Job Location Academy Training Ground BR3 1NZ
Contract Type Full-time
Salary/ ROP Competitive
Deadline 28th September 2025
Who we are:
We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees.
We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.
About this role:
Reporting to the Academy Director, the Academy Head of Player Recruitment will lead and manage the day-to-day operations and delivery of all Academy Player recruitment in line with the club's strategy.
Responsibilities:
* Lead the Club's Academy recruitment and emerging talent strategy from pre-academy through to U21
* Ensure alignment with Academy philosophy, EPPP rules, and positional squad requirements
* Manage and lead the academy's scouting department and staff
* Manage the club's London scouting strategy
* Manage the club's National scouting strategy
* Build and maintain a live player target list in line with Club's directive
* Attend matches and tournaments and scouting events to assess high potential players
* Oversee the use of scouting systems and reporting platforms to monitor and develop a player target pipeline
* Ensure all player trials meet EPPP guidelines
* Develop and manage the club's trialist procedures
* Present all acquisition targets for authorization from the Academy Director
* Manage and close all acquisition targets as agreed with Academy Director
* Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
* Upholding and promoting the Club's policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.
Experience, Skills and Qualifications:
* FA Level Talent ID Level 3/4
* Strong knowledge of the EPPP and Youth Development Rules
* In depth knowledge of high potential Academy players across the UK
* Proven track record in talent identification and player recruitment
* Has worked in a full-time senior player recruitment role at a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy within the last two years
* Entrenched in London recruitment
* Experience of purchasing elite Players
* Excellent IT skills
* Well organized and efficient
* Strong verbal and written communication skills
* Passionate about Academy football
Benefits:
* Complimentary match day ticket
* Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app
* Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme
* 20% Discount in our Retail Stores
* Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex
* Volunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.
* Travel Season Ticket loan
* Holiday allowance that increases every year of service
Our commitment to Equality
At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity.
We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.
Reasonable Adjustment
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone.
If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc. ). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.
Safeguarding
Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.