Director of Football
Southend United is entering a pivotal new era - rebuilding the club from its foundations and modernizing every aspect of football operations. The Director of Football will be central to this transformation.
This role will lead all football functions across the first team, academy, and support departments, ensuring alignment between recruitment, player development, and long-term sporting strategy. It is a hands-on position suited for a leader who thrives in lean, entrepreneurial environments and is motivated by the challenge of restoring a historic club to sustainable success.
Key Responsibilities
Squad Strategy & Planning
* Build and execute a multi-year squad plan balancing long-term stability with short-term competitiveness.
* Define and maintain a clear playing identity in collaboration with the Head Coach.
* Ensure a sustainable wage and transfer structure aligned with the club’s financial strategy.
Recruitment & Talent ID
* Lead player recruitment within defined budgets and club philosophy.
* Combine data-driven insights with strong football networks to uncover undervalued or overlooked talent.
* Oversee scouting across domestic and international markets.
Player Pathways & Development
* Re-establish clear pathways between the Elite Academy and First Team.
* Create consistent development frameworks and individual player plans.
* Collaborate with the Head Coach and Academy Director to align style, standards, and progression routes.
Football Operations & Performance
* Oversee contracts, transfers, registrations, and compliance with FA/NL regulations.
* Manage football logistics, including matchday operations, travel, and scheduling.
* Supervise performance, medical, and technical departments, ensuring alignment with club philosophy.
* Work closely with the Board on football budgets, salary caps, and transfer planning.
Stakeholder Collaboration
* Serve as the primary bridge between ownership, board, coaching staff, and commercial teams.
* Provide clear, data-backed updates on football KPIs, squad status, and strategic progress.
* Represent the football department in board meetings and long-term planning discussions.
Culture & Leadership
* Build a high-performance, values-driven culture emphasizing professionalism, accountability, and inclusivity.
* Lead by example, setting standards for conduct, communication, and collaboration.
* Champion innovation, continuous improvement, and integration of modern technology/processes in all football activities.
Candidate Profile
Essential Experience & Skills
* Proven leadership experience within football operations, preferably at clubs managing limited resources.
* Strong recruitment acumen with success identifying and acquiring value in the market.
* Proficiency in football data, analytics, and technology platforms.
* Demonstrated ability to design or rebuild footballing structures.
* Skilled communicator and leader, capable of aligning diverse stakeholders under one vision.
Preferred Traits
* Strategic thinker with pragmatic execution.
* Passion for building and restoring institutions.
* Values-aligned with SUFC’s mission of sustainable success and community impact.
* Analytical, structured, and composed under pressure.
If this role is of interest, then please press the apply button and include a copy of your CV.
The Executives in Sport Group are retained on behalf of Southend United to appoint a Director of Football. All direct applications and CV's will be forwarded to The Executives in Sport Group.
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