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Sports Management Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role Overview The Management Trainee position is the perfect career opportunity for the sports and outdoor enthusiast. The qualities of our team members serve as a foundation for future growth, and ...

Role Overview The Management Trainee position is the perfect career opportunity for the sports and outdoor enthusiast. The qualities of our team members serve as a foundation for future growth, and ...

Role Overview The Management Trainee position is the perfect career opportunity for the sports and outdoor enthusiast. The qualities of our team members serve as a foundation for future growth, and ...

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Sports Management Trainee information

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$36

How much do sports management trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports management trainee in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sports Management Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sports Management Trainee, you need a foundational understanding of sports business, event planning, and marketing, typically supported by a relevant degree or coursework in sports management or business. Familiarity with sports management software, CRM systems, and basic data analysis tools is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively and adapt to the fast-paced sports environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for efficiently supporting operations, building relationships, and driving organizational success in the sports industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Sports Management Trainees during their early career?

Sports Management Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced environments, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and meeting tight deadlines, especially during peak seasons. They may also need to quickly learn industry-specific software and develop strong communication skills to coordinate with coaches, athletes, and other departments. Navigating these challenges with resilience and a willingness to learn can help trainees build a solid foundation for future advancement in the sports industry.

What is a Sports Management Trainee?

A Sports Management Trainee is an entry-level professional who learns the various aspects of managing sports organizations, events, teams, or facilities. Trainees typically rotate through different departments such as marketing, operations, sales, and event management to gain hands-on experience. The goal is to develop the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a long-term career in sports management. These roles are ideal for recent graduates or individuals looking to break into the sports industry, offering valuable networking opportunities and practical training.

How to get into sports management with no experience?

Sports management trainees often start by gaining relevant knowledge through degrees in sports management, business, or related fields. Internships, volunteering at sports events, and networking with industry professionals can provide practical experience and connections, making it easier to enter the field without prior experience.

What is the difference between Sports Management Trainee vs Sports Coordinator?

AspectSports Management TraineeSports Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in sports management, business, or related fieldBachelor's degree, often with experience in event management or sports administration
Work EnvironmentInternship or entry-level training programs within sports organizationsOrganizing events, managing teams, coordinating schedules
Employer & Industry UsageSports clubs, academies, sports management firmsSports teams, event organizers, sports facilities

The main difference is that a Sports Management Trainee is typically an entry-level position focused on training and learning about sports management, while a Sports Coordinator is responsible for executing specific events and coordinating activities within sports organizations. Trainees often undergo structured programs, whereas coordinators handle day-to-day operational tasks.

More about Sports Management Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Sports Management Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Sports Management Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Management jobs? The most popular types of Sports Management jobs are:
What states have the most Sports Management Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Sports Management Trainee jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sports Management Trainee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sports Management Trainee jobs are:
Infographic showing various Sports Management Trainee job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,990 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Assistant Manager Trainee - Full-time

Assistant Manager Trainee - Full-time

Big 5 LLC

Gresham, OR

$17.35 - $17.85/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Big 5 Sporting Goods rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

575th of 710 rated retailers


Job description

With nearly 400 stores across the western United States, Big 5 Sporting Goods is the neighborhood store that gets you ready to play. For over 70 years, everything we do comes down to having the most energetic, sports-minded individual on our team.

Role Overview

The Management Trainee position is the perfect career opportunity for the sports and outdoor enthusiast. The qualities of our team members serve as a foundation for future growth, and our managers provide leadership and direction to the entire store team.

Our Manager Trainee gains knowledge and experience required for promotion to higher management positions under direction of experienced personnel, by performing the following duties personally or through subordinates. When you join Big 5, you will enjoy a fast-paced work environment with opportunities for growth. This entry-level position is purposely designed to be transitory and generally lasts 6-18 months after promotion to the next level. A well-defined training program will be provided to help you develop your way into a management position. Candidates who apply for this position should be enthusiastic, energetic, sports-minded people with solid customer service backgrounds and/or educational paths well-suited for the industry.

Primary Duties

  • Provide excellent customer service and assist customers throughout the store
  • Driving sales
  • Answer phone calls and respond to customer inquiries
  • Recommend products and suggest add-on sales
  • Direct oversight of footwear and advertising programs, and other departments
  • Merchandising and compliance of all company policies
  • Setting promotional signage
  • Checking and retrieving merchandise from stockroom as needed
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked sales floor
  • Receive merchandise shipment
  • Assist with store opening and closing procedures
  • Training newly hired associates
  • Directing sales and cashier associates throughout the store
  • Inventory control and enforcement of loss prevention policies
  • Enforcement of all company policies
  • Performs or may perform additional duties as assigned by management and supervision

Position Requirements

  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Must possess basic organizational and/or applicable math skills
  • Detail-oriented and reliable
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Basic knowledge of sporting goods is a plus
  • Must possess High School diploma, GED, or High School Equivalency Exam
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Upon accepting a position offered, candidate will be subject to E-Verify
  • Light to moderate lifting may be required, with or without reasonable accommodation

Benefits

Dental, Medical, Vision Insurance, Savings and Profit-Sharing Plan-401k/Roth IRA, Paid Personal Time Off, Sick Leave, Vacation, Company-sponsored Education Assistance,

Employee Merchandise Discount, Employee Referral Program, Company Paid Life Insurance, Ticket Discounts to Top Attractions and Events, Pet Insurance, Kinecta Credit Union Membership.

Pay Scale: $17.35 - $17.85 per hour


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