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- Tasks: Lead recruitment for first-team players and shape squad strategy.
- Company: Ambitious professional football club in the EFL.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for strategic influence and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the club's success and player development.
- Qualifications: Experience in football recruitment and strong market knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
An ambitious professional football club competing in the EFL is seeking to appoint a 1st Team Lead Recruitment Specialist to play a key role in shaping its short- and long-term squad strategy. This is a senior, high-impact position working closely with the club’s football leadership to identify, evaluate, and secure talent aligned with the club’s playing philosophy and financial framework.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the identification and recruitment of first-team player targets across domestic and international markets
- Build and maintain a robust scouting network, combining live, video, and data-led insights
- Deliver detailed player assessments, including technical, tactical, physical, and psychological profiling
- Work collaboratively with senior football staff to align recruitment with the club’s playing style and squad needs
- Support transfer negotiations through market intelligence, benchmarking, and due diligence
- Drive continuous improvement in recruitment processes, tools, and reporting standards
- Monitor emerging markets and trends to maintain competitive advantage
Candidate Profile
- Proven experience in football recruitment, scouting, or player trading at professional level
- Strong understanding of the UK and international player markets – specifically The English Championship and League One
- Ability to integrate data analytics with traditional scouting methodologies
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strategic thinker with strong decision-making capability under pressure
- High level of discretion and professionalism
- Deep relationships with agents
1st Team Lead Recruitment Specialist (Ref: 196527) employer: Forsyth Barnes
Contact Detail:
Forsyth Barnes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 1st Team Lead Recruitment Specialist (Ref: 196527)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the football industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can highlight your recruitment successes, player assessments, and any innovative strategies you've implemented. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the club's playing philosophy and recent transfer activities. We want you to demonstrate your understanding of their needs and how you can contribute to their squad strategy. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, get your application in and let’s make some magic happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace 1st Team Lead Recruitment Specialist (Ref: 196527)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of 1st Team Lead Recruitment Specialist. Highlight your experience in football recruitment and any relevant achievements that align with the club's needs. We want to see how you can contribute to our squad strategy!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills match the job description. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for football and recruitment, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Network: Don’t forget to mention your connections within the football industry. If you have strong relationships with agents or insights into player markets, make that clear! We value candidates who can leverage their network to identify top talent.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forsyth Barnes
✨Know Your Football Markets
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the UK and international player markets, especially The English Championship and League One. Being able to discuss recent transfers, emerging talents, and market trends will show that you're not just familiar with the game but also deeply engaged with the recruitment landscape.
✨Showcase Your Scouting Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in football recruitment and scouting. Bring examples of how you've identified and evaluated talent in the past. Highlight any successful player trades or signings you've been involved in, as this will demonstrate your ability to deliver results in a high-impact role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves working closely with senior football staff, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to explain how you would align recruitment strategies with the club’s playing philosophy. Good communication can set you apart, so don’t shy away from showcasing your stakeholder management skills.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Insights
With the increasing importance of data analytics in recruitment, be prepared to discuss how you integrate data with traditional scouting methods. Share specific examples of how data has influenced your decision-making process in the past, and be ready to suggest ways to improve recruitment processes using data-led insights.