Academy Head of Recruitment

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 grass roots 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

You'll have:

• 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 a 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
• Volunteering day
• Salary sacrifice benefits and retail discounts then hit us up!