Head of Academy Recruitment

Burton Albion Football Club is seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Academy Recruitment to lead the identification and recruitment of young players across the Academy age groups (U9–U18).

Working closely with the Club Head of Recruitment and Academy Manager, you will oversee all academy recruitment activity, manage a network of scouts and partners, and deliver a clear, compliant recruitment strategy aligned with the Club’s long-term vision. The role involves attending fixtures and tournaments, managing trials, maintaining detailed scouting data, and ensuring all activity meets FA, EFL, EPPP and safeguarding requirements.

The successful candidate will have proven experience in academy or youth recruitment within professional football, strong knowledge of the EPPP framework, excellent networking and leadership skills, and hold relevant FA talent identification and safeguarding qualifications. Evening and weekend work will be required.

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE

Qualifications/Experience/Knowledge

• FA National Talent Identification & Scouting in Football qualification
• Enhanced DBS check
• Strong understanding of the EPPP framework and EFL Youth Development Rules.
• Proven experience in youth scouting or recruitment within a professional football environment.
• Valid Safeguarding qualification
•  Previous experience working within an Academy structure.
• FA Leadership of Talent Identification & Development in Football or FA Advanced Principles of Talent Identification & Development in Football qualification
• EFAiF qualification

Person Specification - Skills/Abilities

• Excellent knowledge of youth football structures and player pathways.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to build trusted relationships.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends in line with football schedules.
• MKnowledge of data-driven recruitment and performance analysis systems.
• Established contacts within local and national youth football networks.
• Good working knowledge of the Youth Development (YD) EFL Rules, ensuring that those relevant to the role are being met.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.