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.

About The Candidate

Personal Specification

• 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.
• 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.