1st Team Data Scientist

Manchester City; Manchester; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Dental cover

Annual discretionary bonus

Health Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Company pension

Life assurance

Free on-site parking

Breakfast and lunch provided

Sports and leisure clubs

Cycle to work

City Football Group discounts

City+ subscription

Job summary

Manchester City is seeking a First Team Data Scientist to research and build data science solutions that inform performance and recruitment. You will develop statistical and machine‑learning models to deepen understanding of what it takes to perform, turning complex data into clear insights for training, recruitment and match strategy.

You will collaborate with data scientists and analysts across multidisciplinary teams, communicating findings to both technical and non‑technical audiences while

Qualifications

• Masters or equivalent in a quantitative discipline.
• Experience designing and training complex statistical models.
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis and model development.
• Experience with structured and unstructured data, including spatio-temporal data.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present technical findings to non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate with other data scientists and across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Research and build data science solutions for performance and recruitment.
• Develop statistical and ML models to inform training and match strategy.
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

Python

Statistical modeling

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Masters or equivalent in quantitative discipline

Job description

Based in Manchester, this permanent role sits within Manchester City’s 1st Team Analysis department and helps turn football data into better decisions. Working with the Football Intelligence Data team, you will develop models and insights that inform recruitment, training and match strategy, while helping football practitioners understand what it takes to perform at the highest level.

Who We Are

Manchester City is a football club rooted in East Manchester, with a story that began in 1880 and continues to grow today. Built on resilience, belief and togetherness, success on the pitch is driven by the moments and memories shared with millions of Fans around the world. City is known for its bravery, its determination to the very end and its strong connection to where we come from. With Mancunian roots and a global outlook, we are shaped by our Fans and driven by a long‑term vision, from developing future talent to supporting the communities we call home. Together, we are creating the next chapter, the City way.

The Role

As a First Team Data Scientist, you will research and build data science solutions that help football practitioners and decision‑makers answer important questions about performance and recruitment. Your work will turn complex information into clear, useful insight that can support the way teams prepare, perform and develop.

You will develop statistical and machine‑learning models that deepen our understanding of what it takes to perform, contributing to quantitative approaches across technical, tactical and physical areas of football. You will explore patterns and trends, identify meaningful features, test ideas and make predictions that can inform training programmes and match strategies.

Working alongside data scientists, analysts and colleagues across multidisciplinary teams, you will communicate your findings to both technical and non‑technical audiences. You will manage your work against agreed plans, contribute to shared project outcomes and bring curiosity, imagination and practical problem‑solving to new football performance challenges.

What You’ll Bring

• A Masters or equivalent industry experience in a quantitative discipline such as mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science or a related subject.
• Experience designing and training complex statistical models.
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis and model development.
• Experience working with structured and unstructured data sources, including spatio‑temporal data.
• Clear and effective communication skills, including the ability to present technical findings to non‑technical audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate with other data scientists and across multidisciplinary teams.

Why Choose Us

Working at Manchester City means being supported to do your best, with the flexibility and encouragement to look after your wellbeing. We are committed to helping our people learn, grow and thrive in a culture built on collaboration, openness and hard work.

As part of our team, you will receive the following benefits:

• 26 days’ annual leave plus a day off for your birthday
• private healthcare
• dental cover
• an annual discretionary bonus
• a Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP support
• a company pension
• life assurance
• free on‑site parking
• complimentary breakfast
• lunch
• access to a range of sports and leisure clubs
• cycle to workGive As You Earn
• discounted match tickets
• savings in the City Store
• a free City+ subscription
• stadium tour discounts
• wider retail and lifestyle offers

City Football Group promotes equal opportunities in employment and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose skills and experience seem to meet our needs. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you only if you are selected for an interview. If you require reasonable adjustments or any support throughout the process, please contact [e-mail] and we will be happy to help.

Employment is subject to the provision of proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

Due to our safeguarding promise, all UK-based CFG roles will be subject to a DBS check upon commencing employment with us. This will be either a basic, standard or enhanced check depending on the job role and responsibilities.