Sports Analytics Lead

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement savings options

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West is seeking an innovative Sports Analytics Lead to shape data-driven performance improvements. You will lead a team of analysts, work closely with coaches and performance staff, and implement analytics strategies across multiple sports to impact decisions and fan engagement.

You will design data collection systems, build predictive models, and communicate findings through compelling visuals.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a quantitative field.
• 5+ years in sports analytics with 2+ years in leadership.
• Strong statistical modeling and ML background.
• Proficient in Python or R and data visualization tools.
• Experience with large datasets and SQL databases.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of analytics strategies for performance.
• Mentor and manage a team of sports data analysts.
• Collaborate with coaches, scientists, and performance staff to define KPIs.
• Design data collection systems from wearables, video, and match data.
• Develop predictive models to forecast trends and inform decisions.
• Create visualizations and reports for technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Stay updated on analytics, AI, and sports science advances.
• Ensure data integrity and security across platforms.
• Present findings to senior management and athletes.
• Contribute to innovative analytical tools and software solutions.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Python

R

Tableau/Power BI

SQL

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science / Statistics / CS / Sports Science

5+ years in sports analytics (2+ in leadership)

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

SQL databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge sports technology and performance analysis firm based in Rustenburg, North West, is looking for an innovative and experienced Sports Analytics Lead. This role is crucial in developing and implementing advanced data analysis strategies to enhance athletic performance, strategic decision-making, and fan engagement across various sports. The successful candidate will lead a team of data analysts, work closely with coaches and performance staff, and leverage big data to uncover actionable insights. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of sports performance in Rustenburg and beyond. We seek a highly analytical individual with a passion for sports and a proven ability to translate complex data into tangible improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive sports analytics strategies to support team and individual athlete performance.
• Manage and mentor a team of sports data analysts, providing guidance on methodologies and toolsets.
• Collaborate closely with coaches, sports scientists, and performance staff to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and analytical needs.
• Design and implement data collection systems and protocols from various sources, including wearable technology, video analysis, and match data.
• Develop predictive models and algorithms to forecast performance trends, identify talent, and inform strategic decisions.
• Create compelling visualizations and reports to communicate complex analytical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data analytics, sports science, and artificial intelligence, and integrate them into existing frameworks.
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and security across all analytical platforms.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior management, coaching staff, and athletes.
• Contribute to the development of innovative analytical tools and software solutions.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Sports Science, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in sports analytics or a related data-intensive field, with at least 2 years in a leadership or team management role.
• Demonstrated expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning techniques, and data mining.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data analysis, such as Python or R.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and databases (SQL).
• Strong understanding of sports dynamics, performance metrics, and the challenges faced in sports performance optimization.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex data insights clearly.
• Experience working with large datasets from diverse sources.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Familiarity with sports performance tracking technologies is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• medical aid
• life insurance
• retirement savings options
• professional development opportunities, including training courses and conference attendance

Our client offers an attractive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits program including medical aid, life insurance, and retirement savings options. This role provides a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of sports technology and influence performance outcomes for leading athletes and teams in Rustenburg, North West. Join a dynamic and innovative company committed to pushing the boundaries of sports science.