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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Academy Recruitment team to identify and secure top young football talent.
- Company: Join the iconic Manchester United, a global leader in football excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy wellness support, exclusive discounts, gym access, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of football by shaping the next generation of players.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in football recruitment and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with a commitment to personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
HEAD OF ACADEMY RECRUITMENT
Location: Carrington Training Complex – (with regional, Uk & international travel)
At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.
We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.
The Role
The Head of Academy Recruitment plays a key role in ensuring the delivery of an Academy Scouting and Recruitment Department focused on identifying and recruiting the best young talent regionally, nationally, and internationally who have the potential to progress through the Academy pathway and ultimately play for Manchester United’s First Team.
The role is responsible for leading the Academy’s recruitment strategy, building strong relationships across the football landscape, and managing a team of scouts to ensure that Manchester United consistently attracts, assesses, and secures players of the highest calibre while upholding the Club’s values and safeguarding responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement the Academy’s recruitment strategy aligned with Manchester United’s philosophy.
- Lead and manage the recruitment team, ensuring high-quality talent identification.
- Integrate local talent pathways with Foundation, Youth, and Professional Development Phases.
- Collaborate with Academy Director and Head Coaches on recruitment needs.
Talent Identification & Recruitment
- Build networks with clubs, federations, agents, schools, and grassroots programs to identify elite players.
- Oversee scouting, video analysis, and data-driven evaluation.
- Ensure recruitment aligns with coaching departments through Performance & Potential processes.
- Maintain evidence-based reporting and track recruitment effectiveness.
Operational & Compliance
- Ensure all activity meets EPPP, safeguarding, and internal governance standards.
- Maintain accurate recruitment databases and player target lists.
- Collaborate with Operations and Safeguarding teams to ensure best practices.
- Manage Performance and Development Reviews for recruitment staff.
Collaboration & Relationships
- Work closely with Academy and UK/National Scouting leadership to align recruitment strategies.
- Liaise professionally with families, agents, and external stakeholders.
- Represent the Academy at events and promote Manchester United positively.
Leadership & Development
- Contribute to Academy leadership, culture, and strategic decisions.
- Mentor and develop scouting staff, fostering continuous improvement, innovation, and inclusivity.
- Uphold Manchester United’s brand, standards, and professional conduct at all times.
Compliance & Conduct
- Adhere to the Academy Scouting Code of Conduct and all club policies.
- Maintain confidentiality and safeguard the club’s reputation.
Key Relationships
Director of Football, Director of Recruitment, Academy Director, Recruitment Managers, Scouts, Analysts, and Technical Staff.
The Person Skills & Experience
- Proven leadership experience in elite football recruitment, scouting, or player development.
- Strong analytical skills, with experience in performance analysis and data-driven decision-making.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Detailed knowledge of Premier League, Football League, and EPPP regulations.
- Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of recruitment and scouting professionals.
- Strong organisational skills, with experience managing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
What We Offer:
At Manchester United, We Recognise That Our People Are At The Heart Of Our Success. That’s Why We Offer a Range Of Rewards Designed To Support Your Professional And Personal Well-being
- Annual incentive scheme
- Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
- Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
- Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
- Enhanced family Leave Benefits and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
- Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
- A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth
Our Commitment To You
At Manchester United, we believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Ready to Join Us?
If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please submit your application by Monday 3rd November.
Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.
If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.
It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.
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Head of Academy Recruitment employer: Manchester United
Contact Detail:
Manchester United Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Academy Recruitment
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the football world! Attend events, engage on social media, and build relationships with scouts, coaches, and agents. The more connections you have, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your passion for football shine through! Share your insights on talent identification and recruitment strategies. They want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview. Know the club’s values, recent achievements, and their recruitment philosophy. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It shows you’re serious about joining Manchester United and gives you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academy Recruitment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for football and recruitment shine through. We want to see how your enthusiasm aligns with our vision at Manchester United, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Head of Academy Recruitment. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in scouting or player development that demonstrate your fit for the position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows you’re serious about joining us at Manchester United.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester United
✨Know the Club's Philosophy
Before your interview, dive deep into Manchester United's values and philosophy. Understand how they translate into the Academy's recruitment strategy. This will help you align your vision with theirs and show that you're genuinely passionate about contributing to their success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Academy Recruitment, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or project. Highlight how you motivated others and achieved results, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Be Data-Driven
Given the emphasis on data-driven decision-making in the role, come prepared to discuss your experience with performance analysis and scouting metrics. Bring specific examples of how you've used data to identify talent or improve recruitment processes in previous roles.
✨Build Relationships
Networking is key in this role. Be ready to talk about how you've built and maintained relationships with clubs, agents, and other stakeholders. Share strategies you've used to foster collaboration and trust, as this will be crucial for success in the Academy's recruitment efforts.
