Senior Sports Data Scientist

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Hybrid work model in Sandton

Comprehensive medical and retirement

State-of-the-art data resources

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Sports Data Scientist to lead analytics projects, mentor analysts, and partner with coaches and management. The role blends advanced ML with practical sports insights, offering a hybrid office setup in a state-of-the-art facility.

You will design models, identify KPIs, and deliver dashboards that translate complex data into actionable strategies for athlete performance and team success.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5-7 years of professional experience in data science with a focus on sports analytics.
• Expertise in statistical modeling, ML techniques (regression, classification, clustering, deep learning) and experimental design.
• Proficiency in Python or R with libraries like scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas, NumPy.
• Experience with SQL/NoSQL and data warehousing concepts.
• Strong data visualization skills (Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib, Seaborn).
• Excellent analytical and communication abilities.
• Hybrid work experience; comfortable with in-office Sandton collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced statistical models and ML algorithms to analyze sports data.
• Identify KPIs and metrics for various sports disciplines.
• Extract, clean, and transform large datasets from wearables, video analysis, and performance metrics.
• Develop predictive models for player performance, injury risk, and game outcomes.
• Create insightful visualizations and dashboards for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with coaches and performance staff to integrate data-driven insights into training and strategy.
• Mentor junior data scientists and analysts.
• Stay current with advances in data science and sports analytics research.
• Evaluate and implement new data analysis tools and technologies.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the data science team.

Skills

Python

R

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Data analysis

Communication

Hybrid collaboration

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science/Statistics/CS/Mathematics

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Pandas

NumPy

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in sports analytics and performance optimization, is seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Sports Data Scientist to join their team in Sandton, Gauteng . This role is at the cutting edge of sports technology, leveraging advanced data science techniques to uncover insights that drive athlete performance, team strategy, and fan engagement. You will lead complex data projects, mentor junior analysts, and collaborate closely with coaches, athletes, and management. The ideal candidate possesses a strong quantitative background, deep expertise in machine learning and statistical modeling, and a passion for applying these skills to the dynamic world of sports. This hybrid role offers the opportunity to work from a state-of-the‑art office in Sandton while also benefiting from flexible remote work arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced statistical models and machine learning algorithms to analyze sports data.


• Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and relevant metrics for various sports disciplines.


• Extract, clean, and transform large datasets from diverse sources (wearables, video analysis, performance metrics).


• Develop predictive models for player performance, injury risk, and game outcomes.


• Create insightful visualizations and dashboards to communicate complex findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.


• Collaborate with coaches, sports scientists, and performance staff to integrate data-driven insights into training and strategy.


• Mentor and guide junior data scientists and analysts.


• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and sports analytics research.


• Evaluate and implement new data analysis tools and technologies.


• Contribute to the strategic direction of the data science team and its impact on the organization.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.


• Minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience as a Data Scientist, with a significant portion focused on sports analytics.


• Proven expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning techniques (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning), and experimental design.


• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas, NumPy).


• Experience with database technologies (SQL, NoSQL) and data warehousing concepts.


• Strong data visualization skills (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib, Seaborn).


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.


• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.


• Experience working in a hybrid environment, comfortable with both remote collaboration and in-office interaction in Sandton .


• A passion for sports and a deep understanding of athletic performance principles.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive medical and retirement plans, and generous paid time off.


• This hybrid role provides a flexible work arrangement, allowing you to balance your professional responsibilities with personal commitments while working within a leading sports analytics firm in Sandton .


• You will have access to state-of-the‑art technology and data resources.


• Significant opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and engagement in groundbreaking research are provided.


• Join a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment dedicated to pushing the boundaries of sports science.