Head of Academy Scouting & Recruitment (South of England) in London

Job Location: Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ

Contract Type: Full-time

Who we are:

We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees. We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.

About this role:

To develop and manage Academy Scouting & Recruitment across the South of England, covering all Academy age groups. To identify and secure talent for Crystal Palace FC within this region, and to align scouting and recruitment processes throughout the Academy in line with Club strategy and EPPP requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and lead Academy Scouting & Recruitment activity across the South of England region
• Set and monitor KPIs for scouts and recruitment staff operating within the South region
• Maintain and continually update a database/shortlist of priority targets across U13-U21 groups within the South
• Oversee the transition and integration process for newly signed players from the South region into the Academy
• Liaise with the Director of Academy Recruitment on recruitment strategy, targets and performance
• Chair regular meetings with coaches across all Academy phases to align on player targets and priorities
• Lead decision-making on player acquisitions, sales and purchases originating from the South region
• Plan and allocate fixture coverage across the South region
• Organise scouts' schedules, showcase games and regional talent events across the South region
• Build and maintain relationships with schools and leagues across the South of England to strengthen the Club's regional network and pathway
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager

Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

• FA Emergency Aid Certificate
• Strong network of contacts within football recruitment, particularly across the South of England
• Excellent knowledge and experience of the football environment in relation to player recruitment and the regulations governing it (including EPPP)
• Excellent IT skills and a clear understanding of recruitment software packages such as Wyscout
• A proven track record of successfully identifying and recruiting players across all age groups within an Academy system
• Full, valid UK driving licence
• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrable enthusiasm and commitment to achieving agreed objectives
• High level of discretion and confidentiality
• FA Talent ID Level 2
• Previous experience managing a department within an Academy environment
• Strong knowledge of the geographical catchment area for potential players across the South of England, and a clear understanding of the local clubs and leagues within that region
• Post-holder will be subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level and cleared by the Crystal Palace Safeguarding Manager

Benefits:

• Complimentary match day ticket
• Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app
• Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme
• 20% Discount in our Retail Stores
• Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex
• Volunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice
• Travel Season Ticket loan
• Holiday allowance: 25 Days

Our commitment to Equality:

At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity. We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.

Reasonable Adjustment:

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone. If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us. We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.

Safeguarding:

Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.