Lead Emerging Talent Scout

Position Summary

Orange County SC is seeking a strategic, detail-oriented, and well-connected Lead Emerging Talent Scout to lead the club’s identification and recruitment of high-potential players across domestic and international markets. This role is instrumental in building a robust talent pipeline for the first team and development squads by identifying players with long-term growth potential, aligned with OCSC’s playing philosophy and development model.

Key Responsibilities

Talent Identification & Scouting:

• Identify and evaluate emerging talents aged 12 –23 across youth academies, USL, MLS NEXT, college soccer, and international markets.
• Build and maintain a dynamic scouting database of targeted prospects, with clear categorization by age, position, development potential, and fit within OCSC's footballing identity.
• Attend matches, tournaments, combines, and showcases (regional, national, and international) to scout live and develop first-hand insights.
  
  

Scouting Strategy & Network Development

• Design and execute a long-term scouting strategy focused on emerging talent acquisition.
• Develop and manage a trusted network of regional scouts, contacts, and partners.
• Collaborate with the General Manager, Head Coach, Coaching staff, and scouting team to align scouting reports with performance profiles and data benchmarks.
  
  

Player Evaluation & Reporting

• Produce in-depth, objective scouting reports including technical, tactical, physical, and psychological evaluations.
• Utilize video analysis and performance data to support live observations and comparative analysis.
• Lead internal scouting meetings and present candidate profiles for recruitment consideration.
  
  

Collaboration & Integration

• Partner with the academy staff, sports science, and player development teams to track player progress post-recruitment.
• Support the transition of identified talent into OCSC’s development and first-team structure.
• Monitor released players, untapped talent pools, and late-developers for second-chance opportunities.
  
  

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of scouting or talent identification experience within professional football, ideally in North America.
• Deep understanding of U.S. soccer pathways (MLS NEXT, USL Academy, NCAA, etc.).
• Proven track record of identifying and recommending successful player signings at youth or early professional levels.
• Strong knowledge of positional profiles, player development trajectories, and potential indicators.
• Familiarity with video analysis and scouting platforms (e.g., Wyscout, Hudl).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work non-traditional hours.
• USSF Talent Scout License or equivalent certification (preferred).
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Multilingual (Spanish, French, Portuguese) a strong asset.
• Established scouting network in North America and/or international markets.
• Background as a player, coach, or analyst a plus.
  
  

Compensation And Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision benefits offered
• Travel and professional development stipend
• Opportunities for career advancement within the club’s technical structure
  
  

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.