Academy Recruitment Operations Manager

• Location: Cobham Training Ground
• Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
• Closing date: 30th October
• We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the position may be filled before the listed closing date. To avoid missing out, please submit your application at your earliest convenience.

The Opportunity

Chelsea FC is looking for a highly organised and proactive Recruitment Operations Manager to play a key role within our Academy Recruitment department. Combining recruitment operations, scouting coordination and talent identification responsibilities, this role will help ensure our scouting network operates effectively while supporting the identification and acquisition of high-potential players.

Working closely with scouting staff, recruitment leadership and key stakeholders across the Academy, you'll drive operational excellence, coordinate scouting activity and contribute directly to Chelsea FC's long-term talent strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage scouting schedules, fixture planning and workforce deployment across the Academy recruitment network.
• Lead fixture meetings, maintain communication with scouts and oversee scouting administration.
• Manage academy recruitment systems, squad lists, tournament calendars and scouting requests.
• Support recruitment projects and provide insights to improve the effectiveness of scouting operations.
• Attend live matches and review video footage to identify and assess emerging talent.
• Build and maintain relationships with clubs, academies, agents and key industry contacts.
• Gather player intelligence and support recruitment decisions with relevant insight and analysis.
• Provide tournament coverage, including occasional UK and international travel.
• Support the signing process for identified talent and contribute to wider recruitment objectives.
• Oversee recruitment department operations, including kit distribution, scout compliance and Premier League registration requirements.
• Contribute to recruitment meetings, projects and strategic initiatives across the department.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum three years' experience within professional football scouting or talent identification.
• Experience managing projects, operations or stakeholder groups within a recruitment environment.
• Strong knowledge of youth football and player development pathways.
• FA Level 2 Talent ID Qualification, UEFA B Licence or equivalent.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable analysing player performance through both live and video scouting.
• Highly proficient with Microsoft Office and confident learning new systems and technologies.

Our Expectations

To embody the club’s BLUE behaviours (Brave, Lead, Unity, Edge) in the approach to work and interaction with others

To adhere to the club’s policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR.

To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and reporting any acts of discrimination through appropriate channels

To create a safe environment and act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are either in your care or attending club premises, and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead

To report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the HR Department

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you.

Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.