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- Tasks: Lead the recruitment strategy to find the best young football talent for Manchester United.
- Company: Join the iconic Manchester United, a global leader in football excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy wellness support, exclusive discounts, gym access, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive work environment with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of football by nurturing young talent.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in football recruitment and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Academy Recruitment role at The Association of Professional Football Analysis
Full Time Carrington Training Complex | Posted on October 20, 2025 | Closes: November 3, 2025
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: The Association of Professional Football Analysis
Contact Detail:
The Association of Professional Football Analysis 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 industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to scouts or coaches. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with someone from the club, let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about your love for the game and how you align with Manchester United’s values. Passion is contagious, and it can make a lasting impression.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview. Know the club’s history, their recruitment strategies, and current players. Being well-informed shows you’re serious about the role and helps you stand out from the crowd.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining the team at Manchester United.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academy Recruitment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Academy Recruitment role. Highlight your relevant experience in football recruitment and how it aligns with Manchester United's values and goals.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past and how you can inspire others to achieve excellence.
Be Data-Driven: Given the importance of performance analysis in this role, include any experience you have with data-driven decision-making. Mention specific tools or methods you've used to evaluate talent effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that your application is processed efficiently and allows us to keep track of all candidates easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Association of Professional Football Analysis
✨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 answers with their vision and demonstrate your commitment to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Academy Recruitment, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or projects. Highlight your ability to motivate others and drive results, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Data-Driven
Given the emphasis on performance analysis and data-driven decision-making, come prepared to discuss your experience with scouting analytics. 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 football recruitment. Be ready to talk about how you've built relationships with clubs, agents, and other stakeholders. Share strategies you've used to maintain these connections and how they’ve benefited your previous recruitment efforts.