Role description
About the job
Location: Manchester
At Manchester United our aim is to Win the United Way – and the quality of our behind-the scenes team sets us apart from the competition.
Our people are as committed to the success of the company as the players are to winning trophies. We offer a unique and exciting working environment, excellent training, with recognition and rewards for the part each individual plays. Sounding good so far?
The Purpose
To perform a leading role in the identification, recruitment and retention of the best local players for the Academy from 6 to 14 years of age, in line with the Club’s Recruitment Philosophy. Assuming accountability for the Local Scouting Network and the strategic implementation of the Talent ID Strategy.
The Role
The role of a Head of Local Recruitment is pivotal in identifying and nurturing young football talents within the local community. Responsible for managing the academy's scouting efforts for players aged 6 to 14, this role involves coordinating a team of scouts, developing a comprehensive talent identification strategy, and maintaining strong relationships with local clubs, schools, and grassroots organizations. The Head of Local Recruitment collaborates closely with coaching staff, senior management, and academy personnel to ensure the seamless integration of identified talents into the club's youth development pathways. With a focus on aligning recruitment activities with the club's philosophy, this role plays a crucial part in shaping the future of the academy and identifying players who embody the potential to succeed at higher levels.
The Person
For the role of Head of Local Recruitment, we will be looking for someone who possesses the following qualities
Experience: A background in talent identification, scouting, or player recruitment within football or sports organisations, preferably with experience at youth development levels.
Football Knowledge: An in-depth understanding of the game, including player development pathways, youth football structures, and scouting methodologies.
Network: A strong network within local football communities, schools, clubs, and grassroots organisations to effectively identify and engage with potential young talents.
Leadership: Strong leadership and management skills are needed to oversee a team of scouts and coordinate their efforts effectively.
Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are needed to provide detailed player assessments, recommendations, and reports to coaching staff and senior management.
Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze player performance, potential, and attributes objectively and make informed decisions based on data and observations.
Organizational Skills: Capable of organizing scouting activities, managing schedules, and collaborating with other departments to ensure smooth operations.
Collaboration: Able to work closely with coaches, academy staff, and recruitment teams to align scouting efforts with the club's philosophy and goals.
Adaptability: The football landscape is dynamic, so the Head of Local Recruitment should be adaptable to changing trends, rules, and regulations in player development.
Passion: A genuine passion for identifying and nurturing young talents, along with a commitment to the development of local players.
Ethics: A strong sense of ethics and integrity in player recruitment, adhering to all rules and regulations related to youth recruitment.
Innovative Thinking: Willingness to explore new scouting methods and technologies to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of player identification.
Problem-Solving: Ability to address challenges and solve problems that may arise in the scouting and recruitment processes
Long-Term Vision: A strategic thinker who can contribute to the long-term development of the academy by identifying players who align with the club's future objectives.
People Skills: Approachable and personable, with the ability to build positive relationships with players, parents, coaches, and fellow staff members.
Overall, the Head of Local Recruitment should be a dedicated and knowledgeable individual who can lead the scouting process, contribute to the growth of the academy, and help identify the next generation of talented footballers.
If you would like to join the team and be part of our mission, to win the United way, please submit your application by Sunday 27th August 2023.
Manchester United endeavour to respond to all job application, however, please consider that we receive a high volume of applications and this may not always possible.
We recognise the importance of safeguarding children and adults at risk at Manchester United, as part of this commitment this post is required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the appropriate level, as well as full reference history.
Manchester United is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to background, ethnicity, race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or other legally protected characteristics.
Manchester United Football Club are proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, supporting the armed forces community to transition into careers outside of the armed forces.
Manchester United is committed to working with and providing reasonable adjustments for applicants and employees. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application and perform at your best, please do not hesitate to contact us to make a request; we are here to help.
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. Your personal data will be processed on MU’s behalf by Morson.
