Equipment Manager

Job Title: Equipment Manager

Department: Hockey Operations

Location: Chicago / Blackhawks Ice Center (100% In-Office)

Status: Exempt

Reports to: General Manager

Compensation: The annual budgeted salary for this position is $50,000.

The Chicago Steel is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases.

Role Summary:

Take the next step in your hockey career with “The Dopest Non-NHL Franchise in Hockey” (Elite Prospects) as the Equipment Manager for the Chicago Steel, working with future NHL and NCAA talent. The successful candidate will perform all functions of a USHL Equipment Manager at all team practices, preseason training camp, preseason, regular season and playoff games, and the team’s Tryout Camp in June. This individual will be responsible for ensuring that all players and staff members have the equipment and apparel they need. The individual should possess excellent interpersonal skills, a strong sense of professionalism, and the ability and desire to work traditional and non-traditional hours including nights, weekends and holidays. Skate sharpening experience at a high level is a must.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee ordering and inventory management of all equipment and player/coach apparel, keeping a detailed inventory in each equipment category

• Sharpen skate blades for players and coaches (as needed)

• Manage hockey equipment and player/coach apparel budgets, maintaining a detailed equipment budget on excel spreadsheet and sending monthly updates to team President

• Ensure timely repair/replacement of player equipment, providing in-game fixes whenever possible

• Serve as team’s main point of contact with USHL equipment provider Bauer and all other team equipment/apparel providers

• Manage the appearance of the team’s locker room, player lounge and equipment rooms, ensuring consistent cleanliness, and prepare for visits by recruits, affiliates and practice players

• Prepare for all practices and games including laundry, skate sharpening, sewing and other player and team equipment needs

• Purchase necessary locker room/lounge supplies and cleaning supplies

• Serve as liaison between Steel and visiting team’s equipment manager

• Assist Hockey Operations Manager with road trips itineraries and needs including load-in time, dressing room availability, laundry, training table and other necessities

• Communicate with business operations staff for all jersey/equipment/autograph requests for charity auctions, media obligations and community events

• Follow all USHL game night requirements for home and visiting teams and officials

• Attend all team practices, home and road games (including all road trips) and select team events as determined by Head Coach

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree (recommended)

• Minimum 1 year of successful equipment management in sports or related industry including skate sharpening (required), sewing and a familiarity with the needs of hockey players and coaches

• Strong sense of professionalism and friendly in-person demeanor

• The desire to embrace a team-first mentality in a player-centric organization

• Ability to work traditional and non-traditional hours. This will include some nights, weekends and holidays

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel

• Ability to work in fast-paced environment while juggling many tasks at once. Excellent time management is required

• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with position including lifting and moving boxes

What It’s Like Working Here:
At the Chicago Steel, our commitment to development isn’t just on the ice. While our shared goal is to advance the next generation of hockey players, we are fiercely dedicated to ensuring all of our employees are equipped with the tools to not only be successful, but thrive in their career. With a fun, collaborative culture and plenty of room for impact, the Chicago Steel is the perfect place for any sports business professional eager to find a people-driven home and great opportunity for growth and advancement.

Perks and Benefits:

Competitive total rewards package, full benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, paid life insurance), comprehensive PTO package, social events, volunteer opportunities, focused learning and development, and access to United Center events.

The Team:

The Chicago Steel, members of the United States Hockey League (USHL) are one of the most decorated junior hockey teams in the world in recent years.

In September 2026, the Steel will begin their inaugural season at the brand new USG Arena inside the newly expanded Blackhawks Ice Center.

Since 2015, the Steel have won two Clark Cup Championships (2017 and 2021), two Anderson Cup Championships (regular season titles), and three conference championships. Since the inaugural 2000-2001 season, nearly 400 Chicago Steel players have played Division I hockey, and 63 Steel alumni have been selected in the NHL draft, including seven first-round selections. Off the ice, the Steel boasts a vibrant, aspirational staff dedicated to continued attendance growth built on providing an outstanding fan experience.