Head of Emerging Talent (U16–U21)

Oxford United Football Club are currently looking to recruit a Head of Emerging Talent (U16–U21) to join their successful and progressive recruitment department. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering the club’s emerging talent strategy, leading the identification and recruitment of high-potential players across domestic and European markets.

Main Duties 

·       Lead the Emerging Talent recruitment strategy to drive the identification, acquisition and long-term value of players within the U16–U21 age groups

·       Identify, monitor and evaluate emerging talent players (U16–U21) in line with the club's playing philosophy.

·       Contribute to the club’s medium and long-term squad planning by identifying emerging talent aligned with positional needs and succession pathways.

·       Conduct live and video scouting across the Club’s target markets.

·       Produce accurate and timely scouting reports, following club templates and grading frameworks.

·       Lead and manage the end-to-end loan process for young players, including monitoring of performance and progression during the loan period.

·       Develop and maintain a strong network of contacts to support player identification and enhance the club’s loan and recruitment strategies.

·       Utilise the club’s recruitment data platforms and dashboards to support objective player identification, working collaboratively with Data Analysts.

·       Support the club’s end-to-end recruitment process, contributing to recruitment meetings and the decision-making process.

·       Maintain regular communication with the Head of Recruitment, Head of Scouting, Head of Academy Recruitment and wider recruitment department.

·       Assist in identifying opportunities for department innovation, process development and best-practice systems.

Personal Specification

Essential 

·       Proven experience of scouting within the EFL.

·       Strong professional networks and industry contacts.

·       Excellent understanding of technical, tactical and physical development principles for younger players.

·       High level of football tactical and technical understanding with an excellent knowledge of the game.

·       Up-to-date knowledge of relevant Government, FIFA, UEFA and FA regulations relating to player recruitment and registration.

·       Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team environment

·       Exceptional work ethic and attention to detail.

·       Ability to work flexible hours and ability to travel nationwide with occasional international travel.

·       Full and clean driving licence.

·       Up-to-date DBS check.

·       High degree of computer literacy, experience using scouting systems such as BeSoccerPro, Impect, Statsbomb, Hudl and Wyscout.

·       Excellent communication and organisational skills.

 Desirable

 ·       BSc (Hons) Degree or similar in sports related subject

·       UEFA B Coaching Licence or equivalent

·       FA Talent ID Level 3 & 4 or equivalent (or working towards)

·       Experience working within an EPPP environment.

How to Apply

·       Please apply by sending a cover letter and CV to ewaldron@oufc.co.uk.

·       Oxford United FC are committed to safeguarding children and young people and is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.