Head of Recruitment/ Lead Data Analyst

Job role

Working collaboratively with the existing football operations team to deliver an innovative and comprehensive data analysis and recruitment strategy, in line with Scunthorpe United’s short and long-term objectives. 

This includes talent identification, player assessment, game and training data analysis and recruitment operations, in order to strengthen the First Team squad and support the club’s continued growth in the following ways:

• Build and maintain a bespoke and comprehensive database of players in EFL League One (loans), EFL League Two (loans), the National League N/S and Northern Premier League.
• Create and manage an effective and proactive scouting network, both locally and nationally.
• Engage with and constantly work to extend a collaborative and effective network of club peers and player agents. 
• Respond and react to emerging market opportunities.
• Embrace new technologies to create innovative national and international scouting opportunities.
• Combine contextual data, scouting reports and market knowledge to offer regular updates of potential acquisitions to the Head Coach.
• Compare and contrast potential targets with current squad members using objective data and metrics.
• Constantly assess the current squad to identify areas for individual and group development.
• Deliver comprehensive opposition data analysis to support first team matchday preparation.
• Strategically forecast and appropriately manage the first team squad budget to ensure all financial actions are within agreed parameters.
• Present regular reports and updates to the Head Coach, coaching staff and club directors.
• Attend and contribute to club meetings online or in person when required.
• To check and challenge subjective decision-making processes with objective intelligence.
• Offer honest subjective opinion to further support decision-making processes.
• Contribute thoughts and ideas to every performance and operational department of the club, to help foster a culture of diversity of thought, collaboration and innovation throughout the organisation.
• Collaborate and work with external stakeholders to develop young talent in your field of expertise from the North Lincolnshire area; to embrace Scunthorpe United’s role in establishing the town as a place of culture, education and innovation for future generations.

Required skills

• Proficiency in industry standard data analysis and recruitment software including Hudl, Wyscout, TransferRoom and BEPRO, as well as video editing.
• Ability to assess players at live games and via video to judge suitability.
• Capacity to simultaneously manage a variety of tasks and objectives.
• Familiarity with National League and FA regulations.
• Proficiency in database software such as Microsoft Excel and an ability to present data in an accessible and engaging way.
• Knowledge of GDPR requirements and club policies.

Personal characteristics

• Connection to the sense of purpose that defines Scunthorpe United Football Club and its role as a force for good in the community.
• Ambitious and motivated with a growth mindset.
• Willingness to work collaboratively to help support the development of colleagues.
• Flexibility to work both independently and as part of a collaborative and cohesive team.
• Reliable and trustworthy, with a high level of personal integrity.
• Aligned with the values of Scunthorpe United Football club and its board: transparency, honesty and togetherness.

Essential job criteria

• FA Talent ID Level 1 & 2 or equivalent scouting qualifications in line with the EPPP.
• Proven experience in data analysis at National League level or above.
• High level of communication and presentation skills.
• Strong leadership qualities.
• Flexibility to act in a demanding environment and be prepared to travel at short notice. 

Desirable job criteria

• Proven experience in recruitment at National League level or above.
• Strong existing network of football industry contacts.

How to apply

Please send a short email introduction and CV to careers@scunthorpe-united.co.uk  

A small number of successful initial applicants will be invited to deliver a short online presentation to the coaching staff and directors.