The Head of Recruitment at a football club has the responsibility of identifying and attracting players with the highest potential and implementing player acquisition strategies at their football club. This is achieved through their network and their recruitment, organisation and management of their team of football scouts. The head of recruitment will work within academy and first-team level reporting directly to management and coaching staff. They will have the responsibility to ensure that the club’s strategic vision and purpose are understood by everyone they come in contact with as well as ensuring that players are recruited according to the club’s profiling requirements.
What are the duties and responsibilities?
Every club’s individual duties may vary, however here are some of the most commonly seen responsibilities occupied by the Head of Recruitment. Depending on their size and desired outcomes, clubs will tailor these tasks to fit their own unique needs.
* Develop a network of scouting contacts regionally, nationally and/or internationally.
* Build positive relationships with professionals within football such as agents and clubs.
* Recruit, organise and manage a team of scouts to support the academy and first team to ensure that they carry out their roles and responsibilities within the parameters of the club and player profiling requirements.
* Liaise with the academy manager/coaching staff and/or first-team manager/coaching staff.
* Talent identification and recruitment of emerging players that meet the club’s strategic vision.
* Produce a database of players from other football clubs or from the ‘grassroots’ level which would meet the club's player profiling requirements and budget.
* Attend regular meetings and report the progress of these identified players to the academy manager/coaching staff and/or first-team manager/coaching staff with set targets.
What knowledge and skills are needed?
* Previous experience as head of recruitment within a professional football club or similar role.
* Credible background within professional football with a track record of recruiting players.
* Enhanced understanding of EPPP rules and regulations.
* Desirable to have an existing and relevant database of contacts both regionally and internationally.
* Understanding of advanced technology platforms to assist the scouting process including the Premier League PMA system and ISF Scout 7.
* Ability to work independently and manage workload efficiently within set timeframes.
* High level of communication and presentation skills.
* Strong leadership skills.
* Have the flexibility to act in a demanding environment and be prepared to travel at short notice.
What certifications are required?
* Training within Talent Identification inline with the EPPP such as the PFSA Level 2 Talent Identification In Football course.
* DBS Enhanced record check.
What types of clubs recruit for a Head of Recruitment?
Professional football clubs in the Premier League, Championship and National league strategically employ Head of Recruitment.
What are the salary expectations?
Salaries are often competitive depending on experience. They will also vary according to the level of football and what league the club is based in. However, salaries can be expected to range between £30,000 – £60,000 per annum.
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