After graduating with a Master of Business Studies from Massey University in New Zealand, McConnell joined the International Olympic Committee Sport Department in 1996 then moved to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Organising Committee in 1998 and 1999 as Manager, Sport Operations.

He re-joined the IOC as Manager, Sport Operations from 2000-2002, focusing on the delivery of sport at Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games. In 2003, Kit joined the International Rugby Board (IRB) and following the Rugby World Cup Tournament (RWC) 2003 headed the newly formed RWC Department. Since 2004 was the Head of Rugby World Cup and RWC Tournament Director, overseeing Rugby World Cup Ltd's operational delivery of France 2007, New Zealand 2011 and was based in London for the RWC 2015.

Kit McConnell currently serves as the IOC’s Sports Director. In the role, one of his chief responsibilities includes supporting athlete focused programmes on behalf of the IOC and the Olympic Movement, which aim to help athletes both on and off the field of play. Kit also leads the work of the IOC in their relations with the International Federations and the Local Organising Committees on the delivery of sport during the Olympic Games.