Who we are:

Blackpool Football Club is an English Professional Association Football Club based in the seaside town of Blackpool, Lancashire.

The Club was founded in 1887 and has a very storied history, from being a founding member of the Lancashire League in 1889, rising to the Top-Flight of the Football League (the old First Division) in 1930, to winning the FA Cup in 1953 and being promoted to the Premier League in 2010 (becoming the first Club to gain promotion from every division of
the Football League via the play-off system.)

The team are competing in League One, the third tier of the English Football League. The Club have played their home games at Bloomfield Road since 1901.

About the Role(s):

Blackpool Football Club are seeking an ambitious Head of Academy Recruitment to manage the Club’s Academy Recruitment operations across all phases of the Academy Player Pathway.

Reporting to the Academy Director, the Head of Academy Recruitment is responsible for the direction and strategic plan for talent identification and recruitment into the Academy. The ideal candidate must create, manage and direct a team of recruitment staff to produce excellent results in Player recruitment across the Academy Performance Pathway. A  detailed strategy must be created and delivered in line with EPPP guidelines and must enhance our Academy operation to surpass that of our regional competition.

Candidates should demonstrate an excellent track record in previous roles and be able to show a clear understanding of how to structure an elite Recruitment department that allows the Club’s to achieve its objectives.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Structure a department that meets the needs of the Academy and exceeds that of local competition to recruit the best possible Players for each age group.
• Manage a team of recruitment staff to efficiently use their time to develop solid contacts and scout specific games and Players as directed.
• Work as part of the Academy Management Team to enhance all areas of recruitment strategy and policies.
• Engage in developing a network of contacts throughout the UK and Internationally to grow the reputation of the Club and recruit the most sought after talent available.
• Work with Coaching staff to identify target positions for each age group throughout the Academy.
• Assess fixtures across professional Academy programmes and grass roots football assigning scouts accordingly.
• Act on information promptly and make decisive decisions to be primary Club of choice for Players.
• Provide coaching staff with specific information on incoming Players and monitor regularly throughout initial trial.
• Work closely with Academys Player profiles to bring in Players who can be developed within our coaching programme.
• Produce statistics and further relevant data of the recruitment departments performance on a monthly basis to the Academy Director.
• Work closely with Academy Director to set targets for recruitment staff and monitor their performance on a monthly basis.
• Lead monthly recruitment staff meetings assessing KPIs for areas to develop in the department.
• Attend all Player progression meetings through the pathway and advise on recruitment opportunities at all age groups.
• Ensure any Players are inducted prior to arriving at the Club and all administration is completed to the standards set out by the Club and EFL.
• Further develop own knowledge and qualifications throughout employment keeping up to date with the latest trends and strategies.
• Build and maintain a network of contacts across all key target Clubs and areas including grassroots and Academy football.
• Forge strong links with local grassroots football, BFC Community Trust and Schools in the local area.
• Manage all administrative duties regarding FIP and other platforms used by the department.
• Conduct mid-trial and end of trial reviews with Lead Phase coaches in a formal process for Players and parents.
• Work closely with Head of Coaching regarding succession charts for the Academy looking at long term objectives and targets.
• Create detailed databases of Players across all age groups to accurately record potential Academy Players.

General:

• Additional duties as reasonably requested by the Academy Director.
• To adhere to the Club’s Safeguarding Policy at all times.
• To promote a safe and healthy working environment for all Players and staff.
• To promote a professional image of the Club and themselves at all times.
• To contribute to identifying and undertaking initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
• To work with and support other team members as required ensuring effective and efficient service is developed and delivered.
• You will be expected to seek ways of updating and improving personal skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to your own job role.