
Member Success Farahan Shabbir joins Al Jazira
In the dynamic world of professional football, Jobs4football consultants continue to deliver success stories. One appointment is that of Farahan Shabbir, a talented performance analyst whose journey from the Premier League in England to the UAE Pro League exemplifies the power of opportunity and the importance of expert talent acquisition.
Al Jazira, a prominent UAE Pro League side, recognised the need to elevate their performance analysis department. They sought a high-calibre Head of Performance Analysis who could bring fresh insights and add significant value to the club. The search was highly time-sensitive and demanded a candidate with specific industry expertise, software knowledge and management skills. To meet this challenge, Al Jazira turned to Jobs4football and our specialist talent acquisition agency known for its deep understanding of the global football market especially in the Gulf market.
Initially, the candidate talent pool fell short of Al Jazira and Jobs4football exacting standards using traditional marketing and database sourcing. Undeterred, Jobs4football consultants adopted a proactive sourcing strategy, targeting key profiles who were either passive job seekers or not actively looking for new opportunities. This approach led them to Farahan Shabbir, then working with Premier League side Brentford FC, a club renowned for its innovative use of analysis and data in football.
Comfortable in his role at Brentford, Farahan wasn’t actively seeking a change. However, Jobs4football’s consultants engaged him professionally, presenting the Al Jazira opportunity as an exciting new challenge in a region he was already familiar with. Jobs4football approach piqued Farahan’s interest, prompting him to delve deeper into the role’s specifics.
Jobs4football’s consultants played a crucial role in Farahan’s decision-making process. They provided comprehensive information about the position, educated him about Al Jazira’s on-field and off-field operations, and clearly outlined the package and timeline. This thorough approach, characteristic of Jobs4football’s commitment to both clients and candidates, enabled Farahan to make an informed decision about pursuing the opportunity further as a next possible step in his career.
Farahan’s journey through the interview process was nothing short of impressive. He sailed through the initial first-stage interview, showcasing his expertise and vision for the role. His performance was compelling that he advanced to the final panel interview, where he continued to shine outlining his alignment to the role even when up against a highly experienced final stage candidate.
Recognising Farahan’s exceptional talent and potential, Al Jazira extended an offer for the Head of Performance Analysis position. Jobs4football’s involvement didn’t end there; they supported Farahan through the offer management process and assisted with the initial onboarding, ensuring a smooth transition into his new role which is imperative additional service many clubs globally benefit from.
Commenting on his appointment Farahan stated,
Thanks to Nick and J4F team for their help and support with the recruitment process for my new role with Al Jazira.
I can confidently attest to their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to connecting football practitioners with leading clubs and organizations across the globe.
J4F stands out for its deep understanding of the football landscape, offering a tailored approach which allows them to identify and secure exceptional talent that aligns with a club’s vision and requirements.
J4F takes the time to get to know both candidates and clients on a deeper level. They understand the nuances of organisational dynamics and club cultures, ensuring a perfect fit for both parties.Even after I began the role, Nick has continued to stay in regular contact, consistently offering valuable support and insightful advice.
One year on from his appointment, Farahan has integrated seamlessly into life in Abu Dhabi. His work ethic and performance have not only validated Al Jazira’s decision but also reflected positively on Jobs4football’s talent acquisition process. Farahan’s success story stands as a testament to the agency’s ability to identify and place top talent in the competitive world of football.
This success story highlights Jobs4football’s unique approach to football talent acquisition. Their in-depth knowledge of the global football market, combined with their ability to engage passive candidates effectively, sets them apart in the industry. By understanding both the client’s needs and the candidate’s potential, they create perfect matches that benefit all parties involved.
For Al Jazira, Farahan’s appointment has brought fresh perspectives and enhanced their performance analysis capabilities. For Farahan, the move has opened up new horizons, allowing him to apply his Premier League experience in a different football culture. And for Jobs4football, this placement reinforces their reputation as a go-to agency for high-level football talent acquisition.
As Farahan continues to excel in his role at Al Jazira, his journey serves as an inspiration to other professionals in the football industry. It demonstrates that with the right skills, attitude, and support exciting international opportunities are within reach.
In conclusion, the story of Farahan Shabbir’s move to Al Jazira is more than just a successful placement; it’s a narrative of ambition, expertise, and the power of effective talent acquisition. It underscores the vital role that specialised agencies like Jobs4football play in shaping the future of football, one strategic appointment at a time.