Company Name:
Oxford United
Location:
Oxford
Vacancy Type:
Permanent
Position:
Club
Advertising End Date:
06 Apr 2026

About The Role

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

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.

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