Lead Academy Performance Scientist: Data-Driven Development

Sheffield United FC; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Sheffield United FC’s Training Academy seeks a Lead Academy Performance Scientist to deliver high-quality applied performance science support across the Academy, with a focus on the Professional Development Phase.

You will oversee data collection, athlete monitoring and analysis, developing dashboards to inform training design, player management and long-term athletic development, while collaborating with coaches, medical staff and performance practitioners.

Qualifications

• BSc in Sport & Exercise Science or related field required.
• Experience delivering sports science support within professional or elite sport.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Power BI.
• Experience using GPS technology and interpreting performance data.
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis methods.
• Ability to interpret complex datasets and communicate practical recommendations.
• Experience delivering gym/pitch-based athletic development.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with players and coaches across academy phases.

Responsibilities

• Lead collection, management and interpretation of Academy performance data.
• Manage athlete monitoring systems and develop performance dashboards.
• Ensure data governance and quality assurance; report findings to coaching staff.
• Translate analytical insights into practical recommendations for training design and player management.
• Lead or support physical testing and development sessions.
• Support development of performance science practices and technologies.

Skills

BSc in Sport & Exercise Science

Sports science in elite sport

Excel

Power BI

GPS data interpretation

Statistical analysis

Communication skills

Team leadership

Athlete development

Education

BSc in Sport & Exercise Science

Postgraduate qualification in Data Analytics

Tools

Catapult GPS

VALD

Power BI

Excel

Python

R

Job description

Sheffield United FC’s Training Academy seeks a Lead Academy Performance Scientist to deliver high-quality applied performance science support across the Academy, with a focus on the Professional Development Phase.

You will oversee data collection, athlete monitoring and analysis, developing dashboards to inform training design, player management and long-term athletic development, while collaborating with coaches, medical staff and performance practitioners.