Head of Emerging Talent (U16 – U21)

Kassam Stadium

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

How to Apply

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

Code of Conduct

Oxford United Football Club expects the highest standards of integrity and conduct in all matters concerning the Club and its employees. The Code of Conduct makes clear the standards of conduct expected from its employees and explains the responsibilities of the Club, as the employer. All employees are expected to always act wholeheartedly in the interests of the Club. Any conduct detrimental to its interests or its relations with its customers, suppliers, the public, or damaging to its public image shall be a breach of Club rules and policies. Discriminatory, offensive, and violent behaviour is unacceptable, and any complaints or concerns will be dealt with and acted upon.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Oxford United Football Club are committed to ensuring that equality, inclusion, and diversity of opportunity are at the very heart of everything we do to ensure we provide fair and non-prejudicial access to the services across the Club. We uphold everyone’s freedom of rights and choice to be different and aim to provide opportunities for everyone to succeed. It is the policy of the Club that no person, whether player, job applicant, employee, volunteer, or customer, shall be discriminated against. The Club opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination, either direct or indirect, or harassment, on the grounds of the following ‘protected characteristics’: Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage & Civil Partnership, Pregnancy & Maternity, Race, Religion or Belief, Sex, and Sexual Orientation. Anyone who is found to be in breach of this could receive disciplinary action, which may well include suspension and dismissal. The Club is fully committed to the EFL Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Standards, and as we are underrepresented in these areas, we particularly welcome ‘entry level’ applications from women, individuals from Black and Minority Ethnicities, the LGBT community, and anyone with a disability.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Oxford United Football Club are committed to and has both a moral and legal obligation to ensure that all children and vulnerable adults are protected and kept safe from harm whilst engaged in services organised and provided by the Club, and believes that the general wellbeing, welfare, and safety of all children and vulnerable adults involved in Club activities is of the utmost importance. The Club will fulfil its responsibilities by ensuring it displays best practice in safeguarding matters – including Safer Recruitment - carried out in a spirit of partnership and openness with the child or vulnerable adult, families, and the relevant local authority.