Manager (Pro Sports)
かんとく（ぷろすぽーつ）
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
The manager of a professional sports team plays a role in managing the team to improve overall performance and achieve victories through formulating match strategies, player utilization, planning and instructing practice schedules, and more.
Description
Professional sports managers formulate and issue tactics toward team victories, design and instruct practice menus to maximize player potential. During matches, they make real-time situational judgments for player substitutions and tactical changes. They also collaborate with staff and front office on team composition and scouting, while handling media relations and fan communication.
Future Outlook
With the expansion of the professional sports market and advances in data utilization, demand for managers with tactical analysis skills and data literacy is expected to increase. Additionally, individuals with experience in overseas leagues or other sports are gaining higher evaluation.
Personality Traits
Excels in judgment / Has leadership / Mentally strong / Sociable
Work Style
Domestic and international travel / Full-time / Irregular hours / Media handling / Seasonal
Career Path
Assistant coach → Coach → Manager → Sports director → General manager
Required Skills
Communication skills / Game management / Player development / Tactical planning
Recommended Skills
Cross-cultural and diversity handling / Motivation management / Performance analysis
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Because frequent tactical adjustments in response to opponents and changing situations are required. |
| Communication Skills | Because smooth communication with players, staff, and media directly impacts wins and losses. |
| Initiative & Leadership | Because leadership is required to lead the entire team and act through one's own judgment. |
| Planning & Organization | Because it is necessary to oversee and construct practice plans and match strategies for the entire season. |
| Problem Solving | Because accurate judgments and solutions must be found during matches or in troubles. |
| Stress Tolerance | Because one bears responsibility for match results and must make calm judgments under high pressure. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because advanced mathematical analysis often relies on specialized staff. |
Related Qualifications
- Coach License certified by the sports governing body
- JFA Certified A Grade Coach License
Aliases
- Head coach
- Team manager
Related Jobs
- Coach (sports)
- General manager
- Sports manager
- Trainer