Wright, 44, a former manager of Ballymena United, played for a number of English clubs during a career that included 31 appearances for Northern Ireland. He was a contemporary of Norwich boss Glenn Roeder and coaches Lee Clark and Paul Stephenson at Newcastle.
Wright replaces Bryan Gunn, who had been fulfilling the role on a temporary basis. Gunn has become the head of player recruitment, while chief scout Alan Wood has left the club.