Head of Sports Analytics

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and dental coverage

Performance incentive program

Generous vacation time

Professional development support

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Head of Sports Analytics to establish and lead the analytics division in George, Western Cape. You will guide data-driven decisions across athlete performance, fan engagement, and business development, translating complex data into actionable insights.

The role requires a deep sports understanding, advanced analytics skills, and a proven track record in leadership and mentoring of data teams. Exciting opportunity to shape a thriving sports tech landscape in George.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Sports Science, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in data analytics, with at least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably in sports.
• Proven expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning, and predictive analytics.
• Proficiency in Python or R, and SQL databases.
• Experience with data visualization tools and big data technologies.
• Strong understanding of sports performance metrics and data sources.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience managing and mentoring data teams.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the sports analytics function, setting vision and strategy for data-driven insights.
• Develop and implement advanced analytical models to optimize performance and strategies.
• Analyze market trends, fan behavior, and competitive landscapes to inform business strategies.
• Design and oversee data collection, cleaning, and management of large datasets.
• Collaborate with coaching, performance, marketing, and leadership to deliver insights.
• Develop dashboards and data visualization tools for stakeholders.
• Mentor and manage a team of data analysts and scientists.
• Stay updated on analytics trends and communicate findings clearly.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Analytical thinking

Mentoring

Education

Master's or PhD in a quantitative field

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the Leisure & Sports industry, is seeking a highly analytical and forward-thinking Head of Sports Analytics to establish and lead their analytics division in George, Western Cape . This senior leadership role is critical for leveraging data to drive strategic decision‑making across all aspects of our client's operations, from athlete performance to fan engagement and business development. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of sports, coupled with advanced analytical skills and a proven ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of sports analytics in a beautiful coastal city.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the sports analytics function, setting the vision and strategy for data-driven insights.
• Develop and implement advanced analytical models to optimize athlete performance, training regimens, and injury prevention strategies.
• Analyze market trends, fan behaviour, and competitive landscapes to inform business strategies and identify growth opportunities.
• Design and oversee the collection, cleaning, and management of large datasets from various sources.
• Collaborate closely with coaching staff, performance teams, marketing, and executive leadership to deliver tailored insights.
• Develop and maintain robust reporting dashboards and data visualization tools for stakeholders.
• Mentor and manage a team of data analysts and scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in sports science, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.
• Communicate complex findings clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Sports Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in data analytics, with at least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably within the sports industry.
• Proven expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning, and predictive analytics.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with SQL databases.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and big data technologies.
• Strong understanding of sports performance metrics and relevant data sources.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience managing and mentoring data teams is essential.

Benefits

We offer a highly competitive salary package, with earnings expected to be around R per annum , reflecting the seniority and critical nature of this role. Additional benefits include comprehensive medical and dental coverage, a performance incentive program, generous vacation time, and support for ongoing professional development and conference attendance. Employees will also have the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of sports technology and innovation in the picturesque setting of George, Western Cape , contributing significantly to the Leisure & Sports sector.