Women's Recruitment Lead

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals. 

We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success. 

Key responsibilities

Development and delivery of a Player Recruitment Strategy, informed by data, with the principle aim of identifying and scouting players. The role will hybrid across the women’s and scouting departments, to apply club models to the nuances of the women’s game. The aim is to use insights to develop a team who can compete and win trophies. 

There are four critical components of the role:
Scouting

• Produce a target database that includes player contract dates and likely values
• Attend and observe all key targets (domestic and international)
• Effective planning and organisation of a scouting calendar
• Understand and comply fully with the rules and code of conduct for scouts, and approach recruitment with utmost adherence to Club values

Strategy and Data Management

• Conduct in-depth research into leagues and players and keep abreast of industry developments/movements
• Provide key support to squad planning i.e., the identification and assessment of prospective targets, consideration of salary structures, optimal playing ages, likelihood of obtaining work permits etc.
• Produce detailed player reports/dossiers using relevant digital platforms to support the identification and cross-checking of players. Executive summaries to be provided to senior management for acquisition consideration
• Design a process for players from ID to exit

Relationship Management

• Enhance visibility both internally and externally with key stakeholders (agents et
• Develop a network of connections especially with agents.
• Identity clubs to potentially enter player development partnerships with
• Collaborate with relevant MUWFC members, to ensure alignment across all practices, reporting and methodology.

Player Onboarding

Lead and connect to other departments on

• Pre-arrival planning
• Football Integration
• Stakeholder coordination
• Relocation support

Skills, knowledge and expertise

Qualifications

• Relevant vocational qualifications and experience that provide an understanding of the technical, tactical, physical, and psychological demands of professional football and relationship with Talent Identification.
• Talent Identification / Scouting qualifications
• Full driving license

Skills and Experience

• In-depth knowledge of players able to compete in the UWCL 
• Experience in developing recruitment strategies
• Experience of working in a professional football club 
• Experience in the women’s professional game and the key agencies
• Be computer literate, familiar with Microsoft office or similar package
• Evidenced experience demonstrating excellent competence using a variety of relevant IT scouting software (Wyscout, iSF, Scout7 or similar packages
• The ability to make sound decisions in a timely manner and practical approach to problem solving
• Flexible working hours will be required in this role, primarily extensive local and extensive national travel, but potentially international travel when required on request
• Sound personal qualities such as communication skills, the ability to work in a team environment, self-motivation, enthusiasm, and ability to work under pressure.