What are the responsibilities and job description for the Positional Technical Scout - First Team position at Sporting Kansas City?
Position Summary
The Positional Technical Scout is a well-organized and motivated professional with extensive knowledge of soccer who can identify and assess players through detailed video analysis. This role plays a crucial part in the Club’s recruitment strategy by identifying and providing objective, high-level assessments of player’s current performance and long-term potential based on positional characteristics and financial profiles.
The Positional Technical Scout will produce detailed written reports, prepare and edit targeted video clips, and contribute meaningfully to comprehensive player profiles that support final recruitment decisions. The role requires a strong understanding of the global competitive landscape, positional demands within the club’s model of play, and the ability to identify players whose qualities align with the requirements of Major League Soccer.
Sporting Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and equity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates. All associates are expected to positively collaborate with individuals of diverse backgrounds. We encourage all talented individuals looking for a challenge to apply.
Essential Functions
- Identify and monitor recommended player opportunities across global leagues and competitions, with a specific focus on up-to four main playing positions.
- Responsible for both initial filter recommendations on player targets as well as conducting detailed multi-game analysis on players across different competitions.
- Assess players and make recommendations on the player’s suitability based on adaptation to MLS level, suitability to the Club’s philosophy and game model, the physical demands of our competitions & any potential transition concerns.
- Ensuring all relevant player recommendation decisions are categorized and tracked within the Club’s internal database system(s).
- Produce structured written scouting reports on all players that includes technical assessments, tactical capability, physical profile and any psychological / behavioral indicators along with strengths & development areas.
- Accurately assess players and their quality relevant to MLS standards, grading players against defined positional profiles and provide clear projection analysis on short-term readiness along with medium- and long-term development potential.
- Produce, edit and prepare high-quality standardized video summaries that provide an accurate view of the recommended player’s overall competencies and areas of development for decision-makers, which should include position-specific and relevant phase of play video.
- Support the creation of position-specific player profiles to include technical, tactical, physical & psychological demands. Contribute to the creation of player profiles and dossiers required for final sign-off on transfer targets.
- Collaborate with the data analysts to provide accurate feedback loops on metric development for specific position profiles.
- Responsible for maintaining awareness of MLS and global tactical trends and player development environments.
Personal Attributes
- Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.
- Strong organizational, communications and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, detail-oriented and highly organized with the ability to simultaneously handle multiple tasks and adapt to change.
- Composed, driven and adaptable, capable of thriving in a dynamic, high-performance team environment.
- Energetic and positive demeanor that fosters trust, motivation, and accountability across the team.
- Comfortable understanding and working with data alongside traditional scouting insight.
- Work collaboratively with the wider scouting department alongside all other departments – including Data & Analytics, Human Performance and Coaching – with the ability to communicate clearly to influence decision-making.
- Professional integrity, discretion, and commitment to the club’s values and player-development philosophy.
- Analytical and detail-oriented with the ability to translate complex data into actionable training insights.
Qualifications & Experience
- 3-7 years of experience in scouting, performance analysis, or technical evaluation roles with professional soccer.
- Demonstrated a deep understanding of soccer, player recruitment, and a proven track record of player identification & recommendation.
- Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, video platforms, and scouting databases.
- Strong understanding and familiarity of MLS preferred.
- Able to work flexible hours including nights, weekends and holidays.
- Bachelor’s degree and professional license in sports science, analytics, coaching or related field preferred.
Physical & Working Conditions
- Based primarily at the Club’s training facility and stadium, with potential regular travel for matches and events.
- Work involves primarily office-based planning environments but live attendance at matches for scouting purposes may be required.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, bend, stoop, push and pull as required.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.
- Travel and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays are required.
- Must maintain professionalism and emotional control in demanding or high-pressure situations.