Be part of our journey...

Location: Staplewood Training Ground

Hours: Full Time, no set hours

Contract Type: Permanent

Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Child’s Barred List

What is the role?

In this role, you will be leading the identification and recruitment process for highly talented player acquisitions aged 16-21 for Southampton Football Club and, where relevant, the wider Sport Republic network. Key target markets will include Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Non-League, as well as working closely with the Head of Scouting Operations on other identified recruitment markets.

What will you be doing?

You will be taking a proactive approach in identifying, tracking and reporting on talent consideration for acquisition across target regions, including attending and coordinating live game coverage and video scouting. This will include utilising data and video sources to identify additional players of interest. You will also need to attend International and Club tournaments across the UK and Europe in conjunction with target markets and players and be responsible for ensuring the reporting, video, and data platforms are updated.

You will lead a robust recruitment process for targeted players and trialists from identification to onboarding including working with relevant Academy staff and attendance during trials and signings will be key. In addition, you will need to complete high quality player packs for the Football Leadership Team and Player Presentations for target acquisition players. Moreover, you will lead the continuous professional development of the Talent Acquisition Scouts and contribute to that of the Academy Recruitment staff and Sport Republic scouts, where requested.

You will be accountable for providing the Academy Director with monthly reports on game coverage, target players and other talent acquisition updates. Additionally, you will be a fully integrated member of the Academy staff, ensuring regular visibility at Staplewood to help build strong professional relationships with the Academy Recruitment Department and wider Academy staff. Furthermore, you will be expected to collaborate and communicate effectively with First Team recruitment staff to ensure alignment and consistency of approach.

Other duties include but are not limited to:

• Continuously assess and update internal and external depth charts to identify positional requirements across the Under 16-21 age groups.
• Support and contribute to the International Depth Chart process across the Sport Republic network.
• Assist the Sport Republic Scouting Team in identifying and reporting back on targets for the wider network

• Be prepared to travel extensively to ensure visibility and strong presence in key target areas, and to help foster professional relationships with clubs, agents and where appropriate, parents and guardians.
• Comply with all scouting protocols implemented by the department.

Is this you?

Essential Skills and Experience

• Scouting and recruitment experience working in similar role within the UK.

• Depth and track record of successful player acquisitions.

• FA Talent ID Level 3

• Extensive knowledge and experience of the UK talent market between 16-21 years old.

• Extensive network of intermediaries and other contacts with reliable sources of information.

• Ability to demonstrate detailed understanding of individual player development and potential.

• Meticulous attention to detail and high standards with reporting.

• Strong interpersonal skills and able to build professional working relationships with a variety of

    stakeholders.

• Ability to turnaround high quality work with tight deadlines

Desirable Skills and Experience

• FA Talent ID Level 4

• Experience in a Category 1 Academy.

• Experience working in a multi-club model.

• Experience or knowledge of African, European and other talent markets.

How this benefits you…

If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefit package.

• Access to x2 free match tickets for every home league game
• Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).
• Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.
• Holiday entitlement of 26 days per holiday year (including bank and public holidays) plus your birthday off each year.
• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.
• Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.
• Free onsite parking.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Collaborative & inclusive working culture.

How can I apply?

Very easy. Just click on the apply button, enter your details and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV.

The closing date for applications is 20 September 2024.

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants is received. *