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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the recruitment of high-potential players aged U16-U21 and develop talent strategies.
- Company: Join Oxford United Football Club, a progressive and successful team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young talent and shape the future of football.
- Qualifications: Experience in scouting, strong networks, and excellent understanding of player development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a chance to innovate in recruitment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About The Role
Oxford United Football Club are currently looking to recruit a Head of Emerging Talent (U16-U21) to join their successful and progressive recruitment department. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering the club's emerging talent strategy, leading the identification and recruitment of high-potential players across domestic and European markets.
Main Duties
- Lead the Emerging Talent recruitment strategy to drive the identification, acquisition and long-term value of players within the U16-U21 age groups.
- Identify, monitor and evaluate emerging talent players (U16-U21) in line with the club's playing philosophy.
- Contribute to the club's medium and long-term squad planning by identifying emerging talent aligned with positional needs and succession pathways.
- Conduct live and video scouting across the Club's target markets.
- Produce accurate and timely scouting reports, following club templates and grading frameworks.
- Lead and manage the end-to-end loan process for young players, including monitoring of performance and progression during the loan period.
- Develop and maintain a strong network of contacts to support player identification and enhance the club's loan and recruitment strategies.
- Utilise the club's recruitment data platforms and dashboards to support objective player identification, working collaboratively with Data Analysts.
- Support the club's end-to-end recruitment process, contributing to recruitment meetings and the decision-making process.
- Maintain regular communication with the Head of Recruitment, Head of Scouting, Head of Academy Recruitment and wider recruitment department.
- Assist in identifying opportunities for department innovation, process development and best-practice systems.
About The Candidate
Essential
- Proven experience of scouting within the EFL.
- Strong professional networks and industry contacts.
- Excellent understanding of technical, tactical and physical development principles for younger players.
- High level of football tactical and technical understanding with an excellent knowledge of the game.
- Up-to-date knowledge of relevant Government, FIFA, UEFA and FA regulations relating to player recruitment and registration.
- Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team environment.
- Exceptional work ethic and attention to detail.
- Ability to work flexible hours and ability to travel nationwide with occasional international travel.
- Full and clean driving licence.
- Up-to-date DBS check.
- High degree of computer literacy, experience using scouting systems such as BeSoccerPro, Impect, Statsbomb, Hudl and Wyscout.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
Desirable
- BSc (Hons) Degree or similar in sports related subject.
- UEFA B Coaching Licence or equivalent.
- FA Talent ID Level 3 & 4 or equivalent (or working towards).
- Experience working within an EPPP environment.
Head of Emerging Talent (U16-U21) employer: EFL
Contact Detail:
EFL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Emerging Talent (U16-U21)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the football industry! Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to your contacts. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities.
✨Show Off Your Scouting Skills
When you get the chance, showcase your scouting reports and insights. Whether it’s through social media or networking events, let others see your expertise in identifying talent. This can really set you apart from the competition!
✨Stay Updated on Trends
Keep yourself in the loop with the latest trends in player recruitment and development. Follow relevant news, subscribe to industry newsletters, and engage with thought leaders. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions and impress potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Us
Don’t forget to apply for the Head of Emerging Talent position directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Emerging Talent (U16-U21)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Talent Development: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for scouting and developing young talent shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission at Oxford United Football Club, so share specific examples of how you've identified and nurtured emerging players in the past.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience in scouting within the EFL and any strong networks you have. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their skills directly to what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the Head of Emerging Talent position. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at EFL
✨Know Your Football Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of football tactics and player development principles. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to the U16-U21 age groups, as well as how they align with the club's playing philosophy.
✨Network Like a Pro
Leverage your professional contacts in the football industry. Before the interview, think about how you can showcase your existing network and how it can benefit the club's recruitment strategy. Mention specific contacts or collaborations that could enhance player identification.
✨Showcase Your Scouting Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with scouting, especially within the EFL. Bring examples of scouting reports you've produced and be ready to explain your evaluation process. Highlight any tools or systems you've used, like BeSoccerPro or Hudl, to support your findings.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with various departments, be prepared to talk about your experience in multi-disciplinary teams. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others to achieve common goals, particularly in recruitment and player development.