Lead Performance Analyst - Professional Sports

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus structure

Health insurance

Paid vacation

Retirement plan

Professional development

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Performance Analyst in Pretoria to drive high-impact sports analytics. You will lead a team of analysts, develop advanced performance metrics, and translate insights into actionable guidance for coaching staff and management.

The role requires a Master’s in a quantitative field, 5+ years in professional sports analytics, and strong skills in statistics, ML, and data visualization. Hudl/Catapult experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a quantitative field related to performance analytics.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in performance analysis within professional sports.
• Experience leading a team of analysts and delivering actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implement performance analysis strategies for the team.
• Oversee collection and interpretation of GPS, video, and physiological data.
• Develop statistical models to identify trends and forecast outcomes.
• Collaborate with coaches, medical staff and scientists to inform training and game plans.
• Mentor junior analysts and present findings to players, coaches and executives.
• Research new technologies to advance capabilities and ensure data integrity.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Data visualization

Python

R

SQL

Tableau

Leadership

Presentation

Data processing

Education

Master's degree in Data Science/Statistics/Sports Science/Biomechanics

Tools

Hudl

Catapult

Job description

About the Role

A highly regarded professional sports franchise based in Pretoria is seeking an experienced Lead Performance Analyst. This critical role involves leveraging advanced data analytics to enhance athletic performance, strategic decision-making, and competitive advantage. The successful candidate will lead a team of analysts, develop sophisticated performance metrics, and provide actionable insights to coaching staff and management. This position requires a blend of technical expertise in data science, a deep understanding of sports performance, and exceptional communication skills to translate complex data into clear, concise recommendations. Join us in shaping the future of sports performance in Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive performance analysis strategies for the team. Oversee the collection, processing, and interpretation of performance data from various sources (e.g., GPS, video analysis, physiological metrics). Develop and maintain statistical models and predictive analytics to identify trends and forecast outcomes. Collaborate closely with coaching staff, medical teams, and sports scientists to integrate performance insights into training and game strategies. Manage and mentor junior performance analysts, providing guidance and fostering skill development. Present complex analytical findings to diverse audiences, including players, coaches, and executives, in an understandable format. Identify and research new technologies and methodologies to advance performance analysis capabilities. Ensure data integrity, security, and ethical handling throughout all analytical processes. Contribute to scouting and talent identification through data-driven evaluations. Develop performance dashboards and reports to track progress against key objectives.

Requirements

Master's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Sports Science, Biomechanics, or a related quantitative field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in performance analysis, specifically within professional sports. Proven experience leading and managing a team of analysts. Expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning, and data visualization tools (e.g., R, Python, SQL, Tableau). Deep understanding of sports biomechanics, physiology, and performance principles relevant to the sport. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail. Superior communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly. Experience with sports-specific performance tracking software (e.g., Hudl, Catapult). Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, coupled with an attractive bonus structure and comprehensive health insurance.
• Additional benefits include paid vacation, retirement plan contributions, and opportunities for ongoing professional development and conference attendance.

You will be part of a dynamic, high-performance team with access to cutting-edge technology and facilities in Pretoria . This role presents a unique chance to influence athletic success at the highest level in the exciting world of professional sports in South Africa .