Director, Scouting & Recruitment

Comunidad Lift; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbus Crew seeks an experienced senior leader to oversee the club’s Scouting Department. The Director of Scouting and Recruitment will manage domestic and international scouting networks and influence the club’s future through player identification and strategic partnerships.

The role requires proven leadership of a club scouting operation, extensive experience identifying top talent, and the ability to collaborate with technical leadership to shape a soccer strategy within the club’s

Qualifications

• Proven leader of a club scouting department.
• 10+ years in player identification preferred.
• 5+ years managing staff.
• Strong knowledge of MLS and global leagues.
• Familiarity with scouting platforms and data tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee domestic and international scouting network.
• Collaborate with technical leadership to align soccer strategy with game model and financial framework.
• Lead the scouting department for first team and emerging talent.
• Engage in player evaluation and negotiations for targets.
• Act as primary contact with player reps and clubs.
• Build relationships across the global soccer ecosystem.

Skills

Leadership

MLS knowledge

Staff management

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Tools

Wyscout

Impect

SkillCorner

Job description

Overview

Columbus Crew is searching for an experienced and senior leader to oversee the club’s Scouting Department. The Director of Scouting and Recruitment will have direct oversight of the club’s domestic and global scouting infrastructure and will play an integral role in shaping the club’s future.

Responsibilities:

The Director of Scouting and Recruitment shall provide the following services to the Club:

• Serve as a member of the club’s leadership group; provide insights into department developments and actively participate in the “One Club” philosophy.
• Collaborate with technical leadership to execute a soccer strategy aligned with club game model, player profiles and financial framework.
• Lead and evolve the scouting department in the areas of first team and emerging talent.
• Manage the club’s domestic and international scouting network.
• Utilize all club resources in the player evaluation process to assess player performance and potential.
• Assist in initial negotiations for the acquisition of identified transfer targets.
• Act as the club’s first point of contact with player representatives and clubs.
• Develop strong relationships throughout the worldwide soccer ecosystem.
• Other technical projects.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading a club’s scouting department.
• 10 years of professional experience in player identification preferred.
• 5 years of experience managing staff members.
• Strong knowledge of Major League Soccer, other American soccer leagues and leagues worldwide.
• Knowledge and experience with platforms such as Wyscout, Impect, and SkillCorner.
• Proficient in modern technology, including automation, visualization and database products.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage projects.
• Driven work ethic and ability to work with minimal functional guidance.
• Collaborative, high level of personal values and integrity, industrious and ambitious individual.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.