Lead Academy Performance Scientist

Sheffield United Football Club; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Sheffield United FC Academy is seeking a Lead Academy Performance Scientist to provide high-quality applied performance science support for the Academy's Professional Development Phase. You will work within an integrated multidisciplinary team to combine data, technologies and practice to support evidence-based decision making and maximise player availability.

The role focuses on data collection, management, analysis, visualization and interpretation of key performance data, translating

Qualifications

• BSc in Sports & Exercise Science or related discipline is required.
• Experience providing sports science support in professional or elite sport.
• Proficiency with data management and analytics tools (Excel, Power BI).

Responsibilities

• Collect, manage and interpret performance data to provide insights for player development and availability.
• Develop and maintain performance dashboards and visualisations for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with coaching, medical and performance staff to inform training design and player management.
• Lead or support gym and pitch-based athletic development sessions and performance testing.

Skills

Excel

Power BI

Data management

GPS data

Statistical analysis

Communication

Organisational skills

Education

BSc in Sports & Exercise Science

Tools

Catapult GPS

VALD

Job description

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

Salary: 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.

Club Wide Responsibilities

• 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.
• Excellent communication 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.

Closing date: Thursday 22nd October 2026

Please note that in the instance of high volumes of applications we may close this vacancy earlier than the closing date noted above.

Eligibility for employment in the UK

In accordance with current legislative requirements the successful applicant must produce documentary verification of their eligibility to work in the UK and will not be allowed to start work until this has been received.

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