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
1. Develop and implement the Academy’s recruitment strategy aligned with Manchester United’s philosophy.
2. Lead and manage the recruitment team, ensuring high-quality talent identification.
3. Integrate local talent pathways with Foundation, Youth, and Professional Development Phases.
4. Collaborate with Academy Director and Head Coaches on recruitment needs.
Talent Identification & Recruitment
5. Build networks with clubs, federations, agents, schools, and grassroots programs to identify elite players.
6. Oversee scouting, video analysis, and data-driven evaluation.
7. Ensure recruitment aligns with coaching departments through Performance & Potential processes.
8. Maintain evidence-based reporting and track recruitment effectiveness.
Operational & Compliance
9. Ensure all activity meets EPPP, safeguarding, and internal governance standards.
10. Maintain accurate recruitment databases and player target lists.
11. Collaborate with Operations and Safeguarding teams to ensure best practices.
12. Manage Performance and Development Reviews for recruitment staff.
Collaboration & Relationships
13. Work closely with Academy and UK/National Scouting leadership to align recruitment strategies.
14. Liaise professionally with families, agents, and external stakeholders.
15. Represent the Academy at events and promote Manchester United positively.
Leadership & Development
16. Contribute to Academy leadership, culture, and strategic decisions.
17. Mentor and develop scouting staff, fostering continuous improvement, innovation, and inclusivity.
18. Uphold Manchester United’s brand, standards, and professional conduct at all times.
Compliance & Conduct
19. Adhere to the Academy Scouting Code of Conduct and all club policies.
20. 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
21. Proven leadership experience in elite football recruitment, scouting, or player development.
22. Strong analytical skills, with experience in performance analysis and data-driven decision-making.
23. Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
24. Detailed knowledge of Premier League, Football League, and EPPP regulations.
25. Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of recruitment and scouting professionals.
26. 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:
27. Annual incentive scheme
28. Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
29. Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
30. Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
31. Enhanced family Leave Benefits and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
32. Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
33. A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth