Remote Lead Sports Data Analyst

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first company

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Company retirement matching

Professional growth opportunities

Home office technology stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Sports Data Analyst to head a remote team and drive advanced analytics in the sports domain. You will guide analysts, develop statistical models, and deliver data-driven insights to clients across leagues and events.

The role requires a strong background in ML, statistics, and data visualization, with excellent communication to explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Statistics, Data Science, CS, Mathematics or related field.
• 8+ years in data analysis, with substantial sports analytics experience.
• Experience leading analytical teams and mentoring teammates.
• Proficiency in Python or R and data manipulation libraries (Pandas, NumPy).
• Strong ML knowledge and libraries (Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• SQL and relational databases; experience with Spark and big data.
• Data visualization proficiency (Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib, Seaborn).
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; comfortable with remote work.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of data analysts, providing technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Develop, implement, and refine advanced statistical models and ML algorithms to analyze sports performance data.
• Identify trends and insights in large datasets to inform client strategy.
• Design and build data visualizations and dashboards for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with product, engineering, and client services to integrate insights into solutions.
• Oversee collection, cleaning, and validation of sports data from multiple sources.
• Stay updated on latest data science, ML, and sports analytics advancements.
• Present findings to internal stakeholders and clients.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

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

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Spark

Tableau

Power BI

Scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a globally recognized leader in sports analytics, seeking an exceptional Lead Sports Data Analyst to join their fully remote team. This role is perfectly suited for an individual passionate about leveraging data to uncover insights that drive performance and strategic decisions in the sports world. Based remotely, you will spearhead a team of talented analysts, working collaboratively to analyze complex datasets from various sporting events and leagues. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning, and data visualization techniques, combined with a profound appreciation for sports. You will be instrumental in shaping how our client's partners and clients interpret and utilize data, contributing significantly to their competitive edge. This is a unique opportunity to advance your career in sports analytics from anywhere in the world, with a company committed to innovation and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of data analysts, providing technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Develop, implement, and refine advanced statistical models and machine learning algorithms to analyze sports performance data.
• Identify key trends, patterns, and insights within large datasets to inform strategic decision-making for clients.
• Design and build sophisticated data visualizations and dashboards to communicate complex findings clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product development, engineering, and client services, to integrate data insights into product enhancements and client solutions.
• Oversee the collection, cleaning, and validation of sports-related data from multiple sources.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and sports analytics.
• Present findings and recommendations to internal stakeholders and external clients.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in data analysis, with a significant portion focused on sports analytics.
• Demonstrated experience in a lead or management role, guiding and developing analytical teams.
• Expert proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with data manipulation libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy).
• Strong knowledge of machine learning techniques and libraries (e.g., Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience with SQL and relational databases, as well as big data technologies (e.g., Spark).
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib, Seaborn).
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote work environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses, commensurate with experience.
• As a remote-first company, you will enjoy unparalleled flexibility in your work location.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided.
• A generous retirement savings plan with company matching is available.
• Opportunities for professional growth include access to online courses, conferences, and internal knowledge-sharing sessions.
• You will also receive a technology stipend for home office setup and ongoing support.
• This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge sports data projects without the need for relocation.