Job Title: Loan Manager
Department: Senior Recruitment
Location: BRFC Academy, Brockhall Village, Blackburn, BB6 8BA (Flexibility required)
Reports to: Head of Academy
Hours: 37.5 hours/week plus evenings and weekends as necessary
Contract Type: Fixed-term (2025/26 football season, ending 31st May 2026)
DBS Check Required: Yes

1. Job Purpose

To oversee the development of young professional players through strategic loan placements. The role ensures players on loan progress in line with the club’s long-term first-team objectives. Additionally, the postholder will support the club's broader recruitment strategy through scouting responsibilities.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure the safeguarding and welfare of all elite players, promoting well-being while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Identify, arrange, and manage suitable loan opportunities that align with each player’s developmental needs and the club’s first-team objectives.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with loan clubs, managing expectations and maintaining regular communication.
• Collaborate with the Football Administration team to manage the operational and administrative elements of all loan agreements.
• Monitor loaned players by attending matches and reviewing performance footage.
• Deliver structured weekly reports to the Head of Academy and Head of Football Operations, with insights shared with the Head of Technical and Development.
• Conduct regular check-ins with loaned players, offering feedback and developmental support.
• Attend matches to assist with scouting responsibilities and assess potential signings.
• Produce comprehensive scouting reports that align with the club’s playing style and recruitment strategy.
• Collaborate with the Head of Academy, Head of Technical and Development, and Head of Football Operations to ensure consistency in the player development pathway.
• Maintain consistent and clear communication with key leadership stakeholders.

3. Skills Required

• In-depth understanding of youth development and professional player progression pathways.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and reporting skills.
• Analytical mindset with a critical approach to player and team assessments.
• High flexibility regarding working hours and travel requirements (including evenings/weekends).
• Strong written and verbal communication, with the ability to present insights clearly.
• Proactive and adaptable, capable of working under pressure in a dynamic football environment.
• Prior experience in a similar role within a professional football club (desirable).
• Existing network within EFL and National League clubs (desirable).

4. Knowledge Required

• Broad and current knowledge of both domestic and international football markets.
• Demonstrated experience in player development, loan management, or football operations.

5. Qualifications Required

• Proven experience in a scouting/recruitment position within an elite sporting environment.
• FA Talent ID certification.
• UEFA B Licence or higher (desirable).
• Multilingual abilities (desirable).
• Full UK driving licence and the ability to travel nationwide.