Job Description
We are seeking a strategic and progressive leader to head our entire academy structure from grassroots to U20, including the scholarship programme. This pivotal leadership role is a key step forward in our commitment to building the best academy in the Irish League.
The successful candidate will be responsible for creating a high-performance, player-centred environment that nurtures young talent both on and off the pitch. This includes embedding best practices across coaching, education, welfare, recruitment, and infrastructure in alignment with our long-term vision and first-team philosophy.
Key Responsibilities:
* Strategic Leadership & Vision: Develop and implement a long-term academy strategy aligned with our vision. Build structured academy systems, policies, and SOPs to ensure operational excellence.
* Player Development & Pathways: Oversee all aspects of player development, including Individual Player Development Plans (IDPs). Ensure training is age-appropriate, progressive, and stimulating.
* Coaching Team Management: Recruit, lead, and support academy coaches across all phases. Ensure staff meet required qualifications (UEFA A/B) and IFA licensing standards.
* Talent Identification & Recruitment: Lead the clubs youth scouting and recruitment strategy from U6 to U20. Build strong relationships with local clubs, schools, and community programmes.
About the Role
This is an opportunity to positively influence the lives and careers of young footballers across the region. We offer a competitive salary and expenses, company pension, and full support from a forward-thinking board and leadership team.
Required Skills and Qualifications
* UEFA A Licence (or Elite Youth A Licence); must meet IFA Club Licensing requirements
* Minimum 2 years experience in talent identification, scouting, and youth development
* Strong leadership and people management experience in a football environment
Benefits
Competitive salary and expenses, company pension, flexible schedule