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.

Title: Head of Emerging Talent (U16 – U21)
Location: Oxford United Training Centre / Remote
Contract: Full-Time
Salary: Competitive, to be discussed at interview

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 the 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