Data Scientist (Football Club)

Singular Recruitment; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruiting firm is looking for a Data Scientist to work with a prestigious football club in the UK. The role involves designing and deploying data models to impact various decision-making areas within the club, such as recruitment, performance analysis, and strategy. Candidates should have over 3 years of experience, strong skills in Python and machine learning, and an understanding of football analytics. This position offers a flexible hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working model

Access to high-value datasets

Opportunity to grow within a digital-first team

Qualifications

• 3+ years of industry experience as a Data Scientist, plus a strong academic foundation.
• Experience with a variety of ML techniques: regression, classification, clustering, time-series forecasting.
• Proven ability to productionise models, including building and deploying APIs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply statistical models and algorithms to analyse player performance.
• Collect, clean, and process football-related data from diverse sources.
• Build clear, compelling visualizations and deliver insights to stakeholders.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in Python

Statistical & Machine Learning Modelling

Strong visualization and communication skills

Familiarity with football-specific datasets

Tools

Pandas

NumPy

scikit-learn

Keras

PyTorch

Job description

This is a unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of AI, data technology, and elite football analytics. As a Data Scientist, you’ll join a collaborative, high-performing team with a culture rooted in creativity, innovation, and excellence.

In this role, you’ll design and deploy data models that power decision-making across every area of the club — from strategy, tactics, recruitment, and performance, to pre- and post-match analysis. You'll also play a key role in supporting the club’s commercial operations, including e-commerce and fan engagement.

If you're passionate about using advanced data science to drive real-world impact in sport, this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply statistical models and algorithms to analyse player performance, match outcomes, and tactical insights
• Collect, clean, and process football-related data from diverse sources
• Build clear, compelling visualizations and deliver insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Collaborate with analysts, coaches, and performance staff to understand requirements and translate them into actionable data solutions
• Stay up to date with advancements in sports analytics, machine learning, and data science methodologies

Your Background

• 3+ years of industry experience as a Data Scientist , plus a strong academic foundation
• Python Data Science Stack : Advanced proficiency in Python , including Pandas, NumPy and scikit-learn.
• Statistical & Machine Learning Modelling : Experience with a variety of ML techniques ( regression, classification, clustering, time-series forecasting )
• Experience with deep learning frameworks such as Keras or PyTorch
• Model Deployment : Proven ability to productionise models, including building and deploying APIs
• Strong visualization and communication skills , with the ability to translate complex technical findings into actionable insights for coaches, analysts, and execs

Highly Desirable Skills

• Football Analytics Experience : Familiarity with football-specific datasets (event, tracking, positiona l), and libraries like mplsoccer
• Advanced MLOps & Modelling : Experience with the Vertex AI ecosystem, especially pipelines, and advanced techniques such as player valuation , tactical modelling , etc.
• Bayesian Modelling : Knowledge of probabilistic programming (e.g., PyMC ) for uncertainty-aware predictions
• Stakeholder Collaboration : Demonstrated ability to work directly with stakeholders to scope, iterate, and deliver impactful solutions in fast-moving environments

What They Offer

• A chance to work on real-world data that impacts elite football performance
• Access to high-value datasets , sports science teams, and cross-disciplinary experts
• A flexible hybrid working model (1 day per month in the London office)
• The opportunity to grow within a digital-first team at a world-renowned football club
• The satisfaction of applying your engineering skills in an environment where your work directly influences results on the pitch