Performance Data Scientist - Manchester City Men's First Team

Based in Manchester, this permanent full-time role plays a central part in expanding the use of advanced analytics, machine learning and AI across Manchester City's First Team Performance environment. You will help turn complex data into practical insight, building tools and models that support player availability, optimise performance and strengthen evidence-informed decision making.

Within our First Team Performance department, we bring together expertise across sports medicine, physical performance, football intelligence and technology to support player readiness and performance. The team works collaboratively to turn evidence into practical support for practitioners and to continually improve how we understand and apply performance information.

This role sits at the intersection of performance science, machine learning and practical football decision making. You will help shape how the First Team uses data to better understand player health, availability, physical performance and injury risk.

You will lead the development and validation of predictive models and data products, working with complex longitudinal datasets to test ideas, refine approaches and turn findings into useful outputs for practitioners. A key part of the role is translating advanced analysis into tools people can use with confidence. That may include explainable AI outputs, dashboards and web-based applications, alongside sensible monitoring so solutions remain robust and relevant over time.

You will work closely with colleagues across Sports Medicine, Physical Performance, Football Intelligence and Technology to move prototypes into production, define analytical requirements and contribute to wider Performance AI work across the Club and Group.

What You'll Bring

• MSc, PhD or equivalent industry experience in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence or a similar quantitative discipline.
• Experience designing, training and validating machine learning or deep learning models.
• Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams in performance, sport, healthcare or a comparable high-performance environment.
• Highly proficient in Python and SQL, with experience working with complex datasets.
• Experience developing end-to-end machine learning workflows from research through deployment, including model validation, explainability, calibration and monitoring.
• Ability to translate complex analytical findings into clear, practical recommendations for non-technical stakeholders.

Why Choose Us

Working at Manchester City means being supported to do your best, with the flexibility and encouragement to look after your wellbeing. We are committed to helping our people learn, grow and thrive in a culture built on collaboration, openness and hard work. 26 days' annual leave plus a day off for your birthday, private healthcare and dental cover, and an annual discretionary bonus. Also have access to a Health Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP support, and a company pension and life assurance. Manchester-based employees also benefit from free on-site parking, complimentary breakfast and lunch, and access to a range of sports and leisure clubs. You can enjoy a range of additional benefits, including cycle to work, Give As You Earn, discounted match tickets, savings in the City Store, a free City+ subscription, stadium tour discounts, and wider retail and lifestyle offers.

City Football Group promotes equal opportunities in employment and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. Due to our safeguarding promise, all UK-based CFG roles will be subject to a DBS check upon commencing employment with us. This will be either a basic, standard or enhanced check depending on the job role and responsibilities.