Pre-Academy Recruitment & Ops Lead

Manchester United; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive scheme

25 days annual leave

Electric Vehicle scheme

Wellness support

Exclusive discounts

Gym facilities

Enhanced family leave

Career development

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Manchester United is recruiting to lead the Pre-Academy Operations with a focus on recruitment strategy and Northwest scouting. The role coordinates the casual scouting network, manages budgets, and reports on player potential for U9 recruitment decisions.

You will line-manage scouts and hub managers, build relationships with parents and schools, and ensure compliance with safeguarding and club policies while driving the academy's development pathway.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in academy football or pre-academy recruitment.
• Strong network within grassroots football across local leagues and schools.
• Experience leading or coordinating scouting teams at academy level.
• Knowledge of talent ID and development pathways.
• Ability to collaborate with coaches, parents, and education staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead Pre-Academy Operations, recruitment strategy and coordinate scouting in the Northwest.
• Oversee recruitment strategy within the Pre-Academy phase.
• Coordinate casual scouting network to identify and support recruitment of grassroots players.
• Line-manage Pre-Academy Scouts & Hub Managers.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and communicate with parents.
• Oversee Pre-Academy budget and validate expenses.
• Produce knowledge and recommendations on players for U9 recruitment decisions.
• Implement a programme to support recruitment and retention of Pre-Academy players.
• Attend matches and oversee HUB programme.
• Maintain Target Lists and Market Depth Lists for Pre-Academy players in the North West.
• Ensure compliance with codes of conduct, safeguarding, and club policies.

Skills

Academy recruitment

Scouting coordination

Talent ID

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Parent communication

Education

FA Talent ID qualifications

FA Youth Modules / UEFA C or B coaching badges

Safeguarding certification

Full UK driving licence

Job description

Manchester United is recruiting to lead the Pre-Academy Operations with a focus on recruitment strategy and Northwest scouting. The role coordinates the casual scouting network, manages budgets, and reports on player potential for U9 recruitment decisions.

You will line-manage scouts and hub managers, build relationships with parents and schools, and ensure compliance with safeguarding and club policies while driving the academy's development pathway.