Head of Academy in Sunderland

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of English football’s most historic and strategically important Category 1 academies at a moment of genuine evolution. The club is seeking a Head of Academy to build on strong operational foundations and lead the next phase of the academy’s journey — one defined by elite player recruitment, accelerated development, and consistent progression into first-team football or high-value professional outcomes. With robust safeguarding, education, and operational structures already in place, this role is not about firefighting or rebuilding systems. It is about raising the ceiling: attracting better players, strengthening recruitment and development across the pathway and ensuring the academy consistently produces players capable of impacting the first team or the wider professional game.

The Role

• As a senior member of the Football Management Team, you will:

• Set the strategic direction of a Category 1 academy with a clear focus on player outcomes
• Work alongside the Academy recruitment team across talent identification, recruitment, retention, and transition strategy, working closely with Academy scouts on earlier age groups and with the Recruitment team on transition ages (U18–U21)
• Shape a player-centric development model that accelerates readiness for first-team football or successful loan pathways
• Provide clear leadership and direction to recruitment, scouting, and coaching functions — without needing to be a full-time match-going scout
• Foster a high-performance culture that balances elite standards, care, and ambition
• Work in close partnership with an experienced operational leadership team to uphold EPPP, safeguarding, and compliance standards, while delegating day-to-day delivery appropriately

This is a role for a leader who understands that great academies are built on both structure and instinct — and who knows when to push, when to protect, and when to evolve.

Key Areas of Impact

• Talent & Recruitment

• Support the academy’s strategic recruitment approach across all age groups, working alongside Academy scouts on younger players and aligning with the Recruitment team at transition ages.
• Define priority player profiles and squad gaps
• Position the club as a compelling destination for elite young talent in a highly competitive market

• Ensure clear, individualised development pathways
• Oversee progression into U21, first team, and external loan environments
• Drive measurable outcomes in first-team integration and player value creation

• Influence and elevate coaching standards alongside the Head of Coaching
• Embed a coaching culture focused on learning, adaptability, and performance acceleration

• Uphold the highest standards in safeguarding, welfare, and education
• Live and promote EPPP, FA, and Premier League requirements
• Build trust with players, families, staff, and senior stakeholders

The Profile

We are open-minded on background, but this role will suit someone who brings gravitas, clarity, and modern academy leadership. You are likely to have:

• Senior experience within a Category 1/2/3/4 academy or elite youth environment
• A strong track record in talent ID, recruitment strategy, and/or player transition
• The ability to lead through influence rather than micromanagement
• Comfort operating in a high-expectation, seven-day professional football environment

Qualifications

• UEFA A Licence or UEFA Elite Youth A (Premier League requirement). Candidates actively working toward this will be considered
• Enhanced DBS and full safeguarding compliance (required)

Location & Commitment

• Relocation to the region is strongly preferred
• If not relocating, the role must be treated as a full-commitment, club-first position, not a remote or hybrid leadership role

Why This Role Stands Out

• Category 1 academy with strong operational foundations already in place
• Clear mandate to shape the future, not simply maintain the present
• Senior leadership alignment around recruitment-led evolution
• Genuine opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on player outcomes

Application & Process

The Executives in Sport Group are retained on behalf of Sunderland AFC to manage this appointment. All direct applications and CVs will be forwarded to the Executives in Sport Group. If this opportunity is of interest, please apply with a copy of your CV.

As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, we ask that applicants complete our diversity monitoring form. You are not obliged to answer any of these questions; however, the more information you provide, the more effective our monitoring will be. All information supplied is anonymous and will not be viewed by recruiting managers.

Please note that due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide specific feedback on unsuccessful applications.