Lead Sports Data Analyst

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid (comprehensive)

Professional development opportunities

Pension fund contributions

Performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal is seeking a Lead Sports Data Analyst to lead a team of analysts, leveraging advanced analytics to improve player performance, game strategy, and fan engagement. This on-site role requires deep quantitative skills and a passion for sports.

You will mentor staff, build predictive models, and deliver dashboards for coaches and executives, with emphasis on data integrity and scalable methodologies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a quantitative field.
• At least 6 years in data analysis with 2+ in leadership.
• Proficiency in R or Python.
• Experience with SQL and database management.
• Strong knowledge of ML algorithms and their applications.
• Excellent data visualization skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytics team to collect, clean, and analyze sports performance data.
• Develop predictive models to identify trends and opportunities in player performance and game strategy.
• Translate complex data findings into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations for coaches, management, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee the design and implementation of data visualization tools and dashboards.
• Mentor and guide junior analysts, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Collaborate with various departments to understand their data needs and deliver tailored analytical solutions.
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and security across all analytical processes.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and sports analytics.
• Present findings and insights to executive leadership and external partners.

Skills

R

Python

SQL

Data visualization

Leadership

Communication

Sports analytics

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Statistics / Data Science / Mathematics / Computer Science

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

SQL Server

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking organization at the intersection of sports and technology, is seeking an experienced Lead Sports Data Analyst to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This critical role involves leveraging advanced analytics to derive actionable insights from vast sports datasets, informing strategic decisions across performance, scouting, and fan engagement. You will lead a team of analysts, driving innovation in data methodologies and contributing to the development of cutting-edge analytical tools. The ideal candidate possesses a strong quantitative background, a passion for sports, and proven leadership capabilities. This is an on-site position requiring full commitment to the Richards Bay office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the data analytics team in collecting, cleaning, and analyzing sports performance data.
• Develop predictive models and statistical analyses to identify trends and opportunities in player performance and game strategy.
• Translate complex data findings into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations for coaches, management, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee the design and implementation of data visualization tools and dashboards.
• Mentor and guide junior analysts, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Collaborate with various departments to understand their data needs and deliver tailored analytical solutions.
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and security across all analytical processes.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and sports analytics.
• Present findings and insights to executive leadership and external partners.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in data analysis, with at least 2 years in a leadership role, preferably within the sports industry.
• Proficiency in statistical programming languages such as R or Python.
• Experience with SQL and database management.
• Strong understanding of machine learning algorithms and their application.
• Excellent data visualization skills (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Deep knowledge of sports, including rules, strategies, and performance metrics.
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical audiences.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary, commensurate with your expertise and experience. As part of the Richards Bay team, you will enjoy comprehensive medical aid, including hospital and day-to-day benefits. Opportunities for professional development are a priority, including access to advanced training, conferences, and certifications. You'll work in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology. This role offers significant opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization. Pension fund contributions and a performance bonus structure are also provided. Join a passionate team dedicated to unlocking the power of data in sports.