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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: Join a dynamic team and drive innovation in player scouting.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the club's success and player development.
- Qualifications: Experience in football recruitment and strong market knowledge required.
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) in City of London 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) in City of London
✨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 to reach out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your recruitment successes, player assessments, and any innovative strategies you've implemented. This will give you an edge when discussing your experience with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the club’s playing philosophy and recent transfer activities. Tailor your responses to demonstrate how your skills align with their needs. We want to see that you’re not just a fit, but 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 take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace 1st Team Lead Recruitment Specialist (Ref: 196527) in City of London
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.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for football and how your skills can help shape the club’s squad strategy.
Showcase Your Network: Don’t forget to mention your connections within the football industry. Deep relationships with agents can be a game-changer, so let us know who you know and how you can leverage those connections.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates!
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 passionate about football but also well-informed.
✨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, and be ready to explain your approach to combining data analytics with traditional scouting methods. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves working closely with senior football staff, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex ideas simply, especially when discussing player assessments and recruitment strategies. Good communication is key!
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your existing relationships with agents and other stakeholders in the football industry. Be prepared to discuss how these connections can benefit the club. Showing that you have a network can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your ability to navigate the recruitment landscape.