Domestic Scout, Sporting Kansas City

The Scout, Player Recruitment is a well-organized and motivated professional with extensive knowledge of soccer who can identify and assess players and assist in player recruitment. This position will aid the Player Personnel Department in identifying and recruiting new players for Sporting Kansas City based on positional characteristics and financial profiles.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Expert understanding of the international domestic and local soccer markets.
• Scout and recruit players for the Sporting KC first team and Sporting KC II, including comprehensive coverage of Europe and South America, Major League Soccer, college soccer and other competitive leagues around the world.
• Excellent familiarity and understanding of club culture.
• Ability to negotiate on behalf of Sporting KC based on set parameters that follow guidelines as outlined by Sporting KC Player Personnel Department.
• Other scouting and recruitment-related duties as required.
• Integrate video services and analytics into everyday scouting practices, including (but not limited to) Wyscout, Impect and Opta.
• Communicate regularly with the Sporting KC coaching staff on roster needs, transfer targets, roster budget and other essential roster-building initiatives.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possess scouting experience and a deep knowledge of soccer, player recruitment, and an ability to demonstrate a proven track record.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and supervisory skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, detail-oriented and highly organized with the ability to simultaneously handle multiple tasks and adapt to change.
• Driven and enthusiastic and able to work well within a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and major scouting software platforms.
• Strong understanding and familiarity of MLS preferred.
• Able to work flexible hours including nights, weekends and holidays to perform direct scouting with the ability to travel both domestically and internationally.
• Strong familiarity of MLS rules and salary cap knowledge.
• Establish and maintain relationships with clubs, agents and players.
• Manage and oversee scouting databases, software and reports, including (but not limited to) Impect and Wyscout.
• Travel to games when assigned and conduct meetings with clubs, agents, players and families, where applicable.
• Source all facts on clubs, agents and players along with financial parameters.
• Interact with clubs, agents and players for the purpose of obtaining information on players.
• Collaborate with other scouts as necessary, following guidelines as outlined by the Sporting KC Player Personnel Department.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Strong organizational, communications and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to recruit, coach and demonstrate to highly talented athletes.
• Ability to analyze performance and develop a plan for improvement.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast paced, demanding environment.
• Respond effectively and calmly in an emergency situation.
• Practice and promote a healthy lifestyle.
• Determination to win games and championships.