Technical Partnerships Controller (Non-Retail)

Overview

Technical Partnerships Controller (Non-Retail) at Chelsea Football Club. Permanent, Full Time role based at Stamford Bridge. Responsible for managing all non-retail Nike club orders and serving as the central point of contact for Nike product coordination across Sporting and Commercial departments.

Role involves ensuring timely allocation and delivery of technical kit to Men’s, Women’s, U21s and Academy teams, overseeing staff kit distribution, and supporting commercial kit needs within budget. Prior experience in sports apparel logistics, supplier management, and working in a fast-paced environment is required.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. The position may be filled before the closing date if a suitable candidate is found.

Role Purpose

• Manage all non-retail Nike club orders and act as the main point of contact for Nike products and development across Sporting and Commercial departments.
• Oversee allocation and timely delivery of technical kit for Men’s and Women’s teams, U21s and Academy, ensuring needs are met efficiently and on time.
• Manage staff kit allocations and maintain accurate records of all allocations throughout the season.
• Ensure commercial divisions are supported with kit allocation within budget, liaising with the merchandise department for any additional needs.
• Provide best-in-class service to Sporting & Commercial teams and act as the interface back into Nike to manage and report YTD season tracking.

Role Dimension

• Sporting & Technical
• Manage annual Gift of Kit (GOK) budget across Men’s, Women’s and Academy teams and other non-retail stock orders (stock value £2.8m for 24/25 season).
• Meet with Club kit leads and Nike to review stock holdings and balances.
• Liaise with kitmen on annual Gift Of Kit orders and stock management.
• Ensure all team kit and related products comply with Sporting Regulations and Chelsea & Nike brand guidelines.
• Participate in product reviews with Nike to ensure club needs are met and issues addressed proactively.

• Main Contact for Nike Orders
• Build and maintain strong collaboration with Nike, upholding Chelsea’s requirements in all orders and deliveries.
• Liaise directly with Nike on ordering, calling-off and delivery across departments per season schedules.
• Manage internal order and sign-off process for all departments in line with Nike systems.

• Commercial & Staff Kit Management & Allocations
• Support internal club departments on Nike product requests, ordering, calling-off and delivery.
• Manage longer-term plans for GOK stock management and stock control tool to monitor receipt and distribution per member, department or function.

• Orderbook Management & Reporting
• Regular review meetings with club and Nike accounts.
• Forecast and review all department spend against budget with Finance Director and Heads of Department.
• Stock control of merchandise within signing department (£125k), covering pre-season, signing department and internal stock requests.
• Manage TSM system to keep non-retail merch records up to date.

• Signed & Gifted Stock
• Forecast, stock management and reporting of all Signed and Gifted items (currently over 3,500).
• Move stock between Cobham and Stamford Bridge to ensure availability for events/activities.
• Support Player Signing sessions to meet obligations with stakeholders.
• Storage and timely distribution of signed and gifted stock; end-to-end tracking.
• Ad hoc stock counts and quarterly finance recharges and stock valuation reviews.

Other Responsibilities

• Carry out other reasonable duties as requested by line manager or senior managers.
• Work flexible hours, including matchday evenings/weekends and events.

Must Haves / Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar role, ideally within a sport/entertainment environment or sportwear brand.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and communications.
• High attention to detail for kit allocations, order specifications and inventory records.
• Experience in order processing and stock management with proficiency in order management and inventory software.
• Proactive problem-solving approach and ability to drive efficiencies.
• Knowledge of technical aspects of sports apparel (materials, sizing, durability, functionality).
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly in high-pressure situations (branding deadlines, shortages, shipping delays).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships at all levels.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and retail software; experience with EPOS systems is desirable.
• Access to a vehicle and willingness/ability to travel between Club sites (Cobham Training Ground and Stamford Bridge).

Skills & Behaviours

• Extremely well organized with attention to detail and forward planning.
• Strong people skills and ability to influence decisions and nurture teams.
• Proactive with drive to improve and increase efficiency within the unit.
• Adaptable with a flexible approach to achieve results in a changing environment.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Chelsea FC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and believes diversity is a strength. We give full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. If reasonable adjustments are needed in the recruitment process, please contact the recruiter.

Chelsea FC and the Foundation are committed to safeguarding. All successful applicants may be required to undergo a DBS check and other appropriate screenings where applicable.

This Job Description is not exhaustive; duties may vary over time according to the Club’s needs.

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