Overview
The Role Responsible for the direction and strategic plan for talent identification and recruitment into the Academy. Create, manage and direct a team of recruitment staff (Scouts) to produce excellent results in player recruitment across the Academy performance pathway.
Main Responsibilities
* Work with coaching staff to identify target positions for each age group throughout the Academy
* Assess fixtures across professional Academy programmes and grassroots football, assigning scouts accordingly
* Act on information promptly and make decisive decisions to be primary club of choice for players
* Provide coaching staff with specific information on incoming players and monitor regularly throughout initial trial
* Work closely with Academy player profiles to bring in players who can be developed within our coaching programme
* Produce statistics and further relevant data of recruitment performance on a regular basis to the Academy Manager
* Work closely with Academy Manager to set targets for recruitment staff and monitor their performance on a regular basis
* Lead regular recruitment staff meetings assessing KPIs for areas to develop
* Attend all player progression meetings through the pathway and advise on recruitment opportunities at all age groups
* Ensure any players are inducted prior to arriving at the club and all administration is completed to the standards set out by the club and EFL/FAW
* Ensure adherence to FA/EPPP rules and the club’s safeguarding protocols for young players
* Further develop own knowledge and qualifications throughout employment keeping up to date with the latest trends and strategies
* Build and maintain a network of contacts across all key target clubs and areas including grassroots and Academy football
* Forge strong links with local grassroots football, Wrexham AFC Community Trust and Schools across the region
* Conduct mid-trial and end-of-trial reviews with coaches in a formal process for players and parents
* Work closely with Head of Academy Coaching regarding succession charts for the Academy looking at long term objectives and targets
* Create detailed databases of players across all age groups to accurately record potential Academy players
* Ensure accurate, timely reporting using scouting platforms and contribute to data analysis for recruitment decisions
* Lead, manage, support and develop the skills of scouts and spotters
* Create depth charts and strategically succession plan with relevant departments
Health and Safety Responsibilities
* Take responsibility and care for the health and safety of yourself and other employees and members of the public who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
* To comply with all aspects of the Club’s Health & Safety Policy and arrangements, to enable the company to perform its civil and statutory obligations in relation to Health & Safety.
About You
* Excellent knowledge and understanding of recruitment strategies and Academy EPPP governance
* Category 1 Experience
* Strong network of contacts throughout the UK relevant to the recruitment of Academy players
* Outstanding communication skills with a view to being able to speak with parents, coaches, players and contacts
* Highly competent in the delivery of presentations, collaboration and relationship building skills
* Enthusiasm for the role and a proactive thinker who always looks for opportunities to improve and enhance the recruitment strategy
* A dynamic, hardworking individual that can relate to all staff members and participants engaged in Academy activities
* Is receptive to feedback about own behaviour, strengths and areas for improvement that identifies improvement strategies relating to Academy recruitment activities
* Displays a high level of confidentiality and transparency and can contribute to team meetings in a professional manner
* Committed to, and an understanding of, equality and diversity in sport
* Flexible approach to meet the nature and demands of the business
* High attention to detail and organisation skills with a commitment to safeguarding
Experience and Qualifications Required
* Holds the FA Talent ID Level 4 qualification
* A current FA/FAW Safeguarding Children Workshop Certificate (or willingness to complete within 1 month of appointment)
* 10 Years Experience within Academy recruitment
* Ability to devise and implement a recruitment strategy
* Relevant Degree in Sports Science, Coaching or Teaching
* UEFA ‘B’ Coaching qualification
* Experience of leading an Academy recruitment dept.
Why Work for Us
If you are looking for an organisation committed to building a strong, inclusive, high performing workplace where every individual is valued, supported and empowered to grow with fantastic benefits which include:
* Health Cash Plan
* EAP
* Enhanced holidays and long service days
* Enhanced pension
* Death in service
* Enhanced sick leave
* Health and wellbeing time off
* Access to complimentary match tickets
* Volunteering day
* Salary sacrifice benefits and retail discounts
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