At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead recruitment for first-team players and build a strong scouting network.
- Company: Ambitious professional football club competing in the EFL.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence club strategy and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of football by securing top talent for the team.
- 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
- 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 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 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 about reaching 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 show how your skills align with their needs. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about the club’s vision.
✨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 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 job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our club!
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 our needs. Be sure to mention your understanding of the UK and international player markets, as that's key for us.
Showcase Your Scouting Network: In your application, don’t forget to mention your scouting network and any relationships you've built with agents. This is crucial for the role, so let us know how you can leverage these connections to benefit our club.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join 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 both 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 its dynamics.
✨Showcase Your Scouting Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in football recruitment or scouting. Bring specific examples of players you've identified and how you assessed their fit for a team. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver detailed player assessments and your understanding of technical, tactical, physical, and psychological profiling.
✨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 style and squad needs. Good communication can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be a Strategic Thinker
Prepare to discuss how you approach decision-making under pressure. Think of scenarios where you had to make quick yet strategic choices in recruitment or negotiations. Highlighting your strategic thinking capabilities will resonate well with the club's leadership and their need for a high-impact team member.