Lead Academy Performance Scientist

Sheffield United PLC; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Sheffield United FC Academy seeks a Lead Academy Performance Scientist to provide high-quality applied performance science support across the Academy, focusing on the Professional Development Phase. You will integrate data, technologies and practice to inform decisions, maximise player availability and support long-term development.

The role involves data collection, analysis, and collaboration with coaching, medical and performance staff to translate information into action within an integrated

Qualifications

• BSc in Sports & Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning or related discipline is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead collection, management and interpretation of performance data to provide insights that enhance development and availability.

Skills

Excel

Power BI

GPS data analysis

Statistics

Data interpretation

Insights communication

Athletic development

Organisational skills

Communication with players

Communication with coaches

Sports science support

R

Python

People management

Education

BSc in Sports & Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning or related discipline

FA Safeguarding Children certificate

FA First Aid (Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football)

Postgraduate degree in data analytics/management

DBS check

Experience in Academy

Tools

Catapult GPS

VALD

Job description

Vacancy: Lead Academy Performance Scientist

Contract Type:

Permanent, full time

Hours:

40 hours per week

Location:

Sheffield United Training Academy and various opposition clubs

Line Manager:

Academy Head of Elite Performance

Dependent on experience

Post Reference:

AC1026-PLAPS

Sheffield United FC Academy are committed to being one of the best and innovative developers of talent in the country; to Out Run, Out Fight, Out Play the opposition.

To contribute to this ambition, the Academy Elite Performance Team are looking to recruit a passionate and knowledgeable Performance Scientist to provide high-quality applied performance science support across the Academy, with a focus on the Professional Development Phase. Working within an integrated multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will combine data, technologies and applied practice to support evidence-based decision making, maximise player availability and optimise long-term athletic development.

The role will take responsibility for the collection, management, analysis, visualisation and interpretation of key performance data, while working closely with coaching, physical performance and medical staff to ensure information is translated into meaningful action.

The post holder will additionally contribute to the planning and delivery of the Academy physical development programme, including physical testing, pitch-based development and gym-based development.

Core Role Responsibilities:

• Work closely with other members of the Elite Performance Team to ensure an interdisciplinary team approach is adopted to player support.
• Lead the collection, management and interpretation of performance data to provide meaningful insights that enhance player development, performance and availability.
• Manage the Academy's athlete monitoring systems through effective use of performance technologies, including Catapult GPS and VALD, ensuring accurate data capture, quality assurance and reporting, whilst maintaining high standards of data governance.
• Develop and maintain clear performance dashboards, reports and visualisations that communicate complex information in a simple and impactful way to a range of stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with coaching, medical and performance staff to provide evidence-informed recommendations that influence training design, player management, rehabilitation progressions and long-term player development.
• Lead or support the design and delivery of gym and pitch based athletic development sessions and performance testing to support the physical development of Academy players.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation by evaluating current practises and applying evidence-based approaches to performance science.
• Manage the Academy Data Analyst and Data Analyst Volunteers to ensure high-quality support across the Academy.
• Participate and lead in internal CPD while pursuing external CPD requirements.
• Other duties within the scope of the role as requested by management.
• Ensure completion of any mandatory training required for the role, including internal club training around Safeguarding and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.
• Report any concerns of a Safeguarding nature to the relevant parties and remain fully compliant with any applicable Safeguarding checks and due diligence and recognise your responsibility to the Club's Safeguarding agenda.
• Report any concerns of discrimination to the relevant parties and promote a welcoming and inclusive club environment for all.
• Adhere to the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, supporting the Club to create an environment which is inclusive and all-encompassing.
• Carry out and actively participate in all training requests as directed by the Club, including mandatory health and safety training, emergency procedures, fire safety, manual handling, safeguarding, and role-specific safety instruction.

Essential Criteria for the Role:

• BSc in Sports & Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning or related discipline.
• Experience of providing sports science support within a professional or elite sporting environment.
• Highly proficient in the use of data management and analytic packages, including Excel and Power BI.
• Previous experience of using GPS technologies, and interpretation of associated data.
• A strong understanding of methods of statistical analysis.
• Demonstrable ability to interpret complex performance data and communicate clear recommendations that influence coaching and performance practice.
• Experience delivering gym and/or pitch-based athletic development to athletes.
• To uphold the FA Safeguarding Children certificate.
• FA First Aid (Level 2 Emergency First Aid in Football).
• This role requires an enhanced criminal record check through the DBS upon offer acceptance.
• Strong organisational skills.
• ability to communicate with players of all age ranges.
• ability to communicate with coaches across all phases.

Desirable Criteria for the Role:

• A postgraduate degree in data analytics / management or related discipline.
• Ability to use coding languages such as R and Python, or similar tools, for data analysis and visualisation.
• Experience of performance management responsibilities for direct reports.
• Experience of working in an Academy.

Equality and diversity
Sheffield United FC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and its employment policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment.

Sheffield United FC are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. If you would like further information regarding the scheme and how we are able to support disabled persons within the workplace, then please contact our HR team at [e-mail]

Safer recruitment
Sheffield United FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks as well as providing proof of right to work in the UK. For further information on the Club's Safeguarding Statement please access the following link:
sufc.co.uk/club/policies/safeguarding-policy