At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Football Insights and Innovation function to enhance player development through data-driven insights.
- Company: Join Manchester City, a club with a rich history and a commitment to community and performance.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days of annual leave, private healthcare, and a range of lifestyle perks.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values growth, wellbeing, and high performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in football by translating data into actionable insights for player success.
- Qualifications: Experience in elite football performance, data analytics, and leading cross-functional teams.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Based in Manchester, this full‑time role offers the opportunity to lead a new Football Insights and Innovation function within the Manchester City Academy. You will shape how football data, research and technology are translated into practical insight, helping coaches and practitioners make informed decisions that support player development and long‑term performance across the Academy.
Manchester City is a football club rooted in East Manchester, with a story that began in 1880 and continues to grow today. Built on resilience, belief and togetherness, success on the pitch is driven by the moments and memories shared with millions of Fans around the world. City is known for its bravery, its determination to the very end and its strong connection to where we come from. With Mancunian roots and a global outlook, we are shaped by our Fans and driven by a long‑term vision, from developing future talent to supporting the communities we call home. Together, we are creating the next chapter, the City way.
As Head of Football Performance Insights, you will lead the design and delivery of a dedicated function that embeds football data, structured problem solving and targeted research into day‑to‑day Academy practice. The role will help answer key performance questions, strengthen team and player profiling, and ensure insight is applied in ways that support holistic, longitudinal player development.
You will develop and implement the Academy Football Insights and Innovation strategy, lead an applied data science service, and oversee a clear approach to research, innovation and performance technology evaluation. Working with colleagues who provide data engineering, central infrastructure and technical platform support, you will focus on translating insight into action within the Academy environment.
As a senior leader within the Academy Football Performance structure, you will build and develop the Football Insights and Innovation team, lead cross‑functional performance projects, and contribute to the Academy Performance Management Team. Your work will help create a collaborative, progressive and high‑performance culture where intelligent data use supports better decisions for players, teams and practitioners.
What You’ll Bring
- Experience leading a department or service that delivers performance impact within elite football or high‑performance sport.
- Experience embedding data, football insight and innovation into operational practice across multidisciplinary environments.
- Advanced understanding of football and performance analytics, including technical‑tactical and physical performance support domains.
- Ability to translate football, performance and player profiling data into clear, actionable insight for coaches and practitioners.
- Experience designing services, managing people and leading cross‑functional projects in complex or matrix environments.
- Collaborative communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and constructively influence senior 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.
As part of our team, you will receive 26 days’ annual leave plus a day off for your birthday, private healthcare and dental cover, and an annual discretionary bonus. You will also have access to a Health Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP support, and a company pension and life assurance.
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Football Performance Insights – Academy in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Football Performance Insights – Academy in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Comunidadlift aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Comunidadlift
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Comunidadlift, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
