systematically.
Maintenance, Repair & Safety
- Inspect equipment regularly to ensure safety and proper function.
- Perform basic repairs or coordinate with vendors for specialized repairs.
- Ensure proper cleaning, sanitization, and maintenance of helmets, pads, uniforms, and accessories.
- Follow sport-specific safety standards and certification requirements.
Purchasing & Inventory Control
- Manage inventory levels and recommend reorders based on team needs.
- Communicate with vendors, submit purchase requests, and track deliveries.
- Manage budgets for equipment, apparel, and supplies as directed.
Game-Day & Practice Support
- Prepare sidelines and locker room setups for games or training sessions.
- Assist coaches and athletes with equipment needs during games or practices.
- Transport equipment to home and away competitions when required.
Fitting & Compliance
- Assist athletes in properly fitting helmets, pads, and protective gear.
- Ensure all equipment meets current safety, league, and manufacturer standards.
- Maintain compliance with NCAA, NFHS, conference rules, or institutional policies.
Communication & Collaboration
- Coordinate with coaches, trainers, athletic trainers, and administrators.
- Communicate equipment needs, concerns, or shortages to supervisors.
- Assist with special events or team travel as needed.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of equipment assignments, returns, and costs.
- Prepare inventory reports for audit, budget planning, and compliance.
- Track damaged or expired equipment for timely replacement.
Skills & Qualifications
- Strong organizational and inventory management skills.
- Knowledge of athletic equipment fitting, safety, and maintenance.
- Basic mechanical skills for equipment repair.
- Ability to lift 40–50 lbs. and work in fast-paced environments.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and game days.
Education & Experience Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Physical Education, or related field preferred.
- Previous experience as an equipment manager, athletic operations assistant, or similar role.
- AEMA (Athletic Equipment Managers Association) certification preferred or willingness to obtain.
Eligibility to Work in the United States
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Work Environment
- Gymnasiums, locker rooms, athletic fields, and equipment storage facilities.
- Requires physical activity including lifting, carrying, bending, and extended walking.
- Fast-paced with frequent interaction with athletes, coaches, and staff.
- Travel may be required for away games or tournaments.
Equal Opportunity Statement
[Your Organization Name] is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any protected classification.
Additional Information
- Seasonal periods may require extended or irregular hours.
- Background checks may be required depending on institutional policy.
- Reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and application to [Insert Application Email or Job Link].
TEMPLATE 2.
Location: [City, State]
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Us
[Your Organization Name] supports athletic programs with high-quality equipment management, safety, and customer service. We are seeking a dependable Athletic Equipment Manager to assist athletes and coaches across multiple sports.
Job Summary
The Athletic Equipment Manager is responsible for issuing, organizing, maintaining, and tracking athletic equipment and uniforms. This role ensures athletes receive properly fitted and safe gear while supporting practices, games, and overall athletic operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Issue, collect, and inventory athletic equipment and uniforms
- Maintain, clean, and perform basic repairs on gear
- Track equipment using logs or inventory software
- Assist athletes with proper fitting of protective equipment
- Coordinate with coaches for equipment needs and game-day support
- Manage storage areas and organize equipment efficiently
- Communicate shortages, repairs, and purchases to supervisors
Qualifications
- Experience in equipment management, athletics, or related roles preferred
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Ability to lift 40–50 lbs. and perform physical tasks
- Basic mechanical or repair skills a plus
- Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and game days
Eligibility to Work in the U.S.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
How to Apply
Submit your resume to [Insert Application Email or Job Link].
Athletic Equipment Manager Job Description for Resume
If you have worked before as an athletic equipment manager or are presently working in that role and are making a resume or CV for a new job, then you can create a compelling Professional Experience for your resume by applying the sample athletic equipment manager job description provided above.
You can express the duties and responsibilities you have carried out as an athletic equipment manager in your resume’s Professional Experience by utilizing the ones provided in the above athletic equipment manager job description example.
This will show to the recruiter/employer that you have been successful working as an athletic equipment manager, which can boost your chances of getting the new job, especially if it requires someone with some athletic equipment manager work experience.
Conclusion
This post has provided detailed coverage of the athletic equipment manager job description, highlighting the major responsibilities and duties that they typically perform.
Individuals interested in becoming an athletic equipment manager will find this post helpful in learning about what they do and the job requirements they need to meet to be able to work as an athletic equipment m.
Employers needing to hire competent individuals for the athletic equipment manager position will also find this article beneficial.
They can apply any of the athletic equipment manager job description templates provided on this page in making a detailed one, for use in attracting the best talent to their organization.
